Disney's Hollywood Studios - The Magic of Disney Animation
The Magic of Disney Animation
A brand-new animated adventure will open in Disney’s Hollywood Studios later this summer. “The Magic of Disney Animation,” will debut in the building that used to house Star Wars: Launch Bay in what is now The Walt Disney Studios.
Drawing inspiration from the legendary Walt Disney Animation Studios in Burbank, California, and the Emmy award-winning and heartwarming short film Once Upon a Studio, guests will step into a whimsical twist on the real-life studio building, but this time, when the animators are away, the characters come out to play!
Topped with Mickey’s iconic Sorcerer Hat, the space will invite guests to explore different studio departments brought to life by Disney characters.
Guests enter beneath the Sorcerer Hat and move into a central courtyard, where they can head in one of two directions to start exploring. Either way, they’ll pass a series of character statues holding up a banner announcing an “open house” at the studio. Moana, Flounder, the Mad Hatter, and a Lost Boy (specifically the Robin Williams Lost Boy from the original attraction) are doing the honors.
In the Production Gallery, portraits come to life just like in Once Upon a Studio, while in the Screening Theater, guests can get inspired by a short film the whole family will love.
Additionally, they will have the chance to learn how to draw fan-favorite characters in Olaf Draws!, a character drawing class hosted by everyone’s favorite snowman (brought to life as an all-new Audio-Animatronic figure) seated at an animator’s desk. The classes walk guests through the drawing process step by step, guided by real Disney Animation artists through recorded tips and behind-the-scenes stories. The character lineup for classes includes:
- Mickey Mouse with director Dan Abraham
- Minnie Mouse with animator Hyun Min Lee
- Donald Duck with animator Austin Traylor
- Genie with animator Eric Goldberg
- Moana with story artist Samantha Vilfort
- Stitch with director Fawn Veerasunthorn
- Olaf with director Trent Correy
- Ursula with animator Michael Woodside
- Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde with director Byron Howard
Off the Page! is the character meet-and-greet area: each encounter is tied to a specific stage of the animation process, with the backdrop and theming reflecting that department. Every corner of “Off the Page!” is designed to immerse guests in the craft of animation, as this experience is a collaboration between Walt Disney Imagineering and Walt Disney Animation Studios.
Here’s the current lineup:
- Mulan in Story
- Rapunzel in Layout
- Chip ‘n’ Dale in Hand-Drawn Animation
- Donald and Daisy in Computer Animation
- Goofy in Lighting
- Stitch in Effects
Families with younger children will also delight in Drawn to Wonderland, an all-new indoor (air-conditioned!!) playground inspired by the whimsical concept art for Alice in Wonderland from Disney Legend Mary Blair. Her signature bold colors and geometric shapes define every corner of the room, which takes kids through the Mad Tea Party, the Mad Hatter’s house, the Queen of Hearts’ rose garden, and the Cheshire Cat’s Tulgey Wood. There’s a roller slide, a hedge maze, and interactive elements at the Mad Tea Party table.
Beyond the building, Animation Courtyard has been completely reimagined into “The Walt Disney Studios,” a newly designed outdoor space offering shaded seating, playful landscaping and fun surprises, ideal for relaxing, snacking or spontaneous fun.
Walt Disney Animators and Imagineers have worked hand-in-hand to bring the wonder and nostalgia of Disney animated films to the whole courtyard in new and immersive ways families are sure to love.
