Disney Just Axed Beloved Characters From Hollywood Studios Dining

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For many families, character dining is one of the most magical ways to experience Walt Disney World. It’s a chance to step into the air conditioning, enjoy a meal, and meet beloved characters without waiting in long lines. At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Hollywood & Vine has long been one of the most popular spots to do just that. But now, this dining location is about to see some major changes—and the impact goes beyond breakfast.Credit: DisneyA New Look for Hollywood & VineHollywood & Vine, located by Echo Lake, has always been known for its rotating seasonal themes. Lunch and dinner already feature Minnie, Mickey, Goofy, and Pluto, with different décor and costumes throughout the year to match holidays and celebrations. Starting October 12, 2025, the restaurant will extend this idea into breakfast. Guests will soon be able to start their day with Minnie’s Seasonal Dining, which means Minnie and her pals will greet diners bright and early.On paper, this sounds exciting—who wouldn’t want to kick off their morning with Disney’s classic characters dressed for the season? But the shift comes at a cost.Disney Junior Characters Are LeavingFor years, breakfast at Hollywood & Vine was home to Disney Junior Play ‘n Dine, where kids could interact with favorites like Vampirina, Doc McStuffins, Fancy Nancy, and others. That offering will officially come to an end on October 11, 2025. With the change, the familiar Disney Junior pals won’t be part of the dining rotation anymore.Credit: DisneyThis move aligns with a bigger transition happening across Hollywood Studios. Just two weeks before the dining change, the Disney Junior Play and Dance! show at Animation Courtyard will close permanently on September 25, 2025. That show gave families a rare opportunity: an air-conditioned indoor space where children could sing, dance, and play alongside their favorite TV characters. For parents, it was a lifesaver—a flexible, kid-friendly break in a park that can feel overwhelming for younger guests.What’s Coming in Its PlaceThe closure of Disney Junior Play and Dance! is tied to an upcoming project: The Magic of Disney Animation. This reimagined area is set to open in 2026 with new interactive zones, drawing activities, and play areas themed to animated classics. While it sounds impressive and full of potential, the transition leaves a noticeable gap for families who valued the simplicity and accessibility of the Disney Junior experiences.Credit: DisneyWithout the breakfast dining or the dance party, opportunities for little ones to connect with Disney Junior characters are shrinking. For many families with toddlers and preschoolers, this feels like a loss, since those characters were often a child’s first “must-see” at the parks.Balancing Excitement and DisappointmentThere’s no doubt Minnie’s Seasonal Dining will be a hit with guests who want the classic character lineup across all meals. Still, families with younger children may be left wondering if Disney is overlooking an important audience. Hollywood Studios has long been heavy on thrill rides, and offerings like Disney Junior Play ‘n Dine and Play and Dance! filled a unique need.Credit: DisneyFor now, the big question is whether Disney will introduce other ways for fans to meet their favorite Disney Junior pals elsewhere in the park—or if this is truly the end of that era.The post Disney Just Axed Beloved Characters From Hollywood Studios Dining appeared first on Inside the Magic.