The Magic of Disney Animation is bringing a whole new celebration of Disney storytelling to Hollywood Studios! ✏️✨ Inspired by the real Walt Disney Animation Studios campus in California, this reimagined area features character meet-and-greets, drawing experiences, an indoor Alice in Wonderland-inspired playground, the Once Upon A Studio Theater, interactive animation displays and tons of hidden Easter eggs - with all 64 Walt Disney Animation Studios animated feature films represented throughout the experience. From learning to draw Disney characters alongside an Audio-Animatronics Olaf to meeting Mulan, Rapunzel, Stitch, Donald, Daisy and more, there’s something here for kids, Disney adults, character fans and animation lovers alike. The Magic of Disney Animation opens at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on September 14, 2026, and I think it’s exactly the kind of Disney nostalgia, creativity and slower-paced experience the park needed! 💕🎬
Disney’s Hollywood Studios is getting a HUGE dose of classic Disney magic with the arrival of The Magic of Disney Animation, a brand-new collection of experiences inspired by the real Walt Disney Animation Studios campus in Burbank, California.
And as someone who loves when the parks celebrate the actual art and history behind Disney...
I am SO excited about this.
The reimagined Animation Courtyard takes inspiration from Disney’s Once Upon a Studio short and transforms this part of Hollywood Studios into an entire area celebrating Disney Animation, complete with character meets, interactive experiences, drawing classes, hidden details, an indoor playground and more.
Even better?
The Magic of Disney Animation opens September 14, 2026!
So let’s get into everything coming to this newly reimagined area, because there is A LOT here.
🎬 First, What Is The Magic of Disney Animation?
The new experience is essentially bringing the atmosphere of the Walt Disney Animation Studios lot in Burbank into Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
The exterior is inspired by the Roy E. Disney Animation Building, right down to Mickey’s iconic Sorcerer Hat sitting on top.
But once you head inside, you’ll get to explore different parts of the animation process in a very Disney way.
Instead of simply walking through exhibits and reading about animation, Disney characters have basically taken over the studio.
You can meet characters.
Learn to draw.
Explore interactive spaces.
Watch animation come to life.
Look for Easter eggs.
And actually learn a little about how Disney Animation works along the way.
The main collection of experiences includes:
✨ Drawn to Wonderland
✨ Off the Page!
✨ Olaf Draws!
✨ Once Upon A Studio Theater
✨ And even more experiences and details throughout the building.
Honestly?
This sounds like one of those areas where you could walk in planning to spend 30 minutes and somehow emerge two hours later.
👀 Disney Fans Are Going to LOVE the Easter Eggs
If you are the person who stops to inspect every prop, sign and tiny background detail at Disney...
This area was MADE for you.
For the first time at Walt Disney World, all 64 Walt Disney Animation Studios animated feature films are represented throughout the experience.
ALL. 64.
So yes, your favourite movie is probably hiding somewhere.
And Disney went DEEP with some of these references.
🧭 The Lost & Found Department Is Full of Disney Treasures
Look above the reception area and you'll find a playful Lost and Found Department filled with objects from Disney Animation history.
Some of the items include:
🌎 The Map Sphere from Treasure Planet
🫏 Eeyore’s tail
🏺 A vase depicting Hercules fighting the Hydra
🌼 The Sundrop Flower from Tangled
And Figaro is hanging out above the collection too, occasionally flicking his tail while guarding the treasures.
THIS is the kind of Disney detail I love.
You could easily walk straight past it.
But if you actually slow down and look around, there are little pieces of Disney history everywhere.
🎨 There Are Even Tributes to REAL Disney Artists
Not every detail is about a character or movie.
Some celebrate the actual people who create Disney Animation.
There's a colourful chandelier made with hanging paintbrushes, and each individual paintbrush was named by members of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Ink and Paint Department.
Even the decorative tilework is based on designs found inside the lobby of the real Roy E. Disney Animation Building in California.
I LOVE this.
It makes the area feel less like another attraction built around one specific Disney movie or character and more like an actual celebration of Disney Animation as a whole.
✏️ Look for Sketches EVERYWHERE
As you explore, keep your eyes open for pencil sketches of characters that don't always get a ton of representation in the parks.
Disney specifically mentions:
🐱 Oliver from Oliver & Company
🐸 Mr. Toad
🦊 Tod and Copper from The Fox and the Hound
And this is exactly why I want to take my time walking through here.
Some of the most exciting references aren't necessarily going to be Mickey, Frozen or the newest Disney movie.
There are some DEEP CUTS.
🏆 Treasures Untold Is Basically a Disney Animation Treasure Hunt
Another area called Treasures Untold is filled with keepsakes and artifacts inspired by Walt Disney Animation history.
Disney has already revealed a few of the things you'll be able to find:
⭐ Jiminy Cricket's suit and gold star pin
🐶 A box of Kanine Krunchies from One Hundred and One Dalmatians
🧸 Lilo's doll Scrump
🐱 The Aristocats' collars
👑 Kuzco's crown and earrings
If you love Disney nostalgia, I feel like this whole building is going to become one giant game of:
“WAIT. I KNOW WHAT THAT'S FROM.”
🖥️ There's Even a Piece of OLD Hollywood Studios Inside
This might be one of my favourite details.
Inside the Animator's Office, you'll find an animation desk that was actually preserved from the original Animation Academy at Disney's Hollywood Studios.
That means this brand-new experience still has a physical connection to Hollywood Studios' animation history.
And I think that's PERFECT.
Because longtime Disney World visitors probably remember when animation had a much bigger presence at Hollywood Studios.
Bringing that history back while creating something completely new feels like such a good fit for this park.
🌳 The Entire Animation Courtyard Is Changing
The experience isn't limited to the inside of one building.
The surrounding courtyard has been redesigned to resemble the atmosphere of the Walt Disney Studios lot, creating a more relaxed, park-like setting where families can play, sit, snack and explore.
There will also be character surprises hidden throughout the area.
Disney even teases that you never know who you might find playing in the branches, soaking up the sun or digging in the grass.
So...
Basically don't walk through here staring at your phone.
LOOK AROUND.
♣️ Drawn to Wonderland Is an Indoor Playground!
Parents of little kids, THIS is important.
Drawn to Wonderland is a brand-new indoor play area inspired by the original Alice in Wonderland concept artwork of Disney Legend Mary Blair.
And I think having another indoor space designed specifically for younger kids is a GREAT addition to Hollywood Studios.
The playground includes environments inspired by:
🫖 The Mad Tea Party
🎩 The Mad Hatter's house
🌹 The Queen of Hearts' rose garden
😸 The Cheshire Cat's Tulgey Wood
Kids can climb, wander, play and explore while everything around them uses the bold colours and whimsical shapes associated with Mary Blair's artwork.
And let's remember one very important thing.
INDOOR.
Air conditioning.
In Florida.
Parents, you're welcome. 😂
📸 Off the Page! Might Be My Favourite Part
Okay character people...
You're going to want to know about this.
Off the Page! combines Disney character meet-and-greets with different stages of the animation process.
Instead of putting every character against a generic backdrop, their environments are themed around actual animation departments.
And the announced lineup is GOOD.
📖 Story - Mulan
You can meet Mulan in the Story department, where she'll appear in front of an oversized storyboard panel.
🎨 Layout - Rapunzel
Rapunzel appears in the Layout department in an environment inspired by the classic multiplane camera, with layers of backgrounds and painted cells coming together around her.
And Disney has announced even more characters throughout the experience:
🐿️ Chip 'n' Dale - Hand-Drawn Animation
🦆 Donald & Daisy - CG Animation
💡 Goofy - Lighting
💥 Stitch - Effects
THIS is what I mean when I say this feels like more than a normal character meet.
You're getting the character.
You're getting a cool photo.
But you're also walking through the process that actually brings those characters to life.
☃️ OLAF IS TEACHING DRAWING CLASSES?!
Okay.
This is adorable.
Olaf Draws! is a new character-drawing experience featuring an all-new Audio-Animatronics Olaf sitting at an animator's desk.
And he's not just sitting there looking cute.
Guests will learn to draw Disney characters step-by-step using recorded guidance from actual Disney Animation artists.
So you get professional tips and techniques...
With Olaf providing the commentary and humour.
I LOVE this concept.
✏️ And Look at Who You Could Learn to Draw!
The character you draw can vary, but Disney has revealed a pretty amazing list of possibilities.
You could learn to draw:
🐭 Mickey Mouse
🎀 Minnie Mouse
🦆 Donald Duck
🧞 Genie
🌊 Moana
👽 Stitch
☃️ Olaf
🐙 Ursula
🐰 Judy Hopps & Nick Wilde
And here's the really cool part:
The lessons are led by actual Disney Animation artists associated with those characters and films.
For example, Genie is taught with animator Eric Goldberg, whose credits include Aladdin and Hercules.
Stitch is taught with Fawn Veerasunthorn, while Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde are taught with Zootopia director Byron Howard.
So this isn't just:
"Here's how to draw a circle."
You're getting little pieces of Disney Animation knowledge from the people who actually make these movies.
For animation fans?
DO. NOT. SKIP. THIS.
😂 Even Olaf's Details Have Easter Eggs
Before entering the drawing experience, look at the back of the marquee.
Olaf has apparently drawn his own tribute to Jungle Cruise.
And inside, he's surrounded by animation history.
Olaf sits on top of The Illusion of Life, the legendary animation book by Disney Legends Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston, while shelves around him contain things like vintage VHS tapes, character maquettes and nostalgic Disney toys.
Again...
LOOK. AT. EVERYTHING.
🎥 You Can Watch Once Upon A Studio Too
The short film that inspired this entire reimagining gets its own dedicated space.
Inside the Once Upon A Studio Theater, guests can watch the Emmy Award-winning Once Upon A Studio short in a theatre celebrating more than a century of Disney Animation storytelling.
Disney says enhanced effects add another layer to the experience, and characters may even appear within artwork along the theatre walls.
So you're not simply watching the short on a screen.
The room itself becomes part of the experience.
🖼️ There's an Enchanted Art Gallery
You'll also find an art gallery filled with Disney Animation artwork.
At first, everything looks like a normal gallery.
And then...
The characters can COME TO LIFE.
Disney says all-new animation was created specifically for this experience, allowing characters within the artwork to suddenly spring into motion.
It's a relatively small detail compared with an attraction or character meet, but honestly?
These are exactly the things that make Disney spaces feel magical.
🐭 And There's Something New for Disney Jr. Fans Too!
Families with younger kids have another reason to visit this part of Hollywood Studios.
Nearby, Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! is now open.
The live show is inspired by Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+ and turns the audience into part of the celebration.
Mickey and Minnie are trying to throw a party, but their friends are missing.
So kids help search for them through music, clapping, cheering and dancing until Goofy, Daisy Duck and Pluto eventually join the celebration.
If you're travelling with preschoolers, I could easily see this entire area becoming a MAJOR part of your Hollywood Studios day.
❤️ Why I Think Hollywood Studios NEEDED This
Hollywood Studios has some incredible attractions.
Rise of the Resistance.
Tower of Terror.
Toy Story Mania.
Slinky Dog Dash.
And plenty more.
But I've always felt like the park could use more experiences that aren't simply:
Get in line → ride attraction → get in another line.
This new area gives us somewhere to explore.
Somewhere kids can play.
Somewhere adults can appreciate Disney history.
Somewhere you can draw.
Somewhere you can meet characters.
Somewhere you can sit down.
Somewhere you can find tiny details.
And most importantly...
It actually feels connected to the original identity of Hollywood Studios.
Animation belongs here.
👨👩👧👦 Who Is The Magic of Disney Animation Best For?
Honestly?
A LOT of people.
Families with Young Kids
Between Drawn to Wonderland, Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!, interactive elements and character encounters, this area adds a lot for younger children who may not be tall enough, or interested in, the park's thrill rides.
Character Fans
Mulan.
Rapunzel.
Stitch.
Donald.
Daisy.
Goofy.
Chip 'n' Dale.
Enough said.
Disney Adults
Do not look at the playground and assume this whole area is just for kids.
If you love animation history, Easter eggs, old Disney movies and park nostalgia, I think there's going to be SO much here for adults to appreciate.
Artists & Animation Fans
Olaf Draws! alone makes this worth visiting.
Getting to learn Disney character drawing with guidance from actual Disney Animation artists sounds SO cool.
Anyone Who Misses the Old Animation Side of Hollywood Studios
This one might hit you right in the nostalgia.
Especially with an animation desk preserved from the original Animation Academy incorporated into the new experience.
⭐ My Biggest Tip: Don't Rush Through It
This doesn't sound like an attraction where I would simply check the wait time, do the experience and leave.
Slow down.
Look above you.
Look at the shelves.
Look at the artwork.
Read the signs.
Find the sketches.
Look for characters.
Explore Treasures Untold.
Take the drawing class.
Watch Once Upon A Studio.
Meet someone in Off the Page!
Let the kids play in Drawn to Wonderland.
Disney has represented all 64 animated feature films throughout this space.
There are going to be things you miss.
And honestly?
That's kind of the point.
It gives you something new to find the next time.
✨ The Magic of Disney Animation Opens September 14!
The new Magic of Disney Animation collection of experiences officially opens at Disney's Hollywood Studios on September 14, 2026.
And I genuinely think this could become one of my favourite additions to Hollywood Studios.
It's not another massive roller coaster.
It's not trying to be the most technologically advanced attraction at Walt Disney World.
Instead, it's celebrating something that feels very fundamentally Disney:
The art of bringing characters and stories to life.
Younger kids get somewhere to play.
Character fans get new meet-and-greets.
Artists get drawing experiences.
Disney adults get Easter eggs and nostalgia.
And Hollywood Studios gets a little more of its animation identity back.
THAT is what I'm excited about. ✏️✨
If you're planning a Walt Disney World vacation and want to experience The Magic of Disney Animation along with everything else coming to Hollywood Studios, Magical Moments Travel can help you choose your resort, park tickets and build an itinerary that actually gives you time to enjoy it all.
Because if there are 64 Disney movies represented in this place...
You already know I'm going to need time to find as many as possible. 😂💕