The iconic arch that used to stand at the entrance to Animation Courtyard has been completely demolished at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, seemingly overnight.
Animation Courtyard Transformation
Most of Animation Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios closed to guests on September 24, including Star Wars Launch Bay and the Disney Jr. theater. The area is being reimagined as a new space themed to the Walt Disney Studios, with the former Launch Bay building set to become a new version of The Magic of Disney Animation, the opening day attraction that Star Wars: Launch Bay replaced. Check out our last look at Animation Courtyard and Star Wars: Launch Bay.
As revealed in concept art for the new area, the arch that used to stand by the entrance of the courtyard would be demolished. The entrance is going to be more open, with a wider walkway and a view of the more natural park space.
Arch Demolished in Animation Courtyard
As of the morning of October 18, the arch has been completely removed overnight at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
None of the arch is visible above the nearby construction walls, and guests now have a clear view of the remaining Star Wars Launch Bay building.
There are still some construction vehicles parked nearby in the area, though the rest of the courtyard appears unchanged so far. The theater that houses The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure is set to remain during the transformation, and is still open to guests on the other side of the walls.
For comparison, the above image of the arch was taken just yesterday, October 17. There was a small section of the arch on the left side that was torn apart, but the rest of the structure was still standing as of the afternoon. The rest of the arch was demolished overnight.
The image seen above, taken prior to the closure of Animation Courtyard, shows the arch in its full form, complete with the Disney’s Hollywood Studios logo. It framed the walkway leading into Animation Courtyard, with a larger space in the middle and smaller arches on either side.
@wdwnt That was so fast 🤯 The arch was there last night… now it’s completely gone! Are you excited for what’s next at Animation Courtyard? 🏗️✨ Let’s us know in the comments 📝 #wdw #disneyparks #hollywoodstudios ♬ Wrecking Ball – Miley Cyrus
Animation Courtyard Demolition
Elsewhere in Animation Courtyard, demolition work continues near the former Disney Jr. theater. The building itself is also going to remain, though a new show will debut in place of the old Disney Jr. Play and Dance! show. On this side, we can see practically all of the awning on this side of the exterior now missing.
Thanks to aerial photographer bioreconstruct on X, we also have a look at Animation Courtyard from the sky. From these pictures, we can see that there are several dumpsters full of rubble placed in the middle of the courtyard, with lifts and equipment sitting nearby.
Zooming in closer to where the arch actually stood, everything down to the base has been completely demolished. The only remaining evidence of the former arch are two small ledges on the concrete, which show where the largest supports used to be.
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