The Walt Disney Animation Studios area of Hollywood Studios is now fully open including The Magic of Disney Animation! This rounds out a multi-year renovation including an updated version of The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure, Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!, and a complete overhaul of the previous Animation Courtyard. The Magic of Disney Animation is now home to –
- Olaf Draws! animation class
- Off the Page! character meet and greets including Mulan, Rapunzel, Chip ‘n’ Dale, Donald and Daisy, Goofy, and Stitch
- Drawn to Wonderland playground
- Disney Once Upon A Studio Theater
This entire area is incredibly well-themed and looks like the actual Walt Disney Studios in Burbank. Spontaneous character moments continue to happen in the courtyard – you might spot classic characters like Pluto, Suzy and Perla from Cinderella, Geppetto from Pinocchio, and Dopey from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. These unscheduled character interactions remind me of the magic of Disneyland and set the stage for the childlike whimsy inside The Magic of Disney Animation.
Another huge hit of the courtyard area is the character statues found throughout. My four-year-old spotted each one of these and was so excited to see life-size versions of his favorite characters that he could “play” with. Since The Magic of Disney Animation opened, additional characters like Meeko from Pocahontas, Oliver and Dodger from Oliver and Company, and Bolt and 101 Dalmations have all been added.
The theming inside The Magic of Disney Animation is both incredibly detailed and child-like. Everywhere you look, there are characters and props from animated films like Figaro from Pinnochio, a floating lantern from Tangled, and Eyesore’s tail. To an adult, these details may seem cute but to a child, they are real.
While not an attraction, it might as well be. In one of the corners, there is an animator’s office with characters like Mushu, Stitch, and Hei Hei playing inside. The characters are quite animated and you could probably spend hours looking at all of the details.
Drawn to Wonderland
Drawn to Wonderland is one of the most exciting additions for parents – we finally have an indoor playground at Disney World! The playground is entirely themed to Alice in Wonderland and the art of Mary Blair. There are two areas of the playground for different age groups – ages 6 months to 23 months and 2 to 5 years old. There’s an interactive Very Merry Unbirthday Tea Party, Cheshire Cat slide, and a climbing structure through the Queen of Hearts’ rose garden.
I only wish this area was bigger and had more slides. The playground stays very busy and there is always a line for the slide. The playground is secured with one entrance/ exit monitored by a Cast Member, plus seating and outlets for charging throughout.
Olaf Draws!
Olaf Draws! is quite literally the biggest draw of The Magic of Disney Animation. Disney World has had animation classes at both Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom before but this is the first one led by the lovable snowman, Olaf, instead of a Cast Member/ animator. The animatronic Olaf interacts with a real Disney artist on-screen drawing characters like Mickey, Minnie, Genie, Moana, and Nick & Judy.
This is the most kid-friendly animation experience Disney has ever done with plenty of humor and seats down front so little ones can see better. The class takes about 15 minutes and is averaging around a 30 minute wait the week after opening.
Treasures Untold
An unexpected delight inside The Magic of Disney Animation is the Treasures Untold exhibit of “props” from Disney animated films. Even though this may not be the most “authentic” Disney exhibit, it further tells the story of these classic stories being real. My son’s eyes lit up when he saw Vanellope’s medal from Wreck it Ralph and Popsicles from Zootopia.
Right now there’s an exhibit for Hexed coming to theaters this November including character sketches and maquettes. We can only assume this exhibit will update for other upcoming films like Frozen 3.
The Magic of Disney Animation brings beloved characters and stories to life and adds so much for kids to enjoy at Hollywood Studios! Kid-friendly experiences without a height requirement has been a long-time missing piece of the puzzle for this park. Hopefully the success of The Walt Disney Animation Studios means more indoor playgrounds, unique character experiences, and Disney exhibits at Disney World.
