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

Walt Disney Animation Studios in Burbank, California, is a place where magic truly happens – where artists create beloved characters and films. Imagine entering those iconic walls and witnessing Disney Animation characters come to life in our world.

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. Set in a building reminiscent of the iconic Roy E. Disney Animation Building, this upcoming family experience, “The Magic of Disney Animation,” is preparing to bring the wonder of animation to life like never before.

Join The Fun at Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!

Starting May 26, the Clubhouse is inviting you to join the fun! Inspired by Disney Jr.’s hit series Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+, this live show transforms into a feel-good celebration where you don’t just watch the fun… you help create it.

Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse are ready to start the big party, but when their friends are missing, the event turns into a playful search. With music leading the way, you’ll clap, cheer, and dance along as the adventure unfolds — and soon, Goofy, Daisy Duck, and Pluto join in to bring the Clubhouse celebration to life.

New Adventures Under the Sorcerer Hat

In 2026, the area currently known as Star Wars: Launch Bay will be transformed into a magical space where both children and the young at heart can laugh, draw, dream, and discover animated new experiences. Atop the building will sit Mickey’s iconic Sorcerer Hat (just like the one in California!), casting spells with pixie dust.

The adventure in this newly reimagined area begins with the animators momentarily away… yet the building is alive with activity as characters have sprung to life and are eager to play!   

Inside, visitors will interact with and explore whimsical versions of the iconic Disney Animation headquarters, including various studio departments. This time, some beloved characters have taken over to craft the exciting adventures.

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

Our youngest aspiring animators can delve into the “Drawn to Wonderland” playground, featuring 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 by Disney Legend Mary Blair. It’s the ideal whimsical indoor play area for little ones to become “curiouser and curiouser!”  

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

The Walt Disney Studios Lot Springs to Life at Hollywood Studios

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

As families explore the studio grounds and courtyard area, they can pause to play, relax, or enjoy delicious snacks under the shade of lush trees. Be sure to keep an eye out, as you never know who might be playing in the branches, basking in the sun, or exploring the grass.

Discover “Off the Page!” and Find Beloved Characters

Visitors can explore “Off the Page!” – a breathtaking area where they can encounter some of their beloved friends from Walt Disney Animation Studios tales while appreciating the artistry behind each frame.

Every space provides fantastic photo opportunities with cherished characters. Guests can meet Mulan in the Story department, posing in front of a giant storyboard panel. Or enter the Layout department where Rapunzel awaits in a setting inspired by the classic multiplane camera, allowing guests to see layers of backgrounds and painted cells come together like magic.

Together, these areas emphasize key stages of the animation process, each brought to life through character interactions. Some 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 aspect of “Off the Page!” is crafted to engage guests in the art of animation, a joint effort between Walt Disney Imagineering and Walt Disney Animation Studios. Dan Abraham, Director at Walt Disney Animation Studios and co-director of the Once Upon a Studio short, expresses his excitement about what guests might create after experiencing the space.

“It’s amazing because while you’re waiting to enjoy time with the characters, you’re also getting a glimpse into the studio’s history,” Abraham remarked. “This experience could inspire individuals to lead our studio into the future when they [join Walt Disney Animation Studios] and continue this legacy that has touched so many lives.”

Learn to Draw with Olaf!

Join the new Animation Academy adventure with Olaf Draws!, where everyone's favorite snowman becomes the delightful 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 guests into a setting inspired by one of his iconic moments from Once Upon A Studio, where he sits at an animator's desk, joyfully exploring the art of drawing.

Entering a reimagined animator's studio with playful references to Frozen, guests of all ages are encouraged to sit down and learn to draw. Budding young animators can ignite their creativity at sleigh-themed tables, while animator-desk-style workstations invite those young at heart to feel like they've stepped right 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 can't quite draw by himself, he relies on the expertise of some legendary Disney Animation artists, whose pre-recorded guidance enlivens the class. Together, they guide 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 session highlights a distinct character, drawing inspiration from timeless classics and contemporary favorites, offering guests a fresh reason to revisit. They might find themselves sketching:

• Mickey Mouse, guided by 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

As guests explore The Magic of Disney Animation, they will find an enchanted art gallery, a beautifully curated space showcasing artwork of beloved Disney Animation characters. Initially, it resembles a traditional gallery, but with a touch of pixie dust, a favorite character may come to life in brand-new animations crafted exclusively for this experience!

The journey continues in the Once Upon A Studio Theater, where guests can watch the Emmy Award-winning short film Once Upon A Studio. Inside this dedicated theater, celebrating over a century of Disney Animation storytelling, enhanced effects add an extra layer of magic.

As guests enjoy the film, they might notice characters appearing within the artwork along the theater walls, placing them right in the heart of this enchanting story.

Disney Animation artists and Walt Disney Imagineers are collaborating to bring the wonder and nostalgia of Disney Animation films to the entire courtyard in new and immersive ways that families will adore. We eagerly await guests experiencing this magical place in late summer 2026.

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

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