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Visitors at Disney World were surprised on Thursday morning upon arriving at Hollywood Studios to find that half of the theme park was unexpectedly closed, with no prior notice provided.
Numerous Disney bloggers reported on the situation, noting that a significant portion of the popular amusement park was suddenly off-limits to guests for several hours, with no explanation given.
The Echo Lake area and Grand Avenue were amongst the areas that were suddenly shuttered.
This led to the shutdown of multiple attractions, such as Star Tours and Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, and resulted in the cancellation of the morning performances of the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular show.
‘Cast Members lined Hollywood Boulevard, preventing guest access to the above-mentioned areas,’ wrote Blog Mickey.
The closure also meant that a ‘direct walking path’ to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge was unusable, requiring visitors to reach the area through the Toy Story Land entrance.
‘It’s unknown what has caused the closure, but there doesn’t appear to be any immediate safety concerns,’ the site added.
‘Off-duty Cast Members are observed passing through restricted areas. Cast Members mentioned they were unsure when the affected part of Hollywood Studios would reopen, expressing hope that it would be “soon.”‘
An image shows Disney World guests taken aback after finding half of Hollywood Studios closed unexpectedly, with the park depicted on a separate occasion.
This resulted in multiple ride closures, including Star Tours and Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway (seen on a different date)
‘Cast Members lined Hollywood Boulevard, preventing guest access to the above-mentioned areas,’ wrote Blog Mickey. Cast members are seen blocking the path in the left of the photo
In an update, Blog Mickey said they saw crews ‘pressure washing’ the ground in the closed off area, adding, ‘It is assumed, but unconfirmed, that whatever they’re cleaning is related to the closure.’
At 10.30am, two hours after the park started letting guests in, the site confirmed that the areas had finally ‘reopened.’
They theorized that ‘an extensive spill of some sort near Oasis Canteen/Celebrity Spotlight’ had caused the mishap.
Daily Mail has reached out to Disney World for comment.
Hollywood Studios is in the midst of undergoing some major changes at the moment.
A new Monsters Inc.-themed land is currently being built where the former Muppets Courtyard was.
It’s set to have a suspended rollercoaster that will put riders ‘right in the middle of the monster action.’
In addition, Disney recently announced that it will be replacing the Star Wars: Launch Bay with a new experience called The Magic of Disney Animation.
This also meant that a ‘direct walking path’ to Star Wars : Galaxy’s Edge (seen on a different date) was not available, forcing all guests to access the area via the Toy Story Land entrance
The Echo Lake area and Grand Avenue were amongst the areas that were suddenly shuttered. Disney cast members are seen blocking the area off
In an update, Blog Mickey said they saw crews ‘pressure washing’ the ground in the closed off area (seen)
In a press release, Disney described it as ‘a place where kids and kids at heart can laugh, draw, dream, and explore animated new experiences’ and vowed that it will ‘bring the wonder of animation to life like never before.’
‘Our story in this newly reimagined space begins as the animators have temporarily stepped away… but the building is still buzzing with activity as the characters have come to life and they’re ready to play,’ reads a description.
‘Inside, you will interact with and explore silly takes on the iconic Disney Animation headquarters, including the many different studio departments.
‘Only this time, some of our favorite pals have taken over to create the fun adventures.’
There will be ‘playful and interactive moments around every corner’ and portraits will ‘come to life before your eyes.’
‘You’ll even pencil in some time to learn how to draw your very own character sketch,’ Disney added.
Hollywood Studios is in the midst of undergoing some major changes at the moment. A new Monsters Inc.-themed land, the concept seen here, is currently being built
In addition, Disney recently announced that it will be replacing the Star Wars : Launch Bay with a new experience called The Magic of Disney Animation. A mockup for the building is seen
The ‘entire courtyard’ surrounding the building is set to be ‘reimagined’ to look like the real Walt Disney Studios, ‘taking inspiration from several buildings found in Burbank’
Younger guests will be able to play in the ‘Drawn to Wonderland’ playground that will be ‘filled with an oversized flower garden with musical instruments, a Mad Tea Party playset and a Tulgey Wood exploration area, all inspired by the original Alice in Wonderland concept art.’
In addition to the ‘whimsical indoor play area’ there will be tons of chances to meet characters, Disney promised.
The ‘entire courtyard’ surrounding the building is set to be ‘reimagined’ to look like the real Walt Disney Studios, ‘taking inspiration from several buildings found in Burbank.’
It will open in 2026. To make way for it, Animation Courtyard, Star Wars: Launch Bay, and Disney Jr. Play and Dance! will close beginning September 25, 2025.
The new The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure show will stay open during this time, and over at the soundstage nearby expect a ‘fresh’ Disney Jr. show.
