"Oh, boy!" Something magical is headed to Disney's Hollywood Studios later this summer. Inspired by the Emmy Award-winning short film, "Once Upon a Studio," a new family experience will bring the wonder of animation to life. The Magic of Disney Animation will host many interactive and creative activities, as well as character encounters. Taking over the former Star Wars: Launch Bay location, The Magic of Animation will be located in the newly reimagined area called The Walt Disney Studios (formerly Animation Courtyard).
FAQs
- What is the difference between The Magic of Disney Animation and The Walt Disney Studios? The Magic of Disney Animation is the name of the indoor experience, while The Walt Disney Studios lot is the name of the entire courtyard area.
- Which characters can I meet at The Magic of Disney Animation? Inside The Magic of Disney Animation, there will be an area called "Off the Page!" where you can find six character greeting areas, including Mulan, Rapunzel and more.
- Can I find Animation Academy drawing lessons in this new location? Yes! There will be a new Animation Academy experience called Olaf Draws!, which includes pre-recorded drawing lessons.
- When is The Magic of Disney Animation opening? The Magic of Disney Animation experience will open in late summer 2026, but the Walt Disney Studios outdoor courtyard and Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! show is now open as of May 26, 2026.
Did you know Walt Disney World Resort's third theme park used to be a home for Disney's incredibly talented animators? When the park opened in 1989, The Magic of Disney Animation allowed fascinated guests to tour the production facilities where beloved classics such as "Mulan," "Lilo & Stitch" and "Brother Bear" were all being drawn to life at Walt Disney Feature Animation Florida.
In 2004, the Florida division of Walt Disney Feature Animation closed, and 11 years later, The Magic of Disney Animation did as well.
The Magic of Disney Animation at Disney's Hollywood Studios
If you're a fan of Walt Disney Studios' hand-drawn animation, we have news for you! Walt Disney World announced that The Magic of Disney Animation will return to Disney's Hollywood Studios in a brand-new experience inspired by the Emmy Award-winning short film, "Once Upon A Studio." The experience will debut in late summer 2026.
Housed in a building reminiscent of the iconic Roy E. Disney Animation Building in Burbank, California — topped with Mickey's iconic Sorcerer Hat (just like the real building on the West Coast) — this upcoming family experience will bring the wonder of animation to life like never before. The former home of Star Wars: Launch Bay will transform into a place where dreamers of all ages can laugh, draw and explore new animated experiences.
Once Upon A Studio Theater & Character Galleries
The animators have temporarily stepped away from their desks, and classic characters are ready to play! In the theater, you can watch the short film, "Once Upon A Studio," with enhanced effects (you may spot characters popping up within the artwork along the theater walls!). Also, explore an enchanted art gallery, where your favorite characters may come to life in new animations created exclusively for this experience.
"Drawn to Wonderland" Indoor Playground
Even the smallest animators-to-be are sure to love this attraction as they'll be able to explore the "Drawn to Wonderland" playground, complete with an oversized flower garden with musical instruments, a Mad Tea Party playset and a Tulgey Wood exploration area — all inspired by Disney Legend Mary Blair's original "Alice in Wonderland" concept art.
"Off the Page!"
Of course, what's a tour of Disney Animation without coming face-to-face with beloved characters? At "Off the Page!," a stunning collaboration between Walt Disney Animation Studios and Walt Disney Imagineering, you'll be able to meet some of your favorite friends from classic Disney stories across six unique departments from the animation studio:
- Mulan in Story
- Rapunzel in Layout
- Chip 'n' Dale in Hand-Drawn Animation
- Donald and Daisy in CG Animation
- Goofy in Lighting
- Stitch in Effects
Each space highlights a key stage of the animation process. When you align your photo just right, you'll see layers of backgrounds and painted cells coalesce like magic!
"Olaf Draws!"
In a brand-new Animation Academy experience, Olaf (as a new Audio-Animatronics figure) hosts the drawing class with some help from Disney Animation legends. Guests of all ages can sit down at sleigh-themed tables and animator desk-style workstations. Josh Gad recorded original dialogue for the experience, and the Disney Animators provide pre-recorded guidance as you go step-by-step to draw Disney characters.
Each class features a different character and Disney Animator, including:
- 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 Walt Disney Studios at Disney's Hollywood Studios
That's not all, though! Tinker Bell's pixie dust has also been sprinkled on the existing Animation Courtyard as the area has been reimagined into The Walt Disney Studios lot, as of May 26, 2026.
Experience all four Walt Disney World Theme Parks this summer with the 4-Day, 4-Park Magic Ticket! Valid for arrivals from May 26 to Sept. 26, 2026.
Taking inspiration from several buildings found in Burbank and harkening back to the legendary Walt Disney Studios Lot, the studio grounds and courtyard area is the perfect place for families to take a break to play, relax or snack on tasty treats under lush trees. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled as you never know who you'll find playing in the branches, soaking up the sun or digging in the grass ...
The area will continue to house "The Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure" in the Studio Theater, as well as a new Disney Jr. show, "Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!" now open at the soundstage as of May 26, 2026! This upbeat celebration will have you dancing along with Mickey and Minnie as they embark on a road trip to find some of their best pals — Goofy, Daisy and Pluto, too — for the party.
@undercovertourist Kids are going to LOVE this moment from Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! 😍❄️ Thank you so much to Disney for inviting us out for a special preview of all things Cool Kids’ Summer!! Just in time for Cool Kids’ Summer…SAVE on your tickets to Walt Disney World with our 4-Park Magic ticket, which enables you to spend a day at each of the 4 parks!! Visit UndercoverTourist.com or check the link in our bio!! 😎 #disneyparks #waltdisneyworld #disneyworld #WDWSummerFunFest ♬ original sound - Undercover Tourist
Disney Animation artists and Walt Disney Imagineers are working hand-in-hand to bring this wonderful and nostalgic experience to life in new and immersive ways that families are sure to love! To make way for this fantastical place, Animation Courtyard and Disney Jr. Play and Dance! closed on Sept. 25, 2025. Guests are still able to go "under the sea" and visit Ariel and friends at "The Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure" while this magical transformation is taking place.
"Tell everybody I'm on my way! New friends and new places to see ..."
The Magic of Disney Animation isn't the only project in the works at Disney's Hollywood Studios! Monsters, Inc. Land at Disney World is currently under construction in the Grand Avenue area, where the former Muppets area used to be. There hasn't been an announced timeline yet, but hop over to our Monsters Inc Land guide to follow future updates.
Are you frogcited for The Magic of Disney Animation and The Walt Disney Studios lot? Let us know in the comments below!
Related: Our Guide to Disney's Art of Animation Resort
Hoppy planning!
