Step Inside the Magic: Disney Animation Experience Coming to Hollywood Studios!
Get ready, Disney fans, because something truly magical is coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2026! Remember that heartwarming short film, “Once Upon A Studio,” where all our favorite Disney characters came to life inside the iconic Walt Disney Animation Studios? Well, prepare to step right into that fantasy, because a brand-new experience, “The Magic of Disney Animation,” is about to make that dream a reality!
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Imagine a building that looks just like the Roy E. Disney Animation Building in California, complete with Mickey’s iconic Sorcerer Hat on top, ready to sprinkle pixie dust on everything! This isn’t just a new attraction; it’s a whole reimagining of the current Star Wars: Launch Bay area. When it opens in 2026, you’ll be able to laugh, draw, dream, and explore in ways you’ve only imagined.
The story goes that the animators have stepped out for a bit, but the characters? They’ve come to life and are ready to play! You’ll get to explore hilariously playful versions of the different studio departments, all taken over by our beloved Disney pals. Get ready for interactive fun around every corner. Think portraits coming to life just like in “Once Upon A Studio,” a short film with a surprising twist, and even a chance to learn how to draw your very own character sketch. How cool is that?
For the little animators-to-be, there’s “Drawn to Wonderland,” an incredible playground inspired by Mary Blair’s original “Alice in Wonderland” concept art. Picture an oversized flower garden with musical instruments, a Mad Tea Party playset, and a whimsical Tulgey Wood exploration area. It’s going to be the perfect indoor spot for little ones to get “curiouser and curiouser!” And let’s not forget the character greetings, there will be tons! This whole experience is designed to get the entire family creating and playing together.
But the magic doesn’t stop at “The Magic of Disney Animation.” The pixie dust from the Sorcerer’s Hat will transform the entire courtyard into “The Walt Disney Studios,” a nod to the legendary lot in Burbank. This includes our very own version of the Studio Theater, which will still house “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure,” and a fresh Disney Jr. show in the soundstage. You can even relax, play, or grab a snack under lush trees in the courtyard. And keep your eyes peeled, you never know which characters might be playing in the branches or soaking up the sun!
Disney Animation artists and Walt Disney Imagineers are teaming up to bring all the wonder and nostalgia of Disney Animation films to life in incredibly immersive ways. We absolutely cannot wait for you to experience this fantastical place in 2026.
Just a heads-up for your fall plans: Animation Courtyard and Disney Jr. Play and Dance! will close starting September 25, 2025, to get ready for this transformation. But don’t worry, you can still dive “under the sea” with Ariel in “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” and check out the exhibits and film at Walt Disney Presents during this time. And if you want a sneak peek of the inspiration for all this magic, be sure to watch “Once Upon a Studio” on Disney+! Get ready for an adventure you won’t forget!
Credit: Disney Parks
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