After 37 Years of Magic, Disney World Removes Icon from Hollywood Studios Location

Wait 5 sec.

For nearly four decades, one of Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ most recognizable dining spots has welcomed guests looking to relax with a drink, enjoy a meal outdoors, or simply soak in the park’s old Hollywood atmosphere.Now, that familiar sight has temporarily disappeared.The Hollywood Brown Derby’s iconic outdoor patio has been removed from its longtime location as Walt Disney World continues work on an exterior refurbishment of the restaurant. While the change may catch returning guests off guard, Disney isn’t eliminating the patio permanently. Instead, it’s simply been relocated until construction wraps up.Credit: Brittany DiCologero, ITMA Temporary Move for a Hollywood Studios FavoriteThe Hollywood Brown Derby has been part of Disney’s Hollywood Studios since the park opened in 1989, making it one of the original dining locations that helped establish the park’s classic Hollywood identity.Its outdoor patio has become just as recognizable as the restaurant itself. Whether guests stopped by for the famous Cobb Salad, a grapefruit cake, or cocktails from The Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge, the shaded seating area offered one of the park’s most relaxing places to take a break.That patio, however, is no longer sitting in front of the restaurant.As exterior refurbishment continues, Disney has closed the original patio space and installed rolling hedge planters around the restaurant entrance while work takes place.The Patio Hasn’t DisappearedThankfully, guests won’t have to skip the outdoor experience entirely.Disney has temporarily moved the patio to the side of the building, using the former Starring Rolls Bakery location. Guests will still find the walk-up bar operating there along with shaded tables beneath the familiar red umbrellas.For many visitors, that means the experience remains largely the same even if the setting feels a little different.The move allows Disney to continue serving guests while construction crews focus on restoring the restaurant’s exterior.The Restaurant Remains OpenAnyone with upcoming dining reservations doesn’t need to worry.The Hollywood Brown Derby continues operating as normal for both lunch and dinner. The refurbishment only affects the outdoor patio area, while the main dining room inside remains open throughout the project.That’s good news for guests hoping to enjoy one of Disney’s signature table-service restaurants without having to change their vacation plans.Credit: DisneyGuests Will Have to Wait for Its ReturnAlthough the patio has been removed from the spot where guests have known it for decades, this isn’t a permanent change.Once Disney completes the exterior refurbishment, the patio will return to its longtime home outside The Hollywood Brown Derby.At the moment, however, Disney has not announced when the project will finish or when guests can once again enjoy the patio in its original location.For now, it’s simply a temporary detour for one of Hollywood Studios’ most familiar landmarks. After nearly 37 years as part of the park’s streetscape, seeing the patio missing from its usual location may feel unusual, but guests can take comfort knowing this piece of Disney’s Hollywood Studios isn’t going away. It’s simply waiting to return to its permanent home once construction comes to an end.Other Projects Taking Place at Hollywood StudiosThe Hollywood Brown Derby refurbishment is just one of several noticeable changes taking place around Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Earlier this year, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets officially opened in May, giving the park a reimagined version of one of its signature thrill rides.Meanwhile, construction continues on the future Monsters, Inc. Land in the former Muppet*Vision 3-D area, with the new land expected to open around 2028 or 2029. There are hopes that it could potentially open earlier, but right now, we’d expect that to be the timeline.Guests can also look forward to another major addition later this year when The Magic of Disney Animation opens on September 14, 2026, inside the reimagined Walt Disney Studios area. The new area will feature several special character interactions and experiences. The attraction will feature four separate areas — Olaf Draws, Off the Page!, Drawn to Wonderland, and Disney Once Upon a Studio Theater — which will all have fun and different experiences for guests to explore.Here’s how Disney describes the Off the Page section:“Pan over to a stunning area where you can meet some of your favorite Disney animated friends. At Off the Page!, you will step into different spaces—each highlighting a specific part of the animation process and offering incredible photo opportunities with a popular Disney Character.”The Drawn to Wonderland area will be an indoor playground, which will be a nice addition for families in Hollywood Studios.While visitors are waiting for that attraction, they can already explore the newly reopened courtyard and experience Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!, which is now welcoming guests.What do you think of the construction work taking place at Disney’s Hollywood Studios? Let us know in the comments!The post After 37 Years of Magic, Disney World Removes Icon from Hollywood Studios Location appeared first on Inside the Magic.