Disney Confirms Major Reversal at Hollywood Studios

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It’s always the little things that help make Disney World feel magical—the nostalgic music, the themed treats, the cast member smiles, and yes, even the oversized neon characters perched above the walkways. For regulars at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, one of those familiar touches had quietly gone missing. But now, after several months without him, a beloved character has officially returned to his rightful place, and Disney fans couldn’t be happier.Credit: Ed Aguila, Inside the MagicYes, Pluto is back.No, not just in the meet-and-greets or the merchandise displays. We’re talking about the large neon Pluto figure that wagged his tail from above Hollywood Boulevard. The same Pluto that’s greeted thousands of guests as they strolled past the vintage storefronts toward Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway. That version of Pluto vanished back in October 2024—and now, after much speculation, he’s been restored.A Familiar Face DisappearsIf you visited Hollywood Studios in the fall or winter, you may have noticed something felt off, even if you couldn’t quite put your finger on it. In the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, many guests didn’t realize the cheerful neon Pluto had been removed from the rooftops.Credit: Inside The MagicHis absence was tied to Hurricane Milton, which threatened Florida late last year. As part of storm preparation, Disney took the extra step of removing several rooftop figures, including Pluto, to avoid wind damage. But while other refurbishments and temporary removals quickly resolved themselves, Pluto stayed gone—week after week, month after month. Speculation grew that perhaps he wasn’t returning.Fans questioned whether it was a behind-the-scenes refurbishment, or something more permanent. Would Disney quietly replace him with a different design? Was it a budget cut? Was his removal actually tied to structural concerns?Disney Reverses CourseOn June 21, 2025, Disney quietly reinstalled the classic neon Pluto back above Hollywood Boulevard. And just like that, a piece of Hollywood Studios magic was restored. The tail is wagging again, the lights are back on, and Pluto is once again presiding over one of the park’s most photographed areas.Credit: Jamie Sylvester, Inside the MagicWhile there was no formal announcement or press release, the return of this larger-than-life pup didn’t go unnoticed. Guests spotted him almost immediately, snapping photos and sharing their excitement online. In a park that’s increasingly filled with IP-heavy lands like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land, the return of something as classically Disney as Pluto—especially in his iconic neon style—felt like a warm embrace from the past.Cool Kid Summer Keeps Getting CoolerThis summer already has plenty of reasons to visit Hollywood Studios, thanks to the new “Cool Kid Summer” festivities. From character encounters and street performers to games and interactive crafts in Animation Courtyard, there’s a playful energy in the park that’s been ramped up to match the season. And now, with Pluto back, that feeling is even more complete.Credit: DisneyTwo brand-new shows are adding to the draw this summer: Disney Villains Unfairly Ever After and The Little Mermaid—A Musical Adventure. Both are giving guests a reason to spend more time at the park—and with the reappearance of Pluto, Hollywood Studios seems to be leaning even harder into that classic charm that sets it apart.Why This MattersAt first glance, Pluto’s rooftop return might seem like a small thing. But it’s part of a larger pattern that Disney fans have become highly tuned in to. Over the past few years, Disney has made numerous changes—some welcomed, some controversial—and the way those changes impact the “feel” of the parks can be surprising.Whether it’s ride closures, entertainment cutbacks, or unexpected design overhauls, Disney’s choices about what stays and what goes matter deeply to longtime fans. In this case, Pluto’s return sends a clear message: Disney is listening. It’s a sign that the company hasn’t forgotten what makes the parks special—and sometimes, that means putting a beloved neon dog back on a roof.What Comes Next?It’s unclear whether Pluto’s removal led to any internal discussion about whether he should return at all. Perhaps he was always slated to come back and just needed some restoration work. But regardless of the behind-the-scenes reasoning, Disney’s decision to restore him—and do so right as summer crowds pick up—feels intentional.Guests often talk about “missing magic” when certain traditions or visuals disappear from the parks. And even though no one buys a park ticket just to see a rooftop decoration, the collective experience of all these magical details adds up.Credit: DisneyPluto’s return is a reminder that even the smallest pieces of the Disney experience can make a big impact.And in a time where fans are more vocal than ever about what they want (and don’t want) from the parks, these kinds of reversals are encouraging. Not everything has to be new. Not everything has to be IP-based. Sometimes, bringing back what worked before is exactly the right move.So, welcome back, Pluto. It’s good to see your tail wagging once again.Now let’s see who Disney might bring back next.The post Disney Confirms Major Reversal at Hollywood Studios appeared first on Inside the Magic.