It’s officially time! The Magic of Disney Animation is now open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, bringing animation back to an area of the park with a long history tied to the art form. And Disney found a pretty spectacular way to celebrate today’s grand opening.
Sixty Disney Animation characters gathered outside The Walt Disney Studios for what Disney called a rare “picture day,” and just LOOK at this group! Mickey and Minnie are front and center, surrounded by an enormous collection of characters representing generations of Disney Animation. Donald, Daisy, Goofy, Stitch, Olaf, Baymax, Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde, Rapunzel, Tiana, Alice, Pocahontas, Chip ‘n’ Dale, and so many others packed themselves in beneath that familiar Sorcerer Mickey hat.
Disney also released an official video of the gathering, and it’s easily one of the coolest things I’ve seen them share for an attraction opening in a while. There’s something pretty special about seeing that many Disney characters together in one place, especially when they’re celebrating an experience dedicated to the history and continuing story of Disney Animation. Who remembers when Disney had the characters pose in the form of a hashtag many years ago?
The new Magic of Disney Animation officially opens today, inside The Walt Disney Studios, the reimagined area formerly known as Animation Courtyard. Guests can explore several new animation-inspired experiences, including Off the Page!, where Disney characters step out of animated portraits for meet-and-greets, along with Drawn to Wonderland, Olaf Draws!, and the Once Upon A Studio Theater.
The building itself is packed with nods to Disney Animation history, too. Imagineers incorporated authentic items and references connected to the former Walt Disney Feature Animation Florida studio, giving longtime Disney fans plenty of little details to hunt for while exploring the new space.
We’ve been watching this project come together for a long time, from the transformation of Animation Courtyard to Disney’s first look inside last week and even the surprise soft opening a few days ago. But today it’s official.
The Magic of Disney Animation is open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and somehow Disney managed to get 60 characters to look at the camera at the same time for the occasion! Say cheese!
