Posted on July 09, 2026
Disney is renowned for reviving the iconic stories and animations that made our childhoods unforgettable. Each stroke of ink and splash of color rekindles memories of our beloved Disney characters and their adventures.
For the best nostalgic experience full of magic, Walt Disney World® lets us connect with these beloved stories. At Disney’s Hollywood Studios®, you can capture the essence of Disney animation through immersive experiences waiting for you to explore:
Ready to relive the magic of Disney animation? Read on.
Stepping into Walt Disney Animation Studios in Burbank, California feels like a dream, where magic happens. Artists create beloved characters and films, bringing Disney Animation to life.
The Emmy-winning short film, Once Upon A Studio, will inspire a new experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®. "The Magic of Disney Animation" will feature animation displays in a venue resembling the Roy E. Disney Animation Building. The Magic of Disney Animation starts later, but outdoor storytelling begins on May 26. It will transform the courtyard into "The Walt Disney Studios." There will be a Studio Theater for The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure and a Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! soundstage in a lovely park setting.
The Clubhouse is opening on May 26, and you're on the guest list! This live performance is inspired by Disney Jr.'s Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+. Join in the fun as Mickey and Minnie search for their missing friends. Clap, cheer, and dance along as Goofy, Daisy Duck, and Pluto join the party!
This summer, enjoy fun with your family at “The Magic of Disney Animation” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®. Don’t forget the exciting and always fun character greetings!
Magic from the Sorcerer’s Hat extends beyond Disney Animation. The courtyard is being transformed into “The Walt Disney Studios,” inspired by Burbank buildings. It celebrates the Walt Disney Studios Lot with a new Studio Theater for showing “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure”.
It will also feature a new Disney Jr. show on the soundstage. Families can walk around the grounds and courtyard. They can take breaks to play, relax, or eat snacks under the trees. They might spot someone enjoying the branches, sun, or grass.
You'll love "Off the Page." It's a fun place to see your favorite characters from Walt Disney Animation Studios and enjoy the art in every scene. Every area is great for taking fun photos with these characters. You can find Mulan in the Story department, posing in front of a huge storyboard panel.
Visit the Layout department to see Rapunzel in a scene inspired by the old multiplane camera. Watch how the layers of backgrounds and painted cells fit together like magic. These areas show key parts of the animation process, brought to life by character interactions. Get ready to find some characters like:
“Off the Page!” immerses you in the world of animation, crafted by Walt Disney Imagineering in collaboration with Walt Disney Animation Studios. Dan Abraham, the Director of Walt Disney Animation Studios and co-director of Once Upon a Studio, is excited to hear what guests think after their visit. Here’s what he said:
“It’s so cool because you’re waiting in line to have fun with the characters… and you’re getting to see a bit of history of the studio as well. It could very well inspire people to move our studio into the future when they [join Walt Disney Animation Studios] and carry on this legacy that has meant so much to so many people.”
Check out the new Animation Academy adventure, Olaf Draws!, where our favorite snowman is the cheerful host. With his signature warmth, positivity, and fun humor, Olaf invites everyone, young and old, to jump into character drawing. You can also meet a cool new Audio-Animatronics version of Olaf! He'll greet you in a place inspired by his amazing scenes from Once Upon A Studio. You'll sit at an animator’s desk and enjoy drawing happily.
Guests of all ages are invited to explore their drawing skills in a charming new animator's studio inspired by Frozen! At the sleigh-themed tables, young animators can let their creativity flow, while the animator-desk workstations create a fun studio vibe. How cool is it that Josh Gad’s recording was inspired by Olaf, encouraging our budding 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 emphasized how Olaf Draws! is set to bring imagination to life.
Olaf seeks help from legendary Disney Animation artists to improve his drawing. With their pre-recorded guidance, the class comes alive. Experience Disney magic as you learn tips and studio stories about creating iconic characters.
Are you excited to be guided by the magical hands that created your favorite Disney icons? You'll soon find yourself sketching these beloved characters:
Explore the Magic of Disney Animation, where you’ll find a captivating art gallery filled with your favorite Disney characters. It may seem like a typical gallery, but it features magic that animates your favorite characters uniquely!
Your adventure continues at the Once Upon A Studio Theater! It's the perfect opportunity to enjoy the Emmy Award-winning short film Once Upon A Studio. This theater marks over a hundred years of Disney Animation, with better effects that make the experience even more magical. As you watch, keep an eye out for characters from the artwork on the walls, which will immerse you in the delightful story!
We can all feel your excitement about the experiences waiting for you at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®! Animation is such an important part of Disney's history, and the talented folks behind each character are just as pumped! Get ready to be blown away by vibrant colors, admire the magical details, and soak in the nostalgia.
Disney Animation artists and Imagineers at Walt Disney are teaming up to create a fantastic experience that families will adore. Share these unique and enchanting moments with your loved ones. Grab your Walt Disney World® discount tickets for timeless adventures at the Most Magical Place on Earth. Can’t wait to see you there!
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