Disney’s Hollywood Studios has always been a canvas for reinvention—where movie magic evolves with the times. Nowhere is that more evident than in Animation Courtyard, where a tribute to Walt Disney Animation gave way to an intergalactic walkthrough—and is now returning to its creative roots.
Unveiled at D23 Expo on August 15, 2015, as part of the “Season of the Force” initiative, Star Wars Launch Bay officially opened on December 4, 2015. It offered:
- A self-guided walkthrough of props, costumes, and concept art
- Character meet-and-greets with Chewbacca, Darth Vader, and BB-8
- The Launch Bay Theater, showing behind-the-scenes documentaries
- Launch Bay Cargo, a themed retail shop with collectibles and apparel
🎥 Exhibit Highlights & Seasonal Updates
- Special overlays tied to premieres like Rogue One and Solo
- Rotating concept art galleries during Comic-Con and Star Wars Celebration
- Outdoor queue enhancements for high-crowd periods
- Exclusive Disney Visa meet-and-greets with Darth Vader
On March 13, 2020, Launch Bay closed with the rest of Walt Disney World due to COVID-19. It briefly reopened as a Relaxation Station, allowing guests to remove masks in a socially distanced setting while still enjoying props and art.
On July 17, 2022, Launch Bay reopened for character meet-and-greets and shopping, though the theater and many exhibits remained dormant.
On July 22, 2025, Disney announced that Star Wars Launch Bay would permanently close on September 24, 2025, alongside Disney Jr. Play and Dance! and the wider Animation Courtyard. The area will be transformed into The Walt Disney Studios Lot, a new land modeled after the historic Burbank campus, featuring a refreshed version of The Magic of Disney Animation.
🎈 Fun Facts & Hidden Details
- The Sorcerer’s Hat, once the park’s icon, stood just outside this building until its removal in 2015
- The BB-8 meet-and-greet used a custom-built animatronic platform with subtle head tilts and sound cues
- The Launch Bay Theater featured rotating shorts tied to The Force Awakens, The Mandalorian, and more
- The queue featured outdoor art panels with concept sketches and lore
