Disney’s Hollywood Studios undergoes Echo Lake drainage and park transformations

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is undergoing significant transformations, including the drainage of Echo Lake for refurbishment projects. The lake has been emptied to facilitate construction work around the S.S. Down the Hatch, the boat-shaped structure that houses the Dockside Diner. While the diner is currently encased in scaffolding, it remains open for regular lunch and dinner service, and seating around the lake area remains available to guests.

In a separate major development, Disney has confirmed that the Animation Courtyard will be reimagined as ‘The Magic of Disney Animation’. Scheduled to officially open on September 14, 2026, the new experience is inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios campus in Burbank, California. This project marks a significant shift for the park, moving toward immersive lands based on specific franchises and animation history.