The Magic of Disney Animation at Hollywood Studios: Opening Date and Details
- Bren Long
- Jul 22, 2025
- 11 min read
Updated: Jul 19
Last updated: July 19, 2026 — New official details released by Disney Parks Blog
Big changes are coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and they’re bursting with color, creativity, and classic Disney charm! Star Wars: Launch Bay closed in September 2025 to make way for The Magic of Disney Animation, which opens September 14, 2026. This immersive, family-friendly attraction is inspired by the heartwarming short film Once Upon a Studio and will bring guests into the whimsical world of Disney animation like never before. That playful idea becomes the storyline for the entire attraction, turning guests into visitors inside a magical version of the Walt Disney Animation Studios lot.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Want a quick guide to everything happening at Hollywood Studios? Download our Hollywood Studios Character & Attraction Cheat Sheets to help plan your day like a pro!
This new experience does more than bring a fresh attraction to Hollywood Studios—it brings back heart. Animation has always been the soul of Disney, and this offering gives it a much-needed spotlight inside a park that has shifted heavily toward big franchises. The new Magic of Disney Animation is a full walkthrough attraction, complete with interactive exhibits, character encounters, and a brand-new Olaf animatronic designed to guide guests through the experience.
The Animation Experience at Disney’s Animal Kingdom has closed as well, with the drawing focus redirected to Hollywood Studios. Disney didn’t just relocate the Animation Experience — they expanded it into a full character-driven attraction.
Whether you remember the original Magic of Disney Animation, miss the Animation Experience drawing classes in Animal Kingdom, or are simply looking for another family-friendly attraction at Hollywood Studios, this guide covers everything you need to know before your visit.
What Is The Magic of Disney Animation?
The Magic of Disney Animation is a brand-new interactive experience that celebrates the magic behind Disney’s most beloved animated films. It will blend storytelling, technology, and hands-on creativity in a way that’s perfect for guests of all ages. The entire experience is inspired by Once Upon a Studio—Disney’s 100th anniversary short film where characters from across Disney’s animated history come to life after hours.
What to Expect Inside
The official map gives visitors a peek into the attraction, showing this it is more than just a simple walk through exhibit.
The reimagined experience will feature multiple themed zones inside the former Launch Bay building, inspired by the real Walt Disney Animation Studios. This is not your typical queue-and-ride attraction
The Magic of Disney Animation will be a walk-through experience filled with interactive stations, storytelling, and character moments. Rather than following a single path from beginning to end, The Magic of Disney Animation is designed as a collection of interactive spaces guests can explore while celebrating the artistry behind Disney animation including:
Screening Theater
Your journey through The Magic of Disney Animation begins in the Screening Theater, where guests will watch a short film celebrating more than a century of Walt Disney Animation Studios. Inspired by the Emmy Award-winning short Once Upon a Studio, the presentation sets the stage for everything that follows. Think of it as the opening chapter of the attraction. It introduces the story before guests begin exploring the studio and discovering all of the interactive experiences waiting inside.
Enchanted Art Gallery
The Enchanted Art Gallery looks like a traditional Disney art exhibit at first—but don't expect it to stay that way for long. Disney has revealed that, with a little pixie dust, the artwork will magically spring to life through all-new animations created exclusively for this experience. While Disney hasn't revealed exactly which films or characters will appear, this looks like a fun transition between the more hands-on experiences. It's another reminder that this attraction isn't just about looking at animation, it's about stepping into a world where the artwork itself comes alive. The Enchanted Art Gallery appears to be a transition space between Once Upon a Studio Theater, and the hands-on experiences like Olaf Draws! It's another reminder that this attraction isn't just about looking at animation—it's about stepping into a world where the artwork itself comes alive.
Olaf Draws!
Disney Imagineering has developed an all-new, highly expressive Olaf animatronic, voiced by Josh Gad specifically for the attraction. Rather than simply meeting Olaf, guests become part of the experience as he teaches the basics of Disney animation before leading into the drawing lesson. Olaf interacts with the room, guiding visitors through the story in a small-group presentation environment. If you've ever enjoyed Animation Academy, this feels like its spiritual successor—only now the lesson is wrapped into a larger story with Olaf guiding the fun. We are really looking forward to this part of the attraction.
Off the Page! Brings the Animation Process to Life
Rather than placing characters in generic meet-and-greet locations, Off the Page! invites guests to explore six different departments found inside a real Walt Disney Animation Studios production. As you move through the space, each department showcases a different step in the animation process, with beloved Disney characters helping tell the story through themed sets and interactive photo opportunities. The experience was created in collaboration with both Walt Disney Animation Studios and Walt Disney Imagineering to celebrate the artistry behind every animated film.
Animation Department | Character | What You'll Learn |
Story | Mulan | How storyboards map out scenes before animation begins |
Layout | Rapunzel | How backgrounds and camera perspectives create depth |
Hand-Drawn Animation | Chip 'n' Dale | Disney's traditional hand-drawn animation process |
Computer Animation | Donald & Daisy | Modern CGI animation techniques |
Lighting | Goofy | How lighting creates mood and atmosphere |
Effects | Stitch | How visual effects bring magic, weather, fire, and water to life |
“Drawn to Wonderland” Indoor Playground
This new indoor play space is inspired by Mary Blair’s Alice in Wonderland concept art and will include:
Oversized flowers and instruments
A Mad Tea Party-style area
Scenes from the whimsical Tulgey Wood
Mary Blair's Alice and Wonderland Art from @disneyparksblog.com
Who Was Mary Blair?
Mary Blair was a pioneering Disney artist and designer known for her bold color choices and modernist style. She created concept art for animated classics like Alice in Wonderland, Cinderella, and Peter Pan, and her influence can still be seen in beloved attractions like it’s a small world and the mosaic mural at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. A true Disney Legend, her whimsical work continues to shape the look and feel of Disney magic to this day.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: This will be a fantastic break spot for families with young kids. Expect air conditioning, seating, and a dose of creative chaos in the best possible way.
Animation Courtyard has changed to “The Walt Disney Studios”
As part of this transformation, the entire Animation Courtyard has been reimagined to look like the historic Walt Disney Studios Lot in Burbank, California.
Here's what that includes:
Courtyard-style layout with shaded seating and relaxed gathering spaces
Design inspired by classic studio architecture
A more immersive vibe connecting the animation experience with nearby stage shows
And the Sorcerer Mickey Hat is officially back at Hollywood Studios—but in a completely new way. The hat is a focal point on top of the Magic of Disney Animation building in the Animation Courtyard. Instead of returning as the park’s central icon, it’s now part of the architecture—serving as a nostalgic nod to the park’s past while anchoring its new animation-focused future.
This area is already open to guests. We were able to walk through this area on our summer trip to Disney, and we loved all the updates, and searching for the different animals and characters sprinkled throughout the courtyard.
Plutos Corner in the Walt Disney Studios Courtyard in Hollywood Studios
👉 See how all these experiences fit into the larger 2026 schedule in our Disney World 2026 Opening Updates Guide
Who Will Love This Experience?
Unlike many of the updates across the parks this one has a broader appeal for both families with little ones and adults who love learning about Disney animation. It’s one of the few new additions designed with younger kids in mind. There’s no height requirement, no intense wait times, and plenty of opportunities for creative play. For families, this is a huge win.
The new Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! show plus the Indoor Playground make this a perfect stop for pre-schoolers. The Olaf Draw! area is perfect for those who love learning about Disney Animation. Off the Page gives us a deeper dive into that as well, plus some pretty fantastic character meet & greets. Long-time fans of Hollywood Studio will love the nostalgic callback to the closed attraction. Most importantly the whole thing is indoors, creating a perfect escape during the afternoon heat or a thunder shower.
A Look Back at the Original Magic of Disney Animation
I still remember the very first time I experienced The Magic of Disney Animation, back in 1989 on my honeymoon (we got married so young—but are still making it!) when Hollywood Studios had just opened. It was truly magical, offering a rare glimpse behind the curtain into the world of Disney animation. In those early days, when the park was more about showbiz than thrill rides, this experience stood out as one of the highlights of any visit. Years later, when Lyn and Kim were young, our family loved spending time there together—especially watching real Disney animators at work on films like Mulan and Lilo & Stitch. It was such a special blend of education, artistry, and character fun—an experience that really made you feel like you were part of the Disney storytelling magic.
Slowly over time, the experience evolved. Disney Feature Animation Florida closed in 2003, and the pavilion shifted toward more of an exhibit-style experience. Eventually, we stopped making it a priority. After serving guests for over 25 years, the experience closed on July 12, 2015, to make way for Star Wars: Launch Bay.
Fast forward to today, when Disney is returning to this part of the parks’s animation roots, The Magic of Disney Animation. This new version won’t feature real animators working live, it captures the same spirit of creativity and wonder through interactive studio spaces, hands-on drawing activities, and playful character encounters. There’s even an indoor playground inspired by Mary Blair’s Alice in Wonderland art that adds a fresh, kid-friendly twist.
At its heart, both versions aim to pull back the curtain on Disney’s animation legacy—just in different ways. The original offered a behind-the-scenes view of real animation production, with observation decks and animation tutorials that sparked the imaginations of aspiring artists. The new experience leans into immersive storytelling and interactivity, with living portraits, drawing classes, and character meet-and-greets set in a whimsical re-creation of an animation studio while the “real animators” are away. It’s a shift from realism to fantasy—but one that still celebrates the timeless magic of Disney animation in a way that today’s families will love.
👋 What About Star Wars Launch Bay Characters and Props?
With The Magic of Disney Animation taking over the Launch Bay space, the current Star Wars meet-and-greets and prop displays will say goodbye after September 24, 2025.
The good news? Characters like Chewbacca, Darth Vader, and BB-8 aren’t gone for good—Chewie is already a regular in Galaxy’s Edge, and Disney is expected to relocate other character interactions to the Star Wars-themed areas of the park.
Want all the deets of what characters can be found at Disney Hollywood Studios? Check out our Hollywood Studios Character Guide.
As for the props, costumes, and concept art that have filled Launch Bay since it opened? Disney hasn’t announced specific plans to relocate them, but it’s possible some may find new homes elsewhere in Hollywood Studios—or return to the archives.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Want one last photo with Darth Vader or a peek at those rare Star Wars artifacts? Be sure to stop by before September 25, 2025, when Launch Bay officially closes to make way for the new experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Magic of Disney Animation
When will the Magic of Disney Animation open at Hollywood Studios?
While the outdoor area and Disney’s Junior’s Mickey Mouse Clubhouse live show opening for Cool Kids Summer 2026, Disney has announced the Magic of Disney Animation experience will open September 14, 2026 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Is the Animation Experience drawing class coming back?
Yes. The hands-on character drawing class that used to be at Animal Kingdom is returning as part of the new Magic of Disney Animation experience. Disney has confirmed guests will once again be able to learn how to draw a Disney character with an animator-led class, though the format may be expanded or updated.
Where will the new Animation Experience be located?
The experience will be inside the former Star Wars Launch Bay building in Animation Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Disney is re-theming the building into a Walt Disney Animation Studio-inspired space designed to feel like you’ve stepped into a real working animation studio.
Why did the Animation Experience close at Animal Kingdom?
The closure was not a permanent removal. Disney closed the Animal Kingdom location as part of the larger change of Rafiki’s Planet Watch to Bluey’s Wild World. The drawing class is being relocated and expanded into a larger, more permanent attraction at Hollywood Studios instead. In other words — it wasn’t cancelled, it was upgraded.
Will Olaf Draws! feature different drawing lessons?
Disney has confirmed that guests will be able to learn to draw a variety of Disney characters, including favorites like Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Genie, Moana, Stitch, Olaf, Ursula, and Judy Hopps & Nick Wilde, with guidance from Disney Animation artists.
What Disney hasn't announced yet is how those lessons will rotate—whether different characters will be offered throughout the day, seasonally, or on another schedule. We'll update this guide as soon as Disney shares more details after opening.
Can adults participate in Olaf Draws!?
Absolutely! While Disney hasn't specifically addressed age requirements, there's every reason to believe Olaf Draws! will be for guests of all ages.
The original Magic of Disney Animation drawing classes at Hollywood Studios, and the more recent Animation Experience at Disney's Animal Kingdom, welcomed both children and adults. Learning to draw Disney characters has long been one of those experiences that appeals to aspiring artists, longtime Disney fans, and families creating memories together, and we expect Olaf Draws! to continue that tradition.
Will this be good for younger kids?
Yes. Hollywood Studios has amazing rides, but historically has had very limited activities for younger children and very few indoor spaces for them to run and play during hot or rainy weather. This experience adds a seated activity, interactive elements, and character-focused content, which makes the park much easier for families with younger kids.
Do you need Lightning Lane for the Animation Experience?
Disney has not announced access details yet. Historically, the drawing classes did not require Lightning Lane and were first-come, first-served showtimes. It is very possible the new version operates as a scheduled show rather than a ride reservation, but we won’t know for sure until Disney releases operational details.
We will update this guide once Disney confirms how entry will work.
How long should I plan to spend at The Magic of Disney Animation?
Disney has not announced an expected experience time yet, so it's difficult to say exactly how long guests should budget. Because The Magic of Disney Animation includes multiple interactive experiences, character encounters, and the new Olaf Draws! animation class, we expect many families will want to spend more time here than they would in a traditional attraction.
We'll update this guide with recommended touring times after the attraction opens on September 14, 2026, and we've had the chance to experience everything ourselves.
Why this matters for planning
This addition quietly changes how families may want to plan Hollywood Studios days. The park is gaining a major indoor, air-conditioned experience that is not thrill-ride based — something it has needed for years, especially in summer.
Families traveling with younger kids, grandparents, or anyone who needs a break from heat and crowds will likely find this becomes one of the most useful stops in the park.
Hollywood Studios is packed with top-tier rides—and strategy matters.👉 Get our complete Hollywood Studios Ride Guide
And That's a Wrap
We’re seriously excited for this one. Between the nostalgic callbacks to the original Animation building, the playful tribute to Once Upon a Studio, and the promise of new character meet-and-greets and drawing opportunities, The Magic of Disney Animation looks like it’s going to be a must-do experience for us in 2026.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Want the latest Disney news delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for our newsletter for updates and Pixie Dust exclusives!
✨ Curious about everything else coming to the parks this year? Check out our full roundup of What’s New at Walt Disney World for Summer 2026 new shows, attractions, events, and more!
Pixie Dust Hugs,
Bren, Lyn, and Kim 🧚♀️
P.S. Planning your own magical getaway?
Comments