A New Era for Disney’s Hollywood Studios
If you have a trip planned for Disney’s Hollywood Studios in the coming weeks, you might want to take a seat and grab your planning binder. The park is currently undergoing one of its most significant seasonal shifts in years. Between a total reimagining of a classic coaster, a major technical upgrade to a flagship Star Wars attraction, and the phased rollout of a brand-new land, your old strategies for ‘rope dropping’ this park are officially obsolete. These changes are designed to freshen up the guest experience, but they also bring new procedures you’ll need to master to make the most of your day.
The Muppets Take Over the Track
The biggest news involves the high-speed coaster at the end of Sunset Boulevard. The classic version of the attraction closed its doors on March 2nd, 2026, to make way for a bold new direction. Starting May 26th, 2026, guests can finally experience Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets. This isn’t just a simple name change; it’s a full-story overhaul featuring Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem.
The premise is classic Muppet chaos. You’ll enter G-Force Records as the band prepares for their biggest concert yet. Scooter is on hand trying to keep things on track, but you’ll be launched into the mayhem accompanied by a rock-inspired soundtrack from the band themselves. Keep an eye on the exterior before you walk in, as the area has been updated with a colorful guitar inspired by the Electric Mayhem’s iconic van. Because this is the newest headliner in the park, the procedure here is clear: you’ll want to prioritize this through Lightning Lane Multi Pass or make it your very first stop of the morning. Waiting until the afternoon is likely going to result in the longest lines in the park.
New Missions in Galaxy’s Edge
Over in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, a massive update is coming to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run starting May 22nd, 2026. While the ride has always been a fan favorite, the new storyline featuring Mando and Grogu changes the game. This update uses real-time visual rendering, meaning the mission feels more fluid and reactive than ever before.
The biggest shift for guests is the new ability to choose your destination. This choice introduces a layer of strategy that wasn’t there before. Interestingly, the ‘Engineer’ role, which was often considered the secondary job behind the ‘Pilot,’ is now the role everyone is talking about. Engineers now have a more direct influence on the mission’s outcome and interactive elements. If you’re riding with a group, you should probably decide who gets the jump seats before you even enter the cockpit to avoid any mid-mission debates. This attraction is no longer a ‘one-and-done’ experience; with multiple destinations now possible, it’s worth riding multiple times to see everything.
The Transformation of Animation Courtyard
The transformation of Animation Courtyard into the The Walt Disney Studios land is also hitting a major milestone. On May 26th, 2026, the Walt Disney Studios Outdoor Courtyard will officially open to the public. This marks the beginning of a phased rollout that will continue through the summer.
The centerpiece here is The Magic of Disney Animation, which has been reimagined as an interactive journey into the heart of the creative process. One of the standout new features is Olaf Draws, where a sophisticated Audio-Animatronics Olaf leads drawing classes. You’ll be working alongside actual Disney Animation artists, and the characters you learn to draw will rotate, giving you a reason to come back later in the week. Additionally, the ‘Off the Page’ concept will bring characters into various ‘departments’ of the studio, such as Mulan in the Story department or Goofy in Light, creating unique and dynamic character greetings.
New Strategies for Your Visit
With all these updates happening in the same week, your Hollywood Studios game plan needs to be flexible. Here are a few tips to stay ahead of the curve:
- Focus on the Dates: If you are visiting between May 22nd and May 26th, remember that the Star Wars updates will be live before the Muppet coaster and the new courtyard open. Plan your park days accordingly.
- The Engineer Advantage: Don’t sleep on the Engineer role on Smugglers Run. It’s been significantly enhanced, making it one of the most engaging ways to experience the new Mando and Grogu missions.
- Animation Classes: Since the characters in the drawing classes rotate, check the daily schedule if you have a specific favorite character you want to learn to sketch.
- Crowd Flows: With the opening of the new Walt Disney Studios land and the Muppet coaster on the same day (May 26th), expect heavy congestion on both Sunset Boulevard and the old Animation Courtyard area.
It’s an exciting time to visit the park as it transitions into a more modern celebration of filmmaking and storied characters. Just remember to pack your patience and keep your app open for the latest wait time updates!
Disclaimer: This information is gathered from various online sources and news outlets. While we strive for accuracy, Disney plans and policies can change rapidly. We recommend double-checking official Disney sources for the most up-to-date information before making final travel plans.