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

The Walt Disney Animation Studios lot in Burbank, California, is a place of sheer enchantment – artists enter, and beloved characters and films emerge. Now, picture exploring that campus and witnessing Disney Animation characters come to life off the screen and into our world. 

This was the essence and concept of the Emmy Award-winning short film, Once Upon A Studio, which inspired the revamped Animation Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Inspired by the architecture and ambiance of the legendary Walt Disney Studios lot, the redesigned area includes iconic details like Pluto’s Corner, set in a relaxed, park-like environment for families to enjoy together… and some favorite characters are ready to join in the fun.

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details at The Magic of Disney Animation

For the first time at Walt Disney World, all 64 animated feature films are showcased in this creative, fan-centric environment, ensuring that you might discover your favorite character, story, or hidden reference in the most unexpected places.

As you energetically enter the reception area, you might notice that some details are immediately apparent, while others reveal themselves to those who take a closer look. Looking up, you’ll discover the studio’s whimsical Lost and Found Department, filled with familiar items such as the Map Sphere from Treasure Planet, Eeyore’s tail, a vase illustrating Hercules’ battle with the Hydra, and the Sundrop Flower from Disney Animation’s Tangled. Figaro also observes from above, appearing to have claimed some of the lost treasures as his own, occasionally flicking his tail as he “watches” over the room.

There is also a heartfelt, personal homage to the artists responsible for the magic, with each paintbrush hanging from the vibrant chandelier above individually named by the members of Walt Disney Animation Studios' Ink and Paint Department. If the decorative tilework seems oddly familiar, it is because you will see the same lively designs in the lobby of the Roy E. Disney Animation Building in California.

As you explore the area, you should look for pencil sketches of well-known characters such as Oliver from Oliver & Company, Mr. Toad from The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad, and Tod and Copper from The Fox and The Hound.

While sketches are often the highlight, animators use more than just these. They also depend on maquettes, which are small sculptures that allow artists to examine a character from all angles, ensuring every drawing aligns with the design. In the "Off the Page!" exhibit, keep an eye out for a young Tarzan on a tree trunk and Taffyta Muttonfudge from Wreck-It Ralph.

After viewing these maquettes, head to Treasures Untold, where a gallery full of keepsakes, mementos, and iconic artifacts from Walt Disney Animation Studios awaits.

As you explore the collection, you'll encounter items like Jiminy Cricket’s suit and gold star pin, a box of Kanine Krunchies from One Hundred and One Dalmatians, Lilo’s doll Scrump, the Aristocats’ collars, and even Kuzco’s crown and earrings.

As the animated journey at Hollywood Studios concludes, stop by the Animator’s Office, a detailed space made to feel as if a real animator has just left their desk.

This animation desk, preserved from the original Animation Academy at Hollywood Studios, serves as a tangible link to the park’s rich animation history. If you are observant you might notice a Moana cap, a miniature Walt Disney Animation Studios maquette, and a variety of keepsakes, artwork, and personal touches throughout the room.

The Walt Disney Studios Lot Comes to Life at Hollywood Studios 

The redesigned courtyard is ideal for families to play, relax, or enjoy snacks under lush trees.

Animation enthusiasts of all ages will enjoy exploring the area, as there are character surprises and thoughtful details hidden throughout. You never know who you might see in the branches, basking in the sun, or exploring the grass.

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

This area remains full of vibrant entertainment within nearby theaters and soundstages, including the Studio Theater, which still hosts “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure,” and a nearby soundstage featuring “Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!”

Now open, the Clubhouse invites guests on the guest list! Inspired by Disney Jr.’s hit series Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+, this live show becomes a feel-good celebration where you not only watch the fun but also 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 mission. With music leading the way, you will 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

At the heart of this reimagined courtyard, a building inspired by the iconic Roy E. Disney Animation Building will soon host The Magic of Disney Animation, a brand-new collection of experiences opening on September 14. Mickey’s iconic Sorcerer Hat even crowns the building (just like the real one in California).

Inside, guests will interact with and explore fresh takes on the iconic Disney Animation headquarters, including various studio departments. This time, some favorite pals have taken over to create fun adventures.

Playful and interactive moments abound. Guests can watch portraits come to life as in Once Upon A Studio, and even pencil in some time to learn how to draw their own character sketch. It’s a place where kids and kids at heart can laugh, draw, dream, and explore, bringing the magic of animation to life like never before.

The collection of experiences includes:

• “Drawn to Wonderland”

• “Off the Page!”

• “Olaf Draws!”

• Once Upon A Studio Theater

• And more…

If you are visual people, here’s a playful graphic that showcases the variety of ways you can experience the creativity and wonder of animation throughout The Magic of Disney Animation.

A Wonderland Made to Explore

Young aspiring animators can step into the whimsical world of “Drawn to Wonderland,” an immersive indoor playground inspired by the original Alice in Wonderland concept art from Disney Legend Mary Blair. From the playful chaos of the Mad Tea Party and Mad Hatter’s house to the Queen of Hearts’ vibrant rose garden and the Cheshire Cat’s mysterious Tulgey Wood, every corner invites young guests to explore, move, and let their imaginations run wild.

“Drawn to Wonderland” comes alive with bold colors, whimsical shapes, and Blair’s unmistakable artistic style. Designed especially for little ones, the space offers families a fun, energetic place to play and recharge while staying fully immersed in Disney storytelling.

Chosen for its spirit of curiosity, imagination, and discovery, Disney’s Alice in Wonderland naturally lends itself to an environment built for exploration through active play. Younger kids will love climbing, wandering, and creating their own adventure around every corner of this new playground.

Explore “Off the Page!” and Spot Favorite Friends

You can also explore “Off the Page!” – a beautiful area where they can meet some of their favorite characters from Walt Disney Animation Studios stories while celebrating the artistry behind every frame.

Each space offers fantastic photo opportunities with beloved characters. You can meet Mulan in the Story department, posing in front of an oversized storyboard panel. Or step into the Layout department where Rapunzel awaits in a setting inspired by the classic multiplane camera, where you will see layers of backgrounds and painted cells come together like magic.

Together, these spaces highlight key stages of the animation process, each brought to life through character encounters. Some characters you may spot 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 corner of “Off the Page!” is crafted to immerse you in the art of animation, 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, is eager to see what you dream up after visiting the space.

“It’s amazing because you’re waiting in line to have fun with the characters… and you’re also getting a glimpse of the studio’s history,” Abraham said. “It could very well inspire people to move our studio into the future when they [join Walt Disney Animation Studios] and continue this legacy that has meant so much to so many people.”

Learn to Draw with Olaf!

Enter the new attraction “Olaf Draws!” where everyone’s favorite snowman takes center stage as a cheerful companion, guiding you in learning character drawing from some of the biggest names in Disney animation.

Brought to life as a new Audio-Animatronics figure, Olaf welcomes you into a space inspired by one of his most memorable moments from Once Upon A Studio sitting at an animator’s desk, joyfully discovering the art of drawing.

You will go step-by-step through the creative process, guided by Disney Animation artists through recorded tips, techniques, and stories from inside the studio. With Olaf’s playful humor, it becomes a fun, laugh-filled experience that leaves guests feeling inspired.

Before you head inside to sketch a familiar face, you can peek at the back of the marquee, where Olaf has sketched his own tribute to the legendary Jungle Cruise attraction. It’s exactly the kind of imaginative, slightly quirky drawing you would expect from everyone’s favorite snowman.

Once you take your seat inside the space, you will find Olaf surrounded by inspiration. He sits atop The Illusion of Life, the influential animation book by Disney Legends Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston, while nearby shelves overflow with animation keepsakes, from vintage VHS tapes and character maquettes to nostalgic toys like a figurine of The Black Cauldron.

Classes will feature characters from both timeless classics and modern favorites. Guests may find themselves 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)

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

“I’m 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!” turns imagination into possibility.

Once Upon A Studio Theater and More

In the Once Upon A Studio Theater, you can enjoy the Emmy Award-winning short film that inspired it all, Once Upon A Studio. Inside this dedicated theater honoring more than a century of Disney Animation storytelling, enhanced effects add an extra layer of magic.

As you watch the film, you may notice characters appearing within the artwork along the theater walls, placing them right in the midst of this enchanting story.

You can also explore an enchanted art gallery, a beautifully curated space filled with artwork featuring beloved Disney Animation characters. At first glance, it seems like a traditional gallery, but with a touch of pixie dust, some favorite characters may come to life in new animations created exclusively for this experience!

Disney Animation artists and Walt Disney Imagineers are collaborating to bring the wonder and nostalgia of Disney Animation films to The Magic of Disney Animation in new and immersive ways families will love. Experience this fantastical place, starting on September 14.