New Walt Disney Studios Billboard Added to Animation Courtyard at Hollywood Studios

Walt Disney Studios Billboard Near Completion as Animation Courtyard Transformation Continues

There is a little bit of old-school Hollywood magic quietly reappearing at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and it is straight out of Disney’s earliest days. As Animation Courtyard continues its reimagining, crews are putting the finishing touches on a retro-inspired Walt Disney Studios billboard that feels like it time-traveled from the golden age of animation.

Related: Construction Walls Move to Reveal a Better View of the Sorcerer Mickey Hat at Hollywood Studios

The new billboard is being painted directly onto the side of the theater that houses “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure,” which is expected to be renamed the Studio Theater as part of the update. A large white rectangle now serves as the canvas, replacing the former “Voyage of the Little Mermaid” signage that once lived on the same wall.

Zoom in just a bit, and the details start to tell a story. The words “Walt Disney” and “Silly Symphony” have now been added, bringing the design closer to completion. The final missing piece is an image of Mickey Mouse, which will complete the nostalgic tribute to the original Walt Disney Studios billboard from the Hyperion Studio era, dating back to 1926 through 1940.

Elsewhere in the courtyard, the transformation is picking up color and momentum. Over at the building that will house The Magic of Disney Animation, the bold red stripes along the exterior now appear to be finished or very close to it. These vibrant accents, along with the newly added design elements, are helping reshape the area into something that blends classic Disney animation history with a refreshed, modern look.

Related: Your Guide to Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

This reimagined space will soon become the Walt Disney Studios Courtyard, bringing with it expanded green spaces, updated walkways, and even pavement featuring character autographs and handprints. It is shaping up to feel like a living tribute to Disney animation, where the past and present share the same stage.

There is more on the way, too. Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! is set to open May 26, while The Magic of Disney Animation will debut at a later date. Inside, guests can expect character meet-and-greets, an Olaf-led drawing experience, and a whimsical Alice in Wonderland playground.

Meanwhile, “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” continues to perform as usual, even as the courtyard around it gets its cinematic glow-up.

Bit by bit, brushstroke by brushstroke, this corner of Hollywood Studios is transforming into a love letter to Disney’s animation roots, with a fresh coat of pixie dust to match.

For the BEST in Disney, Universal, Dollywood, and SeaWorld Theme Park News, Entertainment, Merchandise & More follow us on, Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube.

Let our friends at Get Away Today help you book your next Disney or Universal Vacation. They are the preferred Travel Agency of Chip and Company and Disney Addicts, and who we use ourselves.