The iconic arch that used to stand at the entrance to Animation Courtyard has been completely demolished at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, seemingly overnight.

Animation Courtyard TransformationAerial view of a themed plaza with trees, pathways, and large buildings, including one with a blue sorcerer’s hat.

Most of Animation Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios closed to guests on September 24, including Star Wars Launch Bay and the Disney Jr. theater. The area is being reimagined as a new space themed to the Walt Disney Studios, with the former Launch Bay building set to become a new version of The Magic of Disney Animation, the opening day attraction that Star Wars: Launch Bay replaced. Check out our last look at Animation Courtyard and Star Wars: Launch Bay.

As revealed in concept art for the new area, the arch that used to stand by the entrance of the courtyard would be demolished. The entrance is going to be more open, with a wider walkway and a view of the more natural park space.

Arch Demolished in Animation CourtyardConstruction walls surround The Little Mermaid ride in Animation Courtyard, no arch seen, under a blue sky at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

As of the morning of October 18, the arch has been completely removed overnight at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Construction walls in Animation Courtyard near "The Little Mermaid" sign; demolished arch, gray show building reminiscent of Disney parks.

None of the arch is visible above the nearby construction walls, and guests now have a clear view of the remaining Star Wars Launch Bay building.

Construction walls block The Little Mermaid entrance in Animation Courtyard, arch removed; no castle like Cinderella Castle visible.

There are still some construction vehicles parked nearby in the area, though the rest of the courtyard appears unchanged so far. The theater that houses The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure is set to remain during the transformation, and is still open to guests on the other side of the walls.

Partially demolished building at Animation Courtyard in a Disney park, with exposed walls and construction gear in view.

For comparison, the above image of the arch was taken just yesterday, October 17. There was a small section of the arch on the left side that was torn apart, but the rest of the structure was still standing as of the afternoon. The rest of the arch was demolished overnight.

The image seen above, taken prior to the closure of Animation Courtyard, shows the arch in its full form, complete with the Disney’s Hollywood Studios logo. It framed the walkway leading into Animation Courtyard, with a larger space in the middle and smaller arches on either side.

Animation Courtyard DemolitionConstruction zone with beige walls and a crane in Animation Courtyard by a Mickey Mouse sign, all beneath a clear blue sky at Disney.

Elsewhere in Animation Courtyard, demolition work continues near the former Disney Jr. theater. The building itself is also going to remain, though a new show will debut in place of the old Disney Jr. Play and Dance! show. On this side, we can see practically all of the awning on this side of the exterior now missing.

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Gretchen