Each night at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the facade of the Chinese Theatre becomes a canvas for cinematic storytelling. In 2026, both projection shows play nightly: Disney Movie Magic at 8:40 p.m., followed by Wonderful World of Animation at 9:00 p.m. Always check the app for today’s times.
I have covered and recorded both of these Hollywood Studios Projection Shows over the years here on Sam’s Disney Diary, along with Star Wars a Galactic Spectacular. When they debuted, they were sharp, immersive and beautifully mapped to every inch of the theatre.
But something has changed.
The Palm Tree Problem
Walt Disney once said in 1956, “Disneyland is something that will never be finished. Something will always be going on. And even the trees will get bigger.” And Walt was right!
The current problem? One of the palm trees positioned in front of the Chinese Theatre has now grown directly into the projection line of both shows. It’s been happening slowly over the past few years.
The top right portion of the theatre facade is dark. No projections appear there. The mapping simply stops. It is obvious that the tree is blocking the image.
This affects both Disney Movie Magic and Wonderful World of Animation. Once you notice it, you cannot unsee it.
Why It Matters
Projection shows rely on precision. Every architectural edge is accounted for. Every column, arch and rooftop detail is part of the design.
When a section of the façade goes dark, the illusion breaks. The show no longer feels complete.
For those of us who experienced these Hollywood Studios Projection Shows when they first debuted, the difference is noticeable. What was once seamless now has a visible gap.
This Is Fixable
This is not a creative problem. It is a maintenance problem.
Yes, the projector could be remapped, repositioned or recalibrated. However, the simplest solution is also the most obvious one.
Trim the tree.
Back the palm up a couple of feet and restore the projection surface. No blame game is required.
This does not need to become a conversation about which team owns the solution. Whether it falls under Imagineering, park operations or horticulture, everyone ultimately wants the same thing: a flawless guest experience. The fix itself is straightforward. Fix it.
Two Shows, One Iconic Setting — All in the Same Night
Guests can experience Disney Movie Magic, Wonderful World of Animation and even Fantasmic! in the same evening if timing allows. It is a tight walk from the Chinese Theatre to the Fantasmic! amphitheater, so planning matters. Always check the My Disney Experience app for showtimes.
These projection shows are intimate. They do not rely on fireworks or massive infrastructure. Instead, they depend on precision and presentation.
That precision is what made them special.
Our Take
Hollywood Studios Projection Shows remain a beautiful part of the park’s nighttime lineup. The music still hits. The nostalgia still lands. The stories still resonate.
But Disney is better than a dark corner on its most iconic façade.
These shows deserve to look as complete today as they did on opening night. And so do the guests watching them.
And while we’re making small nighttime improvements… if someone happens to find the switch for the old Star Wars fireworks, we wouldn’t complain about that either.
