Sorcerer Mickey Hat and Vintage Disney Details Bring New Life to Animation Courtyard

Written by Joshua Posted May 9th, 2026

Three photographers. One article. Today’s Hollywood Studios construction update is all about The Walt Disney Studios, the reimagined courtyard replacing Animation Courtyard. Huge thanks to Tyler and Bioreconstruct for the photos that helped piece together what’s happening on the project.

Just like the quick progress at Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets, crews are moving fast next door. While I was in Orlando last week, I managed to grab some close-up shots of the Sorcerer Mickey hat recently installed atop The Magic of Disney Animation. Crews shifted the construction walls back during my visit, allowing me some tight shots on that very pointy hat.

The Sorcerer Mickey hat still needs its finishing details, like the ANIMATION sign and metal fascia

The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure sign in front of the Sorcerer Mickey hat in Hollywood Studios

The pointy Mickey Sorcerer hat in Hollywood Studios

A tight shot of the Mickey Sorcerer hat shows a slightly misaligned finish — A close-up of the Sorcerer Mickey hat reveals LED lights, confirming the new icon will illuminate at night

Since then, even more details have shown up. Crews installed the Streamline Moderne-inspired “ANIMATION” lettering that now floats in front of Mickey’s hat and have begun wrapping the portico in polished metal fascia. Tyler caught that work happening in real time this morning.

A chrome "ANIMATION" sign in front of the Sorcerer Mickey hat in Hollywood Studios — Photo courtesy of Tyler

Crew member installing finishing details on the entrance to The Magic of Disney Animation — Photo courtesy of Tyler

While Tyler walked the park this morning, Bioreconstruct was in the air, sharing a perspective only he can provide.

The Sorcerer Mickey hat from above — Photo courtesy of Bioreconstruct

The Magic of Disney Animation entrance, complete with a Sorcerer Mickey hat — Photo courtesy of Bioreconstruct

Bio also captured the courtyard’s new entrance planter sign. The typeface on that Art Deco planter has similar vibes to the Animation sign on the building.

An Art Deco sign that will eventually welcome guests to The Walt Disney Studios in Hollywood Studios — Photo courtesy of Bioreconstruct

Billboards removed

Both Tyler and Bio also noticed that the old Animation Courtyard billboards have now been removed from the surrounding buildings. That includes the Disney Jr. soundstage, now renamed Stage 1, and the Studio Theater, home to “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure.” New artwork will likely arrive soon.

Missing billboards in The Walt Disney Studios courtyard — Photo courtesy of Tyler

Missing billboards behind the Studio Theater sign in Hollywood Studios — Photo courtesy of Tyler

Missing billboards in Hollywood Studios' Animation Courtyard — Photo courtesy of Bioreconstruct

We expect Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! signage to eventually grace Stage 1, while the Studio Theater’s replacement remains a mystery. The removed billboards featured Phineas and Ferb and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+.

Walt Disney Studios billboard completed

Speaking of billboards, let’s talk about the fantastic throwback artwork now hanging on the Studio Theater.

The Walt Disney Studios billboard above the Studio Theater sign in Hollywood Studios — Photo courtesy of Tyler

Joe from Soul statue and The Walt Disney Studios billboard — Photo courtesy of Tyler

The Sorcerer Mickey hat and the soon-to-be Walt Disney Studios as seen from the air — Photo courtesy of Bioreconstruct

The design is a replica of the billboard once displayed at Disney’s Hyperion Studio in Los Angeles, the studio where Disney animators worked from 1926 to 1940. It also happens to be the birthplace of Mickey Mouse.