"That Section Was a Bottleneck Nightmare." Disney Announces Plan to Solve a Major Crowd Problem

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is getting a much-needed upgrade!

The iconic arch!

There’s a ton of construction in progress right now at Disney’s Hollywood Studios as it builds the NEW Monsters, Inc.-themed land, as well as the Animation Courtyard transformation into The Walt Disney Studios Lot. The latter project has had a ton of tangible work already done, and some fans are really pleased by what they’re seeing.

A while ago — during one of our daily park visits — we noticed that the famous Hollywood Studios arch is GONE!

The arch is GONE!

The project apparently includes tearing down the GIANT Hollywood Studios arch at the courtyard’s entrance, and we had it feeling it would go since it’s missing in the concept art for the new area.

It’s quite shocking to see how empty the space looks since we’re so used to seeing that big arch, but it’s exciting to know that real progress is being made and that the new land/area should be accessible to guests in 2026.

©Disney

We posted about this on Instagram, and @schmutzonya commented, “Very good move. That section was a bottleneck nightmare. This will allow for much better traffic flow.”

While change can be difficult to swallow, it’s important to remember that it can lead to a ton of benefits. In this case, guests should be able to get in and out of the area more easily than before.

Hollywood Studios Arch

However, tons of other fans lament the change, like @blake_koala, who wrote, “I’m very excited for the new courtyard, but it is crazy that Hollywood Studios is just very much a different park now from its original version and I’ll always miss 😢”.

“Dang, nothing left of MGM Studio 🥺,” added @meanwhile76.

Lots of other commenters shared that sentiment, saying things like the change “hurts” their heart, or that the removal of the arc is the removal of history. However, @momminwiththemouse took a simpler stance, writing, “As long as my favorite bar cart behind the popcorn stand is still there …😂”

Popcorn

Opening in 2026, the updated space will feature “The Magic of Disney Animation”, a building themed after the official Disney Animation building in Burbank, California, where you can watch a short film, interact with animated portraits, and even learn to draw beloved Disney characters.

We’ll even be getting the return of a smaller Sorcerer Mickey hat in Hollywood Studios!

The reimagined courtyard will also feature a new Alice in Wonderland-themed playground, as well as a brand-new Disney Junior show that’ll replace the one that closed. When Animation Courtyard closed in September, we said goodbye to Star Wars: Launch Bay, as well.

©Disney

How are YOU feeling about this massive change? Will you miss the arch, or are you excited for the next chapter? Let us know and continue to follow us here at DFB for all the latest Disney World updates!

Learn more about The Magic of Disney Animation HERE!

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How are you feeling about Animation Courtyard’s transformation? Let us know in the comments!