Overview
- New animal statues — Bolt playing tug-of-war with two 101 Dalmatians puppies and Meeko holding a popcorn box — were placed in the Walt Disney Studios Lot courtyard in early September and spotted near the Sorcerer Mickey hat and the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live exit.
- The courtyard first opened to guests on May 20 while The Magic of Disney Animation stayed behind walls, allowing Imagineering to add figures gradually rather than in a single reveal.
- Disney has presented the growing lineup as an 'open house' conceit, positioning characters on railings, rooflines and signs so guests discover small visual jokes instead of seeing formal exhibits.
- A map released by Disney in late May confirms interior features for the not-yet-open attraction, including an Olaf-hosted Animation Academy and six new meet-and-greets, and the attraction is scheduled to open on September 14.
- Non-statue theming has also appeared in the space, including solar-powered branded trash and recycling cans and posters for upcoming Walt Disney Animation Studios releases, and more statues are likely to appear before the attraction opens, which further rewards slow, close-up guest exploration.