Disney Animation-Inspired Experience at Hollywood Studios Opening Sep 14th

Walt Disney Studios entrance with colorful buildings and a blue cone structure.

Published on Sep 09, 2026 by Will

The Walt Disney Animation Studios lot in Burbank, California, where beloved characters and films are created, served as inspiration for a new experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The reimagined Animation Courtyard is designed like the iconic studio lot with playful details and spaces for families to enjoy together.

Opening September 14, The Magic of Disney Animation includes new adventures under the Sorcerer Hat, interactive studios, character meet-and-greets, and immersive ways to learn about animation.

A clear glass slipper displayed on a blue velvet cushion.

Colorful accordion and a green spherical object with a plush toy.

Decorative pottery with a mythological design and a glowing flower.

Figaro the cat sleeping on a 'lost and found' box.

The Magic of Disney Animation celebrates all 64 animated feature films with hidden Easter eggs and details throughout the space. Guests can spot iconic items like the Map Sphere from Treasure Planet, Eeyore’s tail, and the Sundrop Flower from Tangled, while Figaro playfully keeps watch from atop the Lost and Found Department.

Colorful hanging lights shaped like paintbrushes in various hues.

Colorful tiles featuring Disney characters, including Winnie the Pooh and others.

Paintbrushes hanging from a colorful chandelier are personally named by artists from Walt Disney Animation Studios' Ink and Paint Department. Some tilework designs mirror those found in the Roy E. Disney Animation Building lobby in California.

Sketches of animated characters, including a cat and a smiling boy.

Sketches of animated characters, including Mr. Toad and a wizard.

Sketches of animated characters, including dogs and a dinosaur.

Throughout the area, guests can find pencil sketches of characters like Oliver from Oliver & Company, Mr. Toad from The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad, and Tod and Copper from The Fox and The Hound. In the character maquettes collection, there are figurines such as a young Tarzan and Taffyta Muttonfudge from Wreck-It Ralph.

Gray figurine of a character with a strawberry hat, posed confidently.

A small outfit with a badge labeled 'Official Conscience' on display.

Box of 'Kanine Krunchies' dog treats with bone-shaped biscuits.

A green plush toy with a mohawk, sitting on roller skates.

Display of cat collars in various colors on a wooden shelf.

Figurines of characters from 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame' on a stage.

Yellow stylized headpiece displayed on a white mannequin against a dark background.

The area also houses Treasures Untold, featuring keepsakes and iconic artifacts from Disney Animation history such as Jiminy Cricket’s outfit, Lilo’s doll Scrump, the Aristocats’ collars, and Kuzco’s crown and earrings.

The Animator’s Office is a nostalgic space designed to feel like an animator stepped away from their desk. It features the original animation desk from the park’s Animation Academy with personal touches like a Moana cap and a miniature Walt Disney Animation Studios maquette.

Signpost directing to various areas themed around Disney animation.

Sign reading 'PLUTO'S CORNER' on a curved green border.

A cartoon monkey playfully poses above a 'STUDIO STORE' sign.

Smiling cat statue on a brick wall with greenery behind.

Handprints and footprints of Disney characters on colorful paving stones.

Walt Disney Studios sign featuring Mickey Mouse and Silly Symphonies.

Two animated characters, a pig and a rabbit, on green grass.

The reimagined courtyard provides a relaxing park-like setting for families to play, snack, and discover character surprises hidden throughout the branches and grass.

Characters Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Goofy, Daisy, and a performer celebrate on stage.

Blue cone structure with stars, 'ANIMATION' sign, and colorful building exterior.

Adjacent to the courtyard, guests can enjoy live entertainment like 'The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure' at the Studio Theater and the energetic 'Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!' show, inspired by the hit Disney Jr. series Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+ where everyone helps make the party happen.

At the center of the courtyard, a building modeled after the Roy E. Disney Animation Building will house The Magic of Disney Animation. This new experience features interactive adventures, including portraits that come to life, drawing lessons, and more.

Colorful map of Disney Animation attractions and activities at Hollywood Studios.

Alice stands in Wonderland, surrounded by whimsical characters and a tea party.

Children and adults interact in a whimsical animated garden setting.

One highlight is 'Drawn to Wonderland,' an immersive playground inspired by Mary Blair’s original Alice in Wonderland concept art. It invites younger guests to explore vibrant settings like the Mad Tea Party, Mad Hatter’s house, the Queen of Hearts’ rose garden, and the mysterious Tulgey Wood.

Colorful poster featuring Disney characters Mulan, Goofy, Donald, Daisy, and Rapunzel.

Rapunzel greets a child and parent in a colorful animated setting.

Another engaging area is 'Off the Page!' where guests meet beloved characters like Mulan, Rapunzel, Chip n’ Dale, Donald and Daisy, Goofy, and Stitch, each placed in creative studio environments representing stages of the animation process.

This immersive experience was developed in collaboration with Walt Disney Imagineering and Walt Disney Animation Studios to inspire creativity and share animation's rich history.

Olaf drawing with sketches and art supplies in a colorful setting.

Olaf teaches drawing to an audience in a colorful animation studio.

Wooden sign with playful text and cartoon character, adorned with ropes.

The new attraction 'Olaf Draws!' allows guests to learn character drawing alongside the cheerful snowman Olaf, brought to life as an Audio-Animatronic figure. Visitors receive step-by-step guidance from Disney Animation artists with humor and encouragement.

Olaf plush sitting on a green chair with animation books.

Tinker Bell figurine sitting on a pile of papers on a shelf.

Shelves displaying Disney VHS tapes, figurines, and themed collectibles.

Figures from 'The Black Cauldron' displayed on a decorative base.

Inside 'Olaf Draws!', Olaf sits atop The Illusion of Life animation book surrounded by shelves filled with nostalgic keepsakes, vintage VHS tapes, character maquettes, and collectibles.

Smiling artist in a red jacket, drawing with a camera setup nearby.

Smiling woman in a red shirt sits at an animation desk.

Smiling person in a colorful shirt at an animation desk.

Filmmaker sits in a studio surrounded by cameras and animation artwork.

Woman in a black dress drawing at a studio with cameras and artwork behind her.

Smiling woman in glasses sits in front of animation artwork and cameras.

Person sitting at a drawing table with animation sketches in the background.

Artist drawing at a table, cameras and animation sketches in the background.

Person in a floral shirt sits in front of a camera with animation artwork.

Drawing classes cover characters from classics and modern films, with Disney artists teaching how to draw Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Genie, Moana, Stitch, Olaf, Ursula, and Judy Hopps & Nick Wilde.

Josh Gad, the voice of Olaf, shared excitement about inspiring a new generation of animators through this experience, highlighting Olaf’s spirit of curiosity and encouragement.

Mickey Mouse poses in front of framed Disney character portraits and a curtain.

Colorful collage of Disney animated characters celebrating creativity and animation.

The Once Upon A Studio Theater showcases the Emmy Award-winning short film, Once Upon A Studio, enhanced with effects and artwork that bring Disney Animation characters to life around guests. The space also features an enchanted art gallery where characters animate in exclusive new artworks.

Walt Disney Imagineers and Disney Animation artists collaborated to create these nostalgic and magical experiences designed to delight families and fans of all ages.

To read more about this, visit the Official Disney Parks Blog post here.
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