There will be a new class in session at Disney’s Hollywood Studios reimagined Animation Academy… and this time, Olaf is running the show.
In the newly-introduced Olaf Draws! experience, the beloved snowman from Frozen steps into the spotlight as host, welcoming guests into a refreshed studio environment designed to celebrate the art of Disney character animation.
Learn to Draw with Olaf
Olaf will appear as a brand-new Audio-Animatronics figure, seated at an animator’s desk in a scene inspired by his appearance in Once Upon a Studio.
Disney says the space itself has been reimagined to resemble a working animation studio, with some subtle Frozen-themed details. Younger guests can sketch at sleigh-inspired tables, while traditional animator-style desks give older fans the feeling of sitting inside the very studio where Disney characters are created.
Josh Gad, the voice of Olaf, recorded original dialogue for the experience. His new lines reflect Olaf’s signature optimism and curiosity, encouraging aspiring artists to explore their creativity. Gad has shared his excitement that kids visiting the studio lot can now imagine themselves becoming animators, and even begin learning the basics right there.
Disney shared a closer look here:
While Olaf happily emcees the class, the drawing instruction comes from a lineup of accomplished Disney Animation artists through pre-recorded lessons (a departure from the live animation lessons previously available at the park). Each session focuses on a different character and is guided step-by-step by the animator or director associated with that character, 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)
Want to go again? Hop back in line! Of course, the featured character rotation encourages return visits. Each class offers insight directly from the artists who help bring these characters to life, blending storytelling with practical drawing techniques.
With Olaf cheerfully guiding the way, Animation Academy’s latest addition invites everyone to sit down, pick up a pencil, and see where their imagination takes them.
Once Upon a Studio Theater
Also coming to The Magic of Disney Animation is the Once Upon a Studio Theater, where you can watch the Emmy Award-winning short Once Upon a Studio. Disney says the theater will be enhanced with special effects and surprise character moments woven into artwork in the theater.
The Magic of Disney Animation opens later this summer at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
