We’re beyond excited to share a first look at The Magic of Disney Animation, a brand-new collection of experiences opening September 14 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios!
Inspired by Walt Disney Animation Studios and the beloved short film “Once Upon a Studio,” this imaginative new destination will invite guests to draw with Olaf, meet favorite Disney characters, explore a colorful “Alice in Wonderland”-themed play area, and discover how animated stories come to life.
From budding artists to lifelong Disney fans, there promises to be something magical around every corner. We can’t wait to step beneath the Sorcerer Hat and experience it all! Read the full announcement below for every enchanting detail.
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The Walt Disney Animation Studios lot in Burbank, California, is a place of pure magic – artists go in… beloved characters and films come out. Now, imagine exploring that campus for yourself and seeing Disney Animation characters leap off the screen and into our world.
That was the heart and premise of the Emmy Award-winning short film, Once Upon A Studio, and it inspired the reimagined Animation Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Drawing from the architecture and atmosphere of the legendary Walt Disney Studios lot, the updated area features iconic details, like Pluto’s Corner, within a relaxed park-like setting designed for families to enjoy together…and some of your favorite characters are ready to play.
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details at The Magic of Disney Animation
For the first time at Walt Disney World, all 64 animated feature films are represented throughout this imaginative, fan-first setting, meaning that your favorite character, story, or hidden reference could be waiting right where you least expect it.
Upon your animated arrival inside the reception area, you may notice some details are easy to spot, whereas others reward you for taking a moment to look a little closer. Glance overhead and you’ll find the studio’s playful Lost and Found Department, stocked with recognizable items like the Map Sphere from Treasure Planet, Eeyore’s tail, a vase depicting Hercules’ fight against the Hydra, and the Sundrop Flower from Disney Animation’s Tangled. Figaro alsowatches from above and looks like he’s claimed a few of the lost treasures as his own, occasionally flicking his tail while he keeps “watch” over the room.
There’s even a meaningful, personal tribute to the artists behind the magic, where each paintbrush hanging from the colorful chandelier overhead is individually named by members of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Ink and Paint Department. And if the decorative tilework feels strangely familiar, that’s because you’ll find the same vibrant designs in the lobby of the Roy E. Disney Animation Building in California.
As you make your way throughout the space, keep an eye out for pencil sketches of familiar friends like Oliver from Oliver & Company, Mr. Toad from The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad, and Tod and Copper from The Fox and The Hound.
Sketches might be the stars of the show, but they’re not the only tools animators use. Artists also rely on maquettes, small sculptures built to help study a character from every angle so every drawing stays true to the design. While meeting some of your favorite characters in “Off the Page!,” look around to spot a young Tarzan perched on a tree trunk and Taffyta Muttonfudge from Wreck-It Ralph.
After checking out these maquettes, head over to Treasures Untold and you’ll notice a gallery packed with keepsakes, mementos, and iconic artifacts from across the history of Walt Disney Animation Studios.
As you make your way through the collection, you’ll spot everything from Jiminy Cricket’s suit and gold star pin to a box of Kanine Krunchies straight from One Hundred and One Dalmatians. Look for Lilo’s doll, Scrump, the Aristocats’ collars, and even Kuzco’s crown and earrings.
As your animated journey at Hollywood Studios wraps up, swing by the Animator’s Office, a detail-packed space designed to feel like a real animator has just stepped away from their desk.
This animation desk is preserved from the original Animation Academy at Hollywood Studios, serving as a tangible connection to the park’s longstanding animation legacy. If you look closely, you might even spot a Moana cap, a miniature Walt Disney Animation Studios maquette, and dozens of other keepsakes, artwork, and personal touches scattered throughout the room.
The Walt Disney Studios Lot Comes to Life at Hollywood Studios
The reimagined courtyard is the perfect place for families to play, relax, or snack on tasty treats under lush trees.
Animation fans of all ages won’t want to miss exploring the area as there are character surprises and thoughtful details hidden throughout. You never know who you might see playing in the branches, soaking up the sun, or digging in the grass.
Join The Fun at Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!
This area is still packed with lively entertainment within the neighboring theaters and soundstages, including the Studio Theater, which continues to house “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure,” and a nearby soundstage featuring “Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!”
Now open, the Clubhouse is calling, and you’re on the guest list! Inspired by Disney Jr.’s hit series Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+, this live show turns into a feel-good celebration where you don’t just watch the fun… you help make it happen.
Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse are ready to kick off the big bash, but when their friends are nowhere to be found, the party turns into a playful search mission. With music leading the way, you’ll clap, cheer, and dance along as the adventure unfolds — and before you know it, Goofy, Daisy Duck, and Pluto join in to bring the Clubhouse celebration to life.
New Adventures Under the Sorcerer Hat
In the center of this reimagined courtyard, a building inspired by the iconic Roy E. Disney Animation Building will soon be home to The Magic of Disney Animation, a brand-new collection of experiences opening on September 14. Mickey’s iconic Sorcerer Hat even sits on top of the building (just like the real building in California).
Inside, you will interact with and explore new takes on the iconic Disney Animation headquarters, including the many different studio departments. Only this time, some of our favorite pals have taken over to create the fun adventures.
Playful and interactive moments will be around every corner. You can see portraits come to life before your eyes just like they did in Once Upon A Studio, and you can evenpencil in some time to learn how to draw your very own character sketch. It will be a place where kids and kids at heart can laugh, draw, dream, and explore, bringing the wonder of animation to life like never before.
If you’re a visual person, here’s a playful graphic that shows the variety of ways you can experience the creativity and wonder of animation throughout The Magic of Disney Animation.
A Wonderland Made to Explore
Younger animators-to-be can step into the whimsical world of “Drawn to Wonderland,” an immersive indoor playground inspired by the original Alice in Wonderland concept art from Disney Legend Mary Blair. From the playful chaos of the Mad Tea Party and Mad Hatter’s house to the Queen of Hearts’ vibrant rose garden and the Cheshire Cat’s mysterious Tulgey Wood, every corner invites young guests to explore, move, and let their imaginations run wild.
“Drawn to Wonderland” comes to life through bold colors, whimsical shapes, and Blair’s unmistakable artistic style. Designed especially for little ones, the space offers families a fun, energetic place to play and recharge while remaining fully immersed in Disney storytelling.
Chosen for its spirit of curiosity, imagination, and discovery, Disney’s Alice in Wonderland naturally lends itself to an environment built for exploration through active play. Younger guests will love climbing, wandering, and creating their own adventure around every corner of this new playground.
Explore “Off the Page!” and Spot Favorite Friends
You’ll also be able to venture into “Off the Page!” – a stunning area where you can meet some of your favorite friends from Walt Disney Animation Studios stories while celebrating the artistry behind every frame.
Each space offers incredible photo opportunities with some of your favorite characters. You may meet Mulan in the Story department, posing in front of an oversized storyboard panel. Or step into the Layout department where you might find Rapunzel in a setting inspired by the classic multiplane camera, where you’ll see layers of backgrounds and painted cells come together like magic.
Together, these spaces highlight key stages of the animation process, each brought to life through character encounters. Some of the characters you may spot are:
Every corner of “Off the Page!” is designed to immerse you in the craft of animation, as this experience is a collaboration between Walt Disney Imagineering and Walt Disney Animation Studios. Dan Abraham, Walt Disney Animation Studios Director and co-director of the Once Upon a Studio short, says he can’t wait to see what guests dream up after visiting the space.
“It’s so cool to have fun with characters… that you’ve seen in these films, and you’re getting to see a bit of the history of the studio as well,” Abraham said. “Back when this was a working animation studio, it inspired so many people to become animators… Hopefully, this new version will do the same.”
Learn to Draw with Olaf!
Step into a new attraction with “Olaf Draws!” where everyone’s favorite snowman takes center stage as your cheerful companion, bringing you along to learn character drawing from some of the biggest names in Disney animation.
Brought to life as an all-new Audio-Animatronics figure, Olaf welcomes you into a space inspired by one of his most memorable moments from OnceUpon A Studio sitting at an animator’s desk, joyfully discovering the art of drawing.
You’ll go step-by-step through the creative process, guided by Disney Animation artists through recorded tips, techniques, and stories from inside the studio. Add in Olaf’s playful humor, and it becomes a fun, laugh-filled experience that leaves you feeling inspired.
Before you head inside to sketch a familiar face, peek at the back of the marquee, where Olaf has sketched his own tribute to the legendary Jungle Cruise attraction. It’s exactly the kind of imaginative, slightly quirky drawing you’d expect from everyone’s favorite snowman.
Once you take your seat inside the space, you’ll find Olaf surrounded by inspiration. He sits atop The Illusion of Life, the influential animation book by Disney Legends Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston, while nearby shelves overflow with animation keepsakes, from vintage VHS tapes and character maquettes to nostalgic toys like a figurine of The Black Cauldron.
Classes will feature characters from both timeless classics and modern favorites. You may find yourself sketching:
Mickey Mouse, with Dan Abraham, director (Once Upon A Studio, Baymax!)
Minnie Mouse, with Hyun Min Lee, animator (Frozen 2, The Princess and the Frog)
Donald Duck, with Austin Traylor, animator (Once Upon A Studio, Moana 2)
Genie, with Eric Goldberg, animator (Aladdin, Hercules)
Moana, with Samantha Vilfort, story artist (Encanto, Zootopia 2)
Stitch, with Fawn Veerasunthorn, director and head of story (Wish, Raya and the Last Dragon)
Olaf, with Trent Correy, director (Once Upon A Studio, Frozen 3)
Ursula, with Michael Woodside, animator (Big Hero 6, Encanto)
Judy Hopps & Nick Wilde, with Byron Howard, director (Zootopia, Zootopia 2)
The happy snowman’s spirit of curiosity and encouragement is what inspired Josh Gad, the voice of Olaf, as he recorded original dialogue for the experience while also considering what it might spark in young artists.
“I’m so thrilled that a whole new generation of kids can dream of becoming animators one day and can actually begin their journey right there on the studio lot,” Gad shared, underscoring how “Olaf Draws!” turns imagination into possibility.
Once Upon A Studio Theater and More
In the Once Upon A Studio Theater, you can enjoy the Emmy Award-winning short film that inspired it all, Once Upon A Studio. Inside this dedicated theater honoring more than a century of Disney Animation storytelling, enhanced effects add an extra layer of magic.
As you enjoy the film, you may spot characters popping up within the artwork along the theater walls, placing you right in the middle of this enchanting story.
You can also discover an enchanted art gallery, a beautifully curated space filled with artwork featuring beloved Disney Animation characters. At first glance, it feels like a traditional gallery, but with a little pixie dust, your favorite character may spring to life in all-new animations created exclusively for this experience!
Disney Animation artists and Walt Disney Imagineers are working hand-in-hand to bring the wonder and nostalgia of Disney Animation films to The Magic of Disney Animation in new and immersive ways families will love. We can’t wait for you to experience this fantastical place, starting on September 14.
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Adventure Island hours have changed for the rest of the 2026 season, with the Tampa water park operating Friday through Sunday and opening Monday, October 12.
