Disney Animation-Inspired Experience Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Walt Disney Animation Studios in Burbank, California, is a magical place where artists enter and beloved characters and films emerge. Now, picture stepping inside those legendary walls and witnessing Disney Animation characters come to life right before your eyes.  

This was the essence and concept of the Emmy Award-winning short film, “Once Upon A Studio,” which will soon inspire a new experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Located in a building reminiscent of the iconic Roy E. Disney Animation Building, the forthcoming family experience, “The Magic of Disney Animation,” is set to bring the enchantment of animation to life like never before.  

New Adventures Under the Sorcerer Hat

In 2026, the current site of Star Wars: Launch Bay will be transformed into a place where both children and the young at heart can laugh, draw, dream, and explore animated new experiences. The building will be crowned with Mickey’s iconic Sorcerer Hat (just like the real one in California!), casting a spell with pixie dust.

Our story in this newly reimagined space begins as the animators have temporarily stepped away, yet the building remains lively as the characters have come to life and are ready to play!

Inside, you will engage with and explore whimsical takes on the iconic Disney Animation headquarters, including various studio departments. This time, some of our favorite friends have taken over to create exciting adventures.

Playful and interactive moments await around every corner. Watch portraits come to life just like in “Once Upon A Studio," find inspiration with a short film (with a twist, of course), and even pencil in some time to learn how to draw their very own character sketch.

Our budding animators can explore the “Drawn to Wonderland” playground, filled with an oversized flower garden with musical instruments, a Mad Tea Party playset, and a Tulgey Wood exploration area, all inspired by the original “Alice in Wonderland” concept art from Disney Legend Mary Blair. It will be the perfect whimsical indoor play area for little ones to grow “curiouser and curiouser!”

There are so many places to explore and create, and I haven’t even mentioned the character greetings… and there are plenty! The whole family will be drawn to all the creative ways to play together when “The Magic of Disney Animation” opens at Disney’s Hollywood Studios next year.

The Walt Disney Studios Lot Comes to Life at Hollywood Studios

The magic from the Sorcerer’s Hat will reach beyond “The Magic of Disney Animation” as the entire courtyard transforms into “The Walt Disney Studios,” inspired by several buildings in Burbank. This tribute to the iconic Walt Disney Studios Lot features our version of the Studio Theater, which will continue to host “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure,” and a new Disney Jr. show at the soundstage.

While exploring the studio grounds and courtyard, families can pause to play, relax, or enjoy delicious snacks under lush trees. Be sure to look around, too. You never know who you might spot playing in the branches, basking in the sun, or digging in the grass.

Discover “Off the Page!” and Find Beloved Characters

You can delve into “Off the Page!” – a breathtaking area where you can encounter beloved characters from Walt Disney Animation Studios stories and appreciate the artistry behind each frame.

Every section provides fantastic photo opportunities with favorite characters. You can meet Mulan in the Story department, posing before a giant storyboard panel. Or enter the Layout department where Rapunzel awaits in a scene inspired by the classic multiplane camera, allowing you to see layers of backgrounds and painted cells blend together like magic.

These areas collectively showcase key stages of the animation process, each animated through character interactions. Characters guests might encounter include:

• Mulan in Story

• Rapunzel in Layout

• Chip n’ Dale in Hand-Drawn Animation

• Donald and Daisy in CG Animation

• Goofy in Lighting

• Stitch in Effects

Every part of “Off the Page!” is crafted to immerse you in the art of animation, with this experience being a collaboration between Walt Disney Imagineering and Walt Disney Animation Studios. Dan Abraham, Walt Disney Animation Studios Director and co-director of the Once Upon a Studio short, expresses his anticipation to see what guests envision after exploring the space.

“It’s so exciting because while you’re waiting to enjoy the characters, you also get a glimpse of the studio’s history,” Abraham said. “This could very well inspire individuals to lead our studio into the future when they [join Walt Disney Animation Studios] and continue this legacy that has meant so much to countless people.”

Learn to Draw with Olaf!

Experience a new Animation Academy adventure with Olaf Draws!, where the beloved snowman takes the spotlight as a lively host. With his trademark warmth, optimism, and playful humor, Olaf invites guests of all ages to delve into the art of character drawing.

As a brand-new Audio-Animatronics figure, Olaf welcomes you into a setting inspired by one of his most memorable scenes from Once Upon A Studio, seated at an animator’s desk and joyfully exploring the art of drawing.

In a reimagined animator’s studio with playful nods to Frozen, guests of all ages are encouraged to sit down and learn to draw. Aspiring young animators can ignite their creativity at sleigh-themed tables, while animator-desk-style workstations allow adults to feel as if they’ve stepped directly into the studio.

The cheerful snowman’s spirit of curiosity and encouragement inspired Josh Gad, the voice of Olaf, as he recorded original dialogue for the experience, considering what it might inspire in young artists.

“I’m so thrilled that a whole new generation of kids can dream of becoming animators one day and can actually begin their journey right there on the studio lot,” Gad shared, highlighting how Olaf Draws! transforms imagination into possibility.

Since Olaf isn’t able to draw on his own, he relies on the expertise of legendary Disney Animation artists whose pre-recorded guidance brings the class to life. Together, they lead guests step-by-step through the creative process, sharing tips, techniques, and stories directly from the studio as they learn how beloved Disney Animation characters come to life.

Each class features a different character, inspired by timeless classics and modern favorites, offering you a unique reason to return repeatedly. You may find yourselves sketching:

• Mickey Mouse, with Dan Abraham, director (Once Upon A Studio, Baymax!)

• Minnie Mouse, with Hyun Min Lee, animator (Frozen 2, The Princess and the Frog)

• Donald Duck, with Austin Traylor, animator (Once Upon A Studio, Moana 2)

• Genie, with Eric Goldberg, animator (Aladdin, Hercules)

• Moana, with Samantha Vilfort, story artist (Encanto, Zootopia 2)

• Stitch, with Fawn Veerasunthorn, director and head of story (Wish, Raya and the Last Dragon)

• Olaf, with Trent Correy, director (Once Upon A Studio, Frozen 3)

• Ursula, with Michael Woodside, animator (Big Hero 6, Encanto)

• Judy Hopps & Nick Wilde, with Byron Howard, director (Zootopia, Zootopia 2)

Where Art Springs to Life

Visitors to The Magic of Disney Animation will find an enchanted art gallery, a beautifully curated area showcasing artwork of beloved Disney Animation characters. It initially appears to be a classic gallery, but with a touch of pixie dust, a favorite character might come to life in brand-new animations made exclusively for this experience!

The adventure continues at the Once Upon A Studio Theater, where visitors can watch the Emmy Award-winning short film Once Upon A Studio. This theater is dedicated to celebrating over a century of Disney Animation storytelling, with enhanced effects that add a touch of magic.

While enjoying the film, you might notice characters appearing within the artwork on the theater walls, immersing them in this captivating tale.

Disney Animation artists and Walt Disney Imagineers are collaborating to bring the charm and nostalgia of Disney Animation films to the entire courtyard in innovative and engaging ways that families will adore. We eagerly anticipate welcoming guests to this magical place in late summer 2026.

In preparation for this transformation, Animation Courtyard and Disney Jr. Play and Dance! will close starting September 25, 2025. During this period, guests can still enjoy going under the sea with Ariel in “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” and explore the exhibits and film presentation at Walt Disney Presents.

Guests can also find the inspiration for this exciting new adventure – Disney Animation’s Once Upon a Studio – on Disney+.