Even on a drizzly Saturday night, the new Animation Courtyard at Disney's Hollywood Studios managed to impress. Following a soft opening on September 11 — three days ahead of its official debut — the outdoor space at The Magic of Disney Animation was fully illuminated for the first time, giving guests an early look at what the area feels like after dark.
Twinkling fairy lights woven through the trees guide visitors along the walkways toward the attraction's entrance, while warm golden lighting washes over the sidewalks and highlights oversized movie posters mounted on the surrounding buildings. Colored spotlights in blue, red, and pink are aimed at character statues near the entrance, playing into the "Open House" theming of the Animation Studios setting.
The iconic Sorcerer's Hat was also photographed both during and after rainfall, showing off how the area holds up in typical Florida summer weather. That said, the animal statues scattered throughout the courtyard were too dimly lit for nighttime photography, and no roaming character encounters were observed during the evening visit. Those character meet-and-greets — which can include some rare appearances — are a daytime feature of the space.
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The Magic of Disney Animation is scheduled to officially open at Disney's Hollywood Studios on September 14, 2026. WDW News Today was the source for this report.
