Theme Park Report
Cast Member previews have begun for The Magic of Disney Animation at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, according to an observation reported by BlogMickey on September 4. The previews are taking place inside the reimagined Walt Disney Studios Lot courtyard, where construction walls have been removed.
The specific Cast Members eligible to participate have not been confirmed. BlogMickey said the preview could be limited to groups such as Hollywood Studios Cast Members or leadership, or could be open more broadly to Walt Disney World Cast Members. The length of the preview period is also unknown.
The Magic of Disney Animation is scheduled to officially open to guests on September 14. Disney has not announced whether a public soft opening will take place before that date, so any guest access ahead of the scheduled debut remains unconfirmed.
The attraction is part of the transformation of the former Animation Courtyard into the Walt Disney Studios Lot concept. Disney announced the replacement project in July 2025, and Animation Courtyard permanently closed on September 25, 2025, to begin the work.
The Walt Disney Studios Lot courtyard opened to guests on May 20, 2026, while The Magic of Disney Animation remained closed. Disney later announced the September 14 opening date in July 2026, along with first looks at Drawn to Wonderland, Off the Page, and Olaf Draws.
Additional finishing work continued through August, including the installation of an “Open House” banner at the entrance in late August and the placement of character statues around the sign. The Sorcerer Mickey hat was installed above the attraction’s entrance in April 2026.
The beginning of Cast Member previews is one of the latest steps before the scheduled opening, but the public operating details ahead of September 14 have not been confirmed.
