A new era is officially underway at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Following the permanent closure of Animation Courtyard on September 25, 2025, work has quietly begun behind construction walls to transform the long-dormant corner of the park into a completely reimagined area — The Walt Disney Studios Lot. But before the big bulldozers and blueprints roll in, a subtle yet telling update has already appeared: several of the courtyard’s buildings have been repainted, signaling the first visible step toward this highly anticipated redevelopment, per reports. Credit: DisneyA Courtyard No MoreFor decades, Animation Courtyard has been a nostalgic pocket of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Home to The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure, Disney Jr. Play and Dance!, and most recently Star Wars Launch Bay, the area has long represented the park’s original mission — to celebrate the art and craft of filmmaking and animation. But as new lands like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land brought massive changes to the park, Animation Courtyard began to feel frozen in time. Many fans described it as having “dead mall vibes,” with its empty walkways and aging facades standing in sharp contrast to the rest of the park’s revitalized energy.That’s all changing now. Walt Disney World announced earlier this fall that the area will be completely transformed into The Walt Disney Studios Lot, a new land inspired by the real-life Burbank studio campus where Disney Animation magic has been created for nearly a century. The transformation will bring new life, new attractions, and — as we’re now seeing — new color to this long-overlooked section of Hollywood Studios.New Paint for a New PurposeThe first visible signs of change began in October, just weeks after Animation Courtyard’s closure. Guests walking near the area noticed that two of the most recognizable buildings — the Disney Jr. Play and Dance! theater and The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure show building — have received a brand-new paint scheme.Previously, both structures featured bright blue lower facades, a color palette that dated back to the mid-2000s. Now, the lower half of the Disney Jr. building has been repainted in a warm tan and pale yellow, blending seamlessly with the rest of the structure’s cream tones. The change may seem subtle, but the impact is striking: the building now looks far more cohesive and polished, matching the aesthetic of early Disney studio architecture — exactly the direction Imagineering is headed for the area’s future.The Little Mermaid show building has also been updated. The side facing into the courtyard — once a bold blue — now sports the same tan/pale yellow finish. Interestingly, the side that faces the main park hub remains its original blue, creating a curious visual contrast that likely indicates the repainting is happening in phases. It’s a safe bet the rest of the building will receive the same treatment as work progresses behind construction walls.It’s not uncommon for Disney to begin with smaller surface-level updates ahead of a major transformation. Fresh paint helps unify the look of the area and gives guests (and construction crews) a hint of what’s to come. In this case, the new color scheme evokes the warm, sunny tones of the real Walt Disney Studios campus in Burbank — beige plaster walls, terracotta accents, and that classic mid-century Southern California vibe.Saying Goodbye to Launch Bay — and Hello to Roy E. DisneyCredit: Brittany DiCologero, Inside the MagicWhile the paint may be the most visible update for now, the biggest transformation is still ahead. The former Star Wars Launch Bay building will be completely reimagined into the Roy E. Disney Animation Building, which will house an all-new family attraction: The Magic of Disney Animation.Longtime fans will recognize that name — it’s a revival of the beloved opening-day experience that originally introduced guests to the art of animation through an inspiring mix of film, interactivity, and real working studios. While the Florida animation studio closed back in 2003, its legacy is about to live again. This modern take on The Magic of Disney Animation is inspired by the award-winning short Once Upon a Studio, with characters literally “coming to life” inside the building while animators are away.The new experience promises interactive moments, character encounters, and creative play zones, including the whimsical “Drawn to Wonderland” indoor playground inspired by Alice in Wonderland concept art by Disney Legend Mary Blair. For fans who miss the educational, behind-the-scenes magic that used to define Disney-MGM Studios, this revival feels like a homecoming.A Studio Lot in FloridaBeyond the attraction itself, the entire former Animation Courtyard will be reimagined to resemble The Walt Disney Studios Lot in Burbank. Expect new façades styled after soundstages and studio offices, lush landscaping, and casual outdoor areas for families to relax. Even The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure will remain in the area, continuing performances inside a refreshed version of the existing theater, now rebranded as part of the “Florida Studio Theater.”Meanwhile, a brand-new Disney Jr. show is in development for the soundstage building, giving the youngest guests something special to enjoy. It’s a welcome change for families, as Hollywood Studios continues to balance its line-up of thrill rides and immersive lands with more family-friendly experiences.Disney Imagineers and Walt Disney Animation artists are reportedly collaborating closely on the project, ensuring that every inch of the new land reflects the heart and history of Disney’s animation legacy. From the Sorcerer Hat adorning the animation building’s rooftop to small character Easter eggs scattered throughout the courtyard, The Walt Disney Studios Lot aims to blend nostalgia and innovation in classic Disney fashion.A Sign of Things to ComeWhile the current repainting may seem like a small step, it’s actually the first visible indicator that the reimagining of Animation Courtyard is truly underway. Repainting is often one of the earliest phases of any Disney transformation — a symbolic “fresh coat of magic” before the real construction begins. The new color palette not only ties into the upcoming studio theme but also breathes a bit of warmth and life into an area that has felt dormant for far too long.With The Magic of Disney Animation set to open in 2026, fans won’t have to wait long to see the results. And though larger expansions — like the rumored Monstropolis and potential Walt Disney Animation Studios Land — may still be years away, this project marks a meaningful turning point for Disney’s Hollywood Studios.For now, those new tan and yellow walls are more than just paint — they’re a promise. A promise that the spirit of Disney Animation, once central to the park’s identity, is finally stepping back into the spotlight.What do you think of the new look at Animation Courtyard? Do you love the direction of The Walt Disney Studios Lot, or will you miss the old Animation Courtyard charm? Share your thoughts below — and stay tuned for more updates as the magic continues to unfold at Disney’s Hollywood Studios!The post Defunct Disney Park Land Sees New Update, Extinction to Soon be Reversed appeared first on Inside the Magic.