The Magic of Disney Animation is officially welcoming guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! The new experience soft opened today, September 11, offering an early chance to check it out ahead of its scheduled September 14 opening.
Disney has also released the attraction’s operating hours, which will change throughout the month. Here’s when you can visit The Magic of Disney Animation during its opening weeks, along with what to know about the new Olaf Draws! virtual queue.
For opening week, The Magic of Disney Animation is scheduled to operate:
- September 14-17: 9 AM to 9 PM
- September 18-19: 8:30 AM to 9 PM
- September 20-27: 9 AM to 9 PM
- September 28 onward (as far as Disney World’s calendar is currently set): 10 AM to 6 PM
The attraction appears to be following the 9 AM to 9 PM schedule today for its soft opening, although soft-opening hours can change.
What to Expect Inside
The Magic of Disney Animation brings several different experiences together under one roof, including animation artwork, interactive elements, character encounters, and spaces inspired by Disney animation.
Drawn to Wonderland is a colorful indoor play area. Inspired by Mary Blair’s artwork for Alice in Wonderland, the space lets younger guests explore playful environments based on the Mad Hatter, Queen of Hearts, Tulgey Wood, and other familiar elements from Wonderland.
Check out Stitch’s animator office, the Disney Gallery, the Once Upon a Studio Theater, an Alice in Wonderland-themed indoor playground, meet-and-greets, and other animation-focused experiences throughout the space. There’s so many Disney Easter eggs to discover!
Once Upon a Time is a theater space inside celebrating Disney animated storytelling with film clips, artwork, and displays highlighting characters and movies from across Disney Animation’s history.
The Magic of Disney Animation includes several gallery-style spaces filled with Disney artwork, props, and animation history. Treasures Untold features props and recognizable objects inspired by Disney animated films. The collection includes items connected to characters and stories from Pinocchio, Lilo & Stitch, The Aristocats, The Emperor’s New Groove, One Hundred and One Dalmatians, and other Disney favorites.
The Enchanted Art Gallery showcases Disney character artwork, with animated elements that bring some of the portraits and displays to life.
One of the major experiences is Olaf Draws!, where you can learn to draw Disney characters with help from Olaf himself (and an animator via pre-recorded video).
When Olaf Draws! officially opens, it will use a virtual queue, but guests will not be able to join the queue through the My Disney Experience app. Instead, registration must be completed in person at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
For today’s soft opening, that virtual queue is not currently being used.
Hours Change Later This Month
If you’re planning a visit beyond the attraction’s opening weeks, double check Walt Disney World’s calendar. As of now, beginning September 28, The Magic of Disney Animation is scheduled to operate from 10 AM to 6 PM. That means the attraction will open later than Disney’s Hollywood Studios and close several hours before the park does on most days. You’ll want to plan accordingly!
For now, the Magic of Disney Animation is welcoming its first guests through the doors ahead of its official Monday opening!
