Rapunzel, Goofy, and More Characters Roam Animation Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Rapunzel, Goofy, and More Characters Roam Animation Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

May 25, 2026 discoverhiddenusacom Entertainment

The Animation Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is undergoing a significant transformation, evolving into a reimagined space that mirrors the iconic Walt Disney Studios lot in Burbank, California. While the upcoming “Off the Page!” attraction remains closed to the public, guests are already getting a preview of the characters slated to inhabit the space as they roam the courtyard.

A New Vision for Animation

The reimagined Magic of Disney Animation is drawing inspiration from the short film Once Upon A Studio, which celebrated the 100-year legacy of The Walt Disney Company. The concept places guests inside a studio environment where the animators have stepped away, allowing the characters to seemingly come to life.

A New Vision for Animation
More Characters Roam Animation Courtyard Once Upon

As part of this immersive narrative, each character meet-and-greet location within “Off the Page!” corresponds to a specific stage of the animation process. The current lineup includes Mulan representing Story, Rapunzel in Layout, Chip n’ Dale in Hand-Drawn Animation, Donald and Daisy in CG Animation, Goofy in Lighting, and Stitch in Effects.

Did You Know? The Magic of Disney Animation was an opening day attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, originally featuring the Back to Neverland documentary short starring Robin Williams and Walter Cronkite.

Expansion of the Courtyard Experience

Beyond the character encounters, the area is set to feature several new additions. These include “Olaf Draws!”, an Animation Academy experience utilizing an Olaf animatronic and pre-recorded segments, and the “Drawn to Wonderland” playground, which draws inspiration from Mary Blair’s original Alice in Wonderland concept art. A new Mickey Mouse Clubhouse stage show is also planned for the vicinity.

BRAND NEW Animation Courtyard Is Now Open! | Full Tour | Hollywood Studios Update 2026
Expert Insight: This shift toward an immersive, studio-lot aesthetic suggests a strategic move to lean into the company’s historical legacy. By moving away from live-animator instruction toward pre-recorded content and character-driven interactions, the park is likely aiming to maximize guest throughput and consistency in the visitor experience.

What Comes Next

With characters currently appearing throughout the Animation Courtyard, guests may continue to see these figures roaming the area as the final preparations for “Off the Page!” conclude. Because Rapunzel and Mulan currently alternate appearances, future scheduling will remain fluid as the attraction prepares for its official opening.

What Comes Next
Disney Animation Courtyard

As the park continues to integrate these new features, visitors can anticipate a more cohesive, themed environment that bridges the gap between the studio’s history and its modern character lineup. Further developments regarding the full operational status of the courtyard are expected to follow as the project matures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which characters are associated with the “Off the Page!” animation stages?
Mulan represents Story, Rapunzel is in Layout, Chip n’ Dale are in Hand-Drawn Animation, Donald and Daisy are in CG Animation, Goofy is in Lighting, and Stitch is in Effects.

What will the new Animation Academy experience involve?
The new experience, titled “Olaf Draws!”, will feature an Olaf animatronic and pre-recorded animator segments instead of a live animator.

What is the thematic inspiration for the new Animation Courtyard?
The area is being transformed into a version of the Walt Disney Studios lot, inspired by the real-life studio lot located in Burbank, California, and the short film Once Upon A Studio.

How do you feel about the transition toward more interactive character-led experiences in the park?

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