Animation fans, keep those pencils sharpened: Disney’s Hollywood Studios is about to look a little more like the place where the drawings become legends.

On September 14, The Magic of Disney Animation opens inside the reimagined Animation Courtyard. Inspired by the real Walt Disney Animation Studios lot in Burbank, California—and the Emmy Award-winning short Once Upon A Studio—the new collection of experiences invites guests into a playful version of the animation headquarters, where familiar faces have clearly been left unsupervised.

A Studio Lot With a Few Extra Characters

The centerpiece of the refreshed courtyard is a building inspired by California’s Roy E. Disney Animation Building, complete with Mickey’s Sorcerer Hat perched on top. Inside, Disney Animation’s departments become places to explore, draw, laugh and uncover surprises.

For the first time at Walt Disney World, all 64 Disney animated feature films are represented throughout the setting. That means almost any favorite character, story or deep-cut reference could be tucked into a corner, overhead display or piece of studio clutter.

In the reception area, the Lost and Found Department is holding onto a particularly unusual haul: the Map Sphere from Treasure Planet, Eeyore’s tail, a vase showing Hercules battling the Hydra and the Sundrop Flower from Tangled. Figaro keeps watch from above—and appears to have claimed a few treasures for personal feline reasons.

Look up for a colorful chandelier whose paintbrushes were individually named by members of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Ink and Paint Department. Its tilework matches designs found in the lobby of the Roy E. Disney Animation Building in California. Elsewhere, pencil sketches include Oliver from Oliver & Company, Mr. Toad from The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad, and Tod and Copper from The Fox and the Hound.

From Wonderland to the Animation Desk

Young artists can tumble into “Drawn to Wonderland,” an indoor playground inspired by Disney Legend Mary Blair’s original Alice in Wonderland concept art. The Mad Tea Party, the Mad Hatter’s house, the Queen of Hearts’ rose garden and the Cheshire Cat’s Tulgey Wood shape a colorful world made for active exploration, climbing and wandering.

Then there is “Off the Page!”, where animation’s behind-the-scenes departments become character encounter spaces. Mulan appears in Story in front of an oversized storyboard panel, while Rapunzel greets guests in Layout amid a scene inspired by the classic multiplane camera.

Keep an eye out for Chip n’ Dale in Hand-Drawn Animation, Donald and Daisy in CG Animation, Goofy in Lighting, and Stitch in Effects. Maquettes—small sculptures animators use to study a character from every angle—also make appearances, including a young Tarzan on a tree trunk and Taffyta Muttonfudge from Wreck-It Ralph.

At Treasures Untold, a gallery of studio keepsakes includes Jiminy Cricket’s suit and gold star pin, Kanine Krunchies from One Hundred and One Dalmatians, Lilo’s doll Scrump, the Aristocats’ collars, and Kuzco’s crown and earrings. The Animator’s Office carries a little Hollywood Studios history of its own: its animation desk has been preserved from the park’s original Animation Academy. A Moana cap, a miniature Walt Disney Animation Studios maquette, artwork and plenty of desk-side curiosities complete the scene.

Olaf Has a Drawing Class—and a Desk

At “Olaf Draws!”, a new Audio-Animatronics Olaf sits at an animator’s desk inspired by his Once Upon A Studio appearance and helps guide guests through character drawing. Disney Animation artists share recorded tips, techniques and stories from inside the studio, while Olaf supplies the snowman commentary.

Before class begins, peek behind the marquee for Olaf’s hand-drawn tribute to the Jungle Cruise. Inside, he sits atop The Illusion of Life, the influential animation book by Disney Legends Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston. Nearby shelves hold vintage VHS tapes, maquettes, nostalgic toys and even a figurine from The Black Cauldron.

Drawing sessions may include Mickey Mouse with director Dan Abraham; Minnie Mouse with animator Hyun Min Lee; Donald Duck with animator Austin Traylor; Genie with animator Eric Goldberg; Moana with story artist Samantha Vilfort; Stitch with director and head of story Fawn Veerasunthorn; Olaf with director Trent Correy; Ursula with animator Michael Woodside; or Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde with director Byron Howard.

Josh Gad recorded original dialogue for the experience, bringing Olaf’s curiosity and encouragement to the lesson. The result is part drawing class, part animation-studio scrapbook, with a very enthusiastic snowman running the show.

Once Upon a Studio, Now Playing

The Once Upon A Studio Theater screens the Emmy Award-winning short film that helped inspire the entire experience. Enhanced effects add another layer to the film, while characters may appear within the artwork along the theater walls. It is a theater where the frame does not always know when to quit.

An enchanted art gallery nearby begins as a traditional display of Disney Animation artwork—but favorite characters may spring to life in exclusive new animations. Portraits throughout the experience can also come to life, echoing the delightful visual tricks of Once Upon A Studio.

The Courtyard Still Has Plenty Going On

Outside, the reimagined Animation Courtyard borrows the architecture and atmosphere of the Burbank studio lot, including details such as Pluto’s Corner. Lush trees create a park-like place to relax, snack and watch for character surprises in the branches, grass or sunshine.

The neighboring venues remain busy, too. The Studio Theater continues to house “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure,” while the nearby soundstage is home to “Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!”, now open.

Inspired by Disney Jr.’s Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+, the live show begins with Mickey and Minnie preparing for a party—only to discover their friends have vanished from the guest list. Guests help clap, cheer and dance through the search as Goofy, Daisy and Pluto make their way back for the Clubhouse celebration.

Beginning September 14, The Magic of Disney Animation adds a whole new chapter to Animation Courtyard: one filled with artwork, hidden references, familiar friends and enough creative sparks to make even a blank page feel promising.