The Magic of Disney Animation Now Open at Disney's Hollywood Studios

With something for everyone in the family, guests can discover new ways to connect with Disney Animation storytelling.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Sept. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Magic of Disney Animation, a brand-new collection of animation-inspired experiences, is now open at Disney's Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

Housed in a building inspired by the iconic Roy E. Disney Animation Building in Burbank, California, The Magic of Disney Animation invites guests to interact with and explore new takes on the iconic Disney Animation headquarters, including the many different studio departments. All 65 Walt Disney Animation Studios animated features films are represented throughout the experience, including artwork from the studio's upcoming 2026 feature, Disney's "Hexed."

Inspired by Disney Animation's Emmy Award-winning short film "Once Upon a Studio," the collection of experiences features playful and interactive moments around every corner as portraits come to life. One of the film directors, Dan Abraham, collaborated with Walt Disney Imagineering's Daniel Handke to bring entertainment, excitement and animation authenticity to the experience.

The collection of experiences includes:

• "Drawn to Wonderland"
• "Off the Page!"
• "Olaf Draws!"
• Once Upon a Studio Theater
• And more…

Disney Animation artists and Walt Disney Imagineers worked hand-in-hand to bring the wonder and nostalgia of the studio's films to The Magic of Disney Animation in new and immersive ways families will love. It is a place where kids and kids at heart can laugh, draw, dream and explore, bringing the wonder of animation to life like never before.

A Wonderland Made to Explore

Younger animators-to-be 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, young guests can explore, move and let their imaginations run wild.

Designed especially for little ones, the experience brings Blair's bold colors and whimsical artistic style to life while creating a playful space where families can relax, recharge and remain immersed in Disney storytelling.

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

Meet Favorite Characters Across the Animation Process in "Off the Page!"

Guests can also venture into "Off the Page!" — a stunning area where they can meet some of their favorite friends from Walt Disney Animation Studios stories while celebrating the artistry behind every frame.

Together, these spaces highlight key stages of the animation process, each brought to life through character encounters and incredible photo opportunities. Some of the characters guests may meet are:

• Mulan in Story
• Rapunzel in Layout
• Chip 'n Dale in Hand-Drawn Animation
• Donald and Daisy in Computer Animation
• Goofy in Lighting
• Stitch in Effects

Learn to Draw with Olaf in a Brand-New Animation Attraction

Guests of all ages are invited to discover their inner artist in "Olaf Draws!" where everyone's favorite snowman takes center stage as a cheerful companion, bringing them along to learn character drawing from Disney Animation artists and filmmakers.

Brought to life as an all-new Audio-Animatronics figure, Olaf welcomes guests 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.

Disney Animation artists guide guests through recorded tips, techniques and stories from inside the studio. With a combination of artistry and Olaf's signature warmth, optimism and humor, this is a fun, laugh-filled experience that leaves guests of all ages feeling inspired.

Classes feature characters from both timeless classics and modern favorites, including:

• 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") and Disney Legend
• Moana, with Samantha Vilfort, story artist ("Encanto," "Zootopia 2")
• Stitch, with Fawn Veerasunthorn, director ("Hexed," "Lilo & Scratch")
• 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")

Original dialogue for the experience was recorded by Disney Legend Josh Gad, the voice of Olaf, who reflected on the inspiration behind the project.

"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.

Once Upon a Studio Theater and More

In the Once Upon a Studio Theater, guests 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 with brand-new animation created exclusively for this experience by Disney Animation.

As guests enjoy the film, they may spot characters popping up within the artwork along the theater walls, placing them right in the middle of this enchanting story.

Guests can also discover an enchanted art gallery, a beautifully curated space filled with artwork featuring beloved Disney Animation characters. While it may appear to be a traditional gallery at first glance, a little pixie dust reveals all-new animation created exclusively for this experience, bringing the artwork magically to life.

Contact:
Walt Disney World Public Relations
[email protected] 

SOURCE Walt Disney World Resort