September 16, 2026
Disney animation has a new home at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! The Magic of Disney Animation officially opened September 14, 2026, bringing an entirely new collection of interactive experiences, character encounters and plenty of Disney nostalgia to the park.
Inspired by the real Walt Disney Animation Studios campus in Burbank and the Emmy Award-winning short Once Upon a Studio, the new experience takes over the reimagined Animation Courtyard and gives guests a chance to step inside the world of Disney Animation. The building itself is inspired by the Roy E. Disney Animation Building — complete with Mickey’s famous Sorcerer Hat on top.
WHAT YOU’LL FIND INSIDE
Rather than one traditional attraction, The Magic of Disney Animation is a collection of experiences that you can explore at your own pace. Throughout the building, Disney characters, artwork and even portraits come to life while different areas introduce guests to the creative process behind Disney Animation.
Disney has packed the space with references and hidden details from throughout its animation history. All 65 Walt Disney Animation Studios animated feature films are represented, including artwork from Disney’s upcoming 2026 film Hexed.
DRAWN TO WONDERLAND
One of the biggest additions for families with younger children is Drawn to Wonderland, a new indoor play area inspired by Disney Legend Mary Blair’s original concept artwork for Alice in Wonderland.
Kids can explore spaces inspired by the Mad Tea Party, Mad Hatter’s house, the Queen of Hearts’ rose garden and the Cheshire Cat’s Tulgey Wood. It’s colorful, interactive and, maybe most importantly on a hot Florida afternoon, indoors!
OLAF DRAWS!
Animation Academy fans will definitely want to check out Olaf Draws!, a new take on the classic Disney character drawing experience.
An Audio-Animatronics Olaf joins the class from his animator’s desk while Disney Animation artists guide guests step-by-step through drawing characters like Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Genie, Moana, Stitch, Olaf, Ursula, Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde.
OFF THE PAGE!
Off the Page! combines character meet-and-greets with a look at how animated movies are created. Each character appears in an environment representing a different part of the animation process.
Guests may find Mulan in Story, Rapunzel in Layout, Chip ’n’ Dale in Hand-Drawn Animation, Donald and Daisy in Computer Animation, Goofy in Lighting and Stitch in Effects.
ONCE UPON A STUDIO THEATER
You can also watch the Emmy Award-winning Once Upon a Studio inside a dedicated theater celebrating more than 100 years of Disney Animation.
The experience goes beyond simply showing the short film, with surprises appearing within the artwork along the theater walls and enhanced effects designed to make guests feel like they’ve stepped into the story.
LOOK CLOSELY FOR DISNEY DETAILS
Part of the fun is simply exploring. Disney has filled the building with Easter eggs, artwork and props referencing decades of animated movies.
Look for items like Eeyore’s tail, the Sundrop Flower from Tangled, Lilo’s Scrump doll, Kuzco’s crown and Jiminy Cricket’s suit. There’s even an animation desk preserved from the original Animation Academy that once operated at Hollywood Studios — a nice connection between the park’s past and its newest attraction.
A NEW CHAPTER FOR ANIMATION AT HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS
For longtime Hollywood Studios fans, it’s especially fun to see Disney Animation once again have such a prominent presence in the park. The new experience mixes nostalgia with plenty for today’s families to actually do — drawing characters, meeting Disney favorites, exploring interactive spaces and hunting for hidden details.
The Magic of Disney Animation is now open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and it looks like one of those additions that could easily become a regular stop — especially for families with younger kids and anyone who grew up loving Disney Animation.
