✨ The Magic of Disney Animation: A New Era of Imagination Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios (Summer 2026)

🎨 A New Creative Playground Arrives at Hollywood Studios

Disney has officially announced a brand‑new family experience coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios: The Magic of Disney Animation, opening in late summer 2026. This immersive attraction draws inspiration from the Emmy Award‑winning short Once Upon a Studio and brings the heart of Disney Animation to life in a way guests have never seen before.

Housed in a building reminiscent of the iconic Roy E. Disney Animation Building in Burbank, this reimagined space invites guests to step into the world where Disney’s most beloved characters are created.

🧙 New Adventures Under the Sorcerer Hat

The former Star Wars: Launch Bay is being transformed into a whimsical, character‑filled environment where the animators have “stepped out,” leaving the characters to take over. Expect:

• Portraits that magically come to life

• Interactive studio departments

• A short film with a twist

• Hands‑on drawing experiences

• Playful character encounters around every corner

This is Disney Imagineering at its most playful.

🌼 “Drawn to Wonderland” — A Magical Play Area for Little Ones

Inspired by Mary Blair’s original Alice in Wonderland concept art, this indoor playground features:

• Oversized musical flowers

• A Mad Tea Party‑themed playset

• A Tulgey Wood exploration zone

Perfect for younger guests who want to grow “curiouser and curiouser.”

🎬 The Walt Disney Studios Lot Comes to Life

The magic doesn’t stop at the building. The entire courtyard will be reimagined to resemble the legendary Walt Disney Studios Lot in Burbank. Highlights include:

• A refreshed Disney Jr. show

• The Studio Theater continuing to host The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure

• Shaded areas for families to relax and snack

• Surprise character sightings throughout the courtyard

📖 “Off the Page!” — Meet Your Favourite Characters

This new meet‑and‑greet area celebrates the artistry behind Disney Animation. Each space represents a different stage of the animation process, complete with themed backdrops and interactive elements.

Characters you may encounter include:

Animation Department	Character
Story	Mulan
Layout	Rapunzel
Hand‑Drawn Animation	Chip & Dale
CG Animation	Donald & Daisy
Lighting	Goofy
Effects	Stitch

Each encounter is designed to feel like stepping into the creative process itself.

⛄ Learn to Draw with Olaf!

One of the most exciting additions is Olaf Draws!, a new Animation Academy‑style experience hosted by an Audio‑Animatronics Olaf. Guests will learn to draw characters with guidance from legendary Disney Animation artists. Characters include:

• Mickey Mouse

• Minnie Mouse

• Donald Duck

• Genie

• Moana

• Stitch

• Ursula

• Judy Hopps & Nick Wilde

Each class features a different character, making this a repeat‑worthy experience.

🖼️ Where Art Springs to Life

Guests can explore an enchanted art gallery where artwork magically animates with a touch of pixie dust. The journey concludes in the Once Upon A Studio Theater, where the beloved short film plays with enhanced effects and surprise character appearances along the walls.

📅 Important Dates

• Opening: Late Summer 2026

• Closures: Animation Courtyard and Disney Jr. Play and Dance! close September 25, 2025

• Still Open:

  • The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure

  • Walt Disney Presents exhibits and film

✨ Final Thoughts

The Magic of Disney Animation promises to be one of the most imaginative additions to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in years. Whether you’re a lifelong Disney Animation fan or visiting with little ones, this new experience blends nostalgia, creativity, and interactive fun in a way only Disney can.

Source: Magic of Disney Animation and More Coming to Hollywood Studios