Walt Disney Animation Studios has long been a place where imagination turns sketches into legends. Soon, that same creative spark will shine at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in a brand-new experience inspired by the Emmy Award-winning short film Once Upon A Studio.

Opening in late summer 2026, “The Magic of Disney Animation” will transform the former Star Wars: Launch Bay space into a vibrant celebration of storytelling, artistry, and beloved characters.

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Step Inside the Studio Magic

Inspired by the iconic Walt Disney Animation Studios in Burbank, this reimagined space mirrors the charm of the Roy E. Disney Animation Building — complete with Mickey’s Sorcerer Hat crowning the entrance.

Inside, the story begins as though animators have stepped away for the day… but the characters have come to life. Guests will explore playful versions of real animation departments, where familiar faces have taken over to create interactive fun around every corner.

Portraits spring to life just as they did in Once Upon a Studio. Short films come with imaginative twists. Budding artists can even learn to sketch their very own character creations.

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Drawn to Wonderland: A Whimsical Play Space

Young dreamers can tumble down the rabbit hole into “Drawn to Wonderland,” an indoor playground inspired by original concept art from Disney Legend Mary Blair.

Oversized musical flowers, a Mad Tea Party playset, and a Tulgey Wood exploration zone create a curiously delightful world where little ones can grow “curiouser and curiouser” in comfort.

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The Walt Disney Studios Courtyard Comes to Life

The magic extends beyond the building itself. The surrounding courtyard transforms into “The Walt Disney Studios,” inspired by the historic Burbank lot.

Guests can still enjoy “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” while a refreshed Disney Jr. show takes the stage nearby. Shaded seating areas, playful details in the trees, and charming surprises throughout the grounds create a relaxed atmosphere perfect for exploring, snacking, and unwinding between adventures.

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“Off the Page!” Character Encounters

In the immersive “Off the Page!” experience, favorite characters appear within spaces themed to real animation departments:

• 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

From oversized storyboard panels to layered multiplane-inspired backdrops, each setting celebrates a key stage of the animation process while offering unforgettable photo opportunities.

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Olaf Draws! at the Animation Academy

A reimagined Animation Academy welcomes guests with “Olaf Draws!” — hosted by everyone’s favorite snowman from Frozen.

Brought to life as a charming Audio-Animatronics figure, Olaf invites guests into a whimsical animator’s studio inspired by his memorable moment in Once Upon A Studio. With warmth, humor, and optimism, he encourages artists of all ages to pick up a pencil and create.

Pre-recorded guidance from Disney Animation artists leads each session step-by-step. Classes rotate characters from timeless classics to modern favorites, including:

• Mickey Mouse

• Minnie Mouse

• Donald Duck

• Genie

• Moana

• Stitch

• Olaf

• Ursula

• Judy Hopps & Nick Wilde

Each visit offers something new to sketch — and a new reason to return.

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Where Art Springs to Life

An enchanted gallery showcases stunning artwork celebrating more than a century of Disney Animation storytelling. With a touch of pixie dust, select pieces come alive through exclusive animations created just for this experience.

The journey continues inside the Once Upon A Studio Theater, where the Emmy Award-winning short plays with enhanced effects. Characters even appear within the artwork along the theater walls, immersing guests in the celebration of animation history.

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Important Dates to Know

As construction begins, Animation Courtyard and Disney Jr. Play and Dance! will close on September 25, 2025. During the transformation, guests can still enjoy:

• “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure”

• Walt Disney Presents exhibits and film presentation

“The Magic of Disney Animation” is set to debut in late summer 2026 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios — inviting families to laugh, draw, dream, and step straight into the pages of animation history.

For a sneak peek of the inspiration behind this enchanting new adventure, check out Once Upon A Studio on Disney+.