The Animation Courtyard is a small land at the Hollywood Studios theme park at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. This area to the right of the Chinese Theater was restored to feature the animation theme and reopened in May of 2026. It is now designed to look like The Walt Disney Studios lot in Burbank, California where movies are made. There are plenty of things to do in Animation Courtyard and there will be more soon as the rest opens on September 14, 2026.
What’s in the Animation Courtyard at Hollywood Studios?
Here is everything in the Animation Courtyard:
- Disney characters roaming outdoors (limited time magic)
- Creative hand and footprints of different Disney characters
- Small statues of Disney characters
- The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure
- Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!
- In Character
- Walt Disney Presents exhibit with One Man’s Dream
- Studio Store (opening September 14, 2026)
- The Magic of Disney Animation building (opening September 14, 2026)
- Baby Care Center
- snack stand
Characters in Animation Courtyard
For most of the day, you’ll find characters freely roaming the area.
There are no official Animation Courtyard meet and greets. Characters wander around, interacting with visitors and the land, enjoying the park, taking photos and playing with little ones.
Characters sometimes stop for photos and autographs but not always so make sure expectations are set accordingly.
You may spot Rapunzel telling stories surrounded by children under a tree or Chip and Dale rolling an acorn into a basket.
Characters like to take around their “phone” and take pictures of everyone.
Sometimes the characters lead a stretch class.
You may see Stitch teaching everyone to surf.
Hide and seek is also a popular character game in the Animation Courtyard.
They are also featured in some street style shows like:
- a juggling act
- a jump rope show
- a four piece band
Tip: This is a great place to introduce your child to the idea of meeting characters if you feel they may be intimidated and don’t want to wait in line. Stakes are low and you can see them from a distance.
What characters are in the Animation Courtyard?
You may see the following Disney characters visiting or walking through on your visit this summer:
- Pluto
- Goofy
- Chip
- Dale
- Donald
- Mulan
- Rapunzel
- Stitch
- Pocahontas
- Moana
When do characters meet in this area at Hollywood Studios?
Times are available in the Disney World app.
Pluto is often in the courtyard early starting right around 9:00 a.m.
Other characters appear throughout the day with the most activity in the middle of the day.
The characters are not out visiting in the evenings or at night.
Tip: Three different theaters let out into this area continuously throughout the day. If the area seems particularly busy, maybe have a seat on a bench for a minute. Crowds typically disperse within a couple of minutes.
Character Handprints and Footprints in the Animation Courtyard
In front of the Animation building with the hat on it, you can find a series of Disney character signatures, handprints and footprints in the cement.
Hidden Character Statues in the Animation Courtyard
One of the cutest things about this area is that you can find little character statues hidden high and low. All are very lovable and quite photographable.
Here is the complete list of characters to find on your visit:
- Jiminy Cricket from Pinocchio
- Thumper from Bambi and Pua from Moana
- Diablo from Sleeping Beauty (Maleficent’s raven) with two of Cinderella’s blue birds
- Sir Hiss from Robin Hood and Fru Fru from Zootopia
- Zazu from The Lion King
- Lucifer from Cinderella
- Ray from The Princess and the Frog
- Jaq and Gus from Cinderella and Timothy Mouse from Dumbo
- Abu from Aladdin
- Mochi from Big Hero 6
- There are outside courtyard spaces behind construction walls for the building and there could be more characters to find when it opens September 14
The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure Show
Be part of Ariel’s world at this indoor stage show. The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure is a refreshed version of the long standing The Little Mermaid show at Hollywood Studios.
The 2025 updates bring in a Kiss The Girl song and scene. It still has classic songs like Part of Your World, Under the Sea and Poor Unfortunate Souls.
Expect a beautifully redone proscenium and updated technology that brings colorful enhancements to the stage.
Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! Show
Little ones are invited to dance and play with interactive elements, like bubbles and snow, while Mickey and the gang sing and dance on stage. The songs are upbeat and a hit with audiences of all ages.
Note: This indoor show has seating on the floor with just a few benches in the back.
What are the Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! show times?
Check the app for the most up to date information on your visit but show times for the summer of 2026 are:
10:15 a.m.
11:15 a.m.
12:15 p.m.
1:15 p.m.
3:05 p.m.
3:55 p.m.
4:45 p.m.
5:35 p.m.
What characters are in the Mickey Mouse show at Hollywood Studios?
These characters are featured in the updated Disney Jr. Mickey stage show that’s centered around the television show:
- Mickey Mouse
- Minnie Mouse
- Goofy
- Daisy Duck
- Pluto
- Sam (Mickey and Minnie’s helpful friend)
Donald Duck is not in the show but featured on video at the end.
In Character at Hollywood Studios
This is a small shop in between the entrance and exit of The Little Mermaid show. It mostly has Disney Princess toys, clothing and accessories.
Walt Disney Presents and One Man’s Dream
Walt Disney Presents is home to a few different experiences:
- a museum style walk through about Walt Disney’s life and Disney Parks and experiences with audio clips, historical visuals and more
- a short documentary about Walt Disney’s life and accomplishments called One Man’s Dream
- a character meet and greet which is currently Ariel from the 2023 live action The Little Mermaid film
Studio Store at Hollywood Studios
This shop is at the exit of The Magic of Disney Animation building and also expected to open September 14.
In the past, when this building had an animation focus, the shop here sold art, clothing and other collectible items.
Given the Studio Store theme, it would make sense to have merchandise featuring the studio’s logo, Mickey’s sorcerer’s hat and other animated film inspired collections.
The Magic of Disney Animation Building: What’s Inside
When the animation building opens later this summer, we can step inside the studio where animators have stepped away and characters have come to life. Inside, the building is also inspired by the real Disney Animation headquarters.
We can expect:
- Drawn to Wonderland – An Alice in Wonderland themed play area for children from 6 months to 5 years old
- Once Upon a Studio Theater – It shows the short film inspired by the company’s 100th anniversary
- Galleries
- Off the Page! – Character meet and greet spaces themed to animation studio departments
- Olaf Draws! – An updated version of the Animation Academy Disney drawing class hosted by Olaf with instructional videos featuring actual animators
At Off the Page! you can meet these characters in spaces inspired by different animation departments:
- Mulan in Story
- Rapunzel in Layout
- Chip n’ Dale in Hand Drawn Animation
- Donald and Daisy in CG Animation
- Goofy in Lighting
- Stitch in Effects
Baby Care Center
You’ll find the Hollywood Studios Baby Care Center in the back left corner of the Animation Courtyard. There is one of these at each park. This air conditioned space is perfect for feeding, changing or nursing in privacy.
Note: A larger, adult-sized changing table can be found in First Aid at the front of the park.
Animation Courtyard Map & Location
Where is the Animation Courtyard? Enter the park and head toward Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway. You will see the entrance for Animation Courtyard on the right.
Is there anywhere to eat in Animation Courtyard?
There is a small snack stand at the entrance that sometimes has special collectible cups along with classic Disney snacks.
Fun fact: This is the only place at Hollywood Studios where you can get a chocolate covered banana!
The Hollywood Brown Derby is the closest restaurant, located just outside of this land.
Disney Animation Courtyard FAQs
Do they make movies at Hollywood Studios?
This park was once home to a working movie studio but stopped operating many years ago. Now this area of the park celebrates Disney animated feature films.
Which movies were animated at Hollywood Studios?
The following films were mostly or partially animated at Hollywood Studios in Disney World:
- Pocahontas (1995)
- Mulan (1998)
- Tarzan (1999)
- Lilo & Stitch (2002)
- Brother Bear (2003)
Is Animation Courtyard good for young children?
Yes, the two live shows, playground in The Magic of Disney Animation building and character experiences are all perfect for little ones.
Where are the bathrooms near Animation Courtyard?
There is a large bathroom across from the Baby Center. Make a left before you go under the hat and it’s on the right. It’s at the exit of the One Man’s Dream show.