In just four days, Disney’s Hollywood Studios will unveil its most anticipated new experience of the year. On September 14, 2026, The Magic of Disney Animation officially opens its doors — and based on the first-look photos and details Disney just released, it’s going to be something special.
This isn’t just a ride or a show. It’s an entire reimagined Animation Courtyard that brings the magic of Walt Disney Animation Studios off the screen and into the parks in a way we’ve never seen before. Whether you’re a lifelong animation fan, a parent looking for the perfect indoor break, or someone who just loves spotting hidden details, here’s everything you need to know before opening day.
What Is The Magic of Disney Animation?
The Magic of Disney Animation is a brand-new collection of experiences housed in a building inspired by the iconic Roy E. Disney Animation Building in Burbank, California — the actual headquarters of Walt Disney Animation Studios. Mickey’s Sorcerer Hat sits on top, just like the real building. Inside, guests explore reimagined versions of the studio’s different departments, but with a twist: some of your favorite Disney characters have “taken over” to create interactive adventures.
It’s the spiritual successor to the old Animation Academy, but on a completely different scale. For the first time at Walt Disney World, all 64 Walt Disney Animation Studios feature films are represented throughout the space. That means every single animated classic — from Snow White to Moana 2 — has a presence, whether it’s a hidden easter egg, a maquette, a piece of concept art, or a full character encounter.
The Four Main Experiences
1. Drawn to Wonderland
This is the one families with young kids will love. Drawn to Wonderland is an immersive indoor playground inspired by the original Alice in Wonderland concept art by Disney Legend Mary Blair. Kids can climb through the Mad Tea Party, explore the Mad Hatter’s house, wander the Queen of Hearts’ rose garden, and discover the Cheshire Cat’s Tulgey Wood. The space uses bold colors, whimsical shapes, and Blair’s unmistakable artistic style to create a play area that’s equal parts art gallery and adventure zone. It’s designed especially for little ones — a place to burn energy while staying fully immersed in Disney storytelling.
2. Off the Page!
This is where character meets meet the animation process. Each encounter is set within a different studio department, turning a standard meet-and-greet into an immersive art experience. You might meet Mulan in the Story department, posing in front of an oversized storyboard panel. Or step into Layout where Rapunzel stands amid a recreation of the classic multiplane camera setup, with layers of backgrounds and painted cells coming together like magic. Other characters include Chip n’ Dale in Hand-Drawn Animation, Donald and Daisy in Computer Animation, Goofy in Lighting, and Stitch in Effects. Every corner celebrates a different stage of the animation pipeline.
3. Olaf Draws!
Yes, you read that right — an Audio-Animatronics Olaf teaches a drawing class. This is the evolution of the old Animation Academy, but now you’re learning to draw alongside a walking, talking, singing snowman. It’s the kind of experience that captures what Disney does best: taking something familiar (a character we love) and using it to make something new (a drawing class) feel genuinely magical.
4. Once Upon A Studio Theater
Inspired by the Emmy Award-winning short film Once Upon A Studio, this theater space celebrates the moment when Disney characters “leap off the screen and into our world.” Portraits come to life before your eyes, just like they did in the short film. It’s a love letter to Disney animation history and a perfect capstone to the whole experience.
Hidden Details and Easter Eggs You’ll Want to Spot
One of the things that makes The Magic of Disney Animation special is the sheer density of detail. Disney Imagineering and Walt Disney Animation Studios collaborated on every corner, and fans who take their time will be rewarded. Here are just a few things to look for:
The Lost and Found Department — Glance overhead in the reception area and you’ll spot recognizable “lost” items from Disney films, including the Map Sphere from Treasure Planet, Eeyore’s tail, a vase depicting Hercules’ fight against the Hydra, and the Sundrop Flower from Tangled.
Figaro the Cat — Figaro from Pinocchio watches over the Lost and Found, occasionally flicking his tail. He’s claimed a few of the lost treasures as his own.
The Paintbrush Chandelier — Each paintbrush hanging from the colorful chandelier overhead is individually named after members of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Ink and Paint Department. It’s a personal tribute to the artists behind the magic.
Matching Tilework — The decorative tiles in the lobby are the same vibrant designs you’ll find in the actual Roy E. Disney Animation Building in California.
Pencil Sketches — Look for sketches of Oliver from Oliver & Company, Mr. Toad, and Tod and Copper from The Fox and the Hound.
Maquettes — Small sculptures used by animators to study characters from every angle. Spot a young Tarzan perched on a tree trunk and Taffyta Muttonfudge from Wreck-It Ralph.
Treasures Untold Gallery — A collection of keepsakes and artifacts from across Disney animation history, including Jiminy Cricket’s suit and gold star pin, a box of Kanine Krunchies from 101 Dalmatians, Lilo’s doll Scrump, the Aristocats’ collars, and Kuzco’s crown and earrings.
The Animator’s Office — A detail-packed space designed to feel like a real animator just stepped away. The desk is preserved from the original Animation Academy, creating a tangible connection to Hollywood Studios’ animation legacy. Look for a Moana cap, miniature maquettes, and personal touches scattered throughout.
The Reimagined Animation Courtyard
Beyond the building itself, the entire courtyard has been transformed. Inspired by the relaxed, park-like atmosphere of the Walt Disney Studios lot, the area now features Pluto’s Corner, lush trees, character surprises, and thoughtful details hidden throughout. You never know who you might see playing in the branches, soaking up the sun, or digging in the grass.
The neighboring theaters and soundstages continue to offer live entertainment, including The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure in the Studio Theater and the newly opened Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! in a nearby soundstage. So the courtyard isn’t just a pathway — it’s a destination.
Planning Tips for Opening Day and Beyond
When to go: September 14 is a Monday, which means opening day crowds will be significant but not peak-summer levels. If you can wait a week or two, crowds will likely thin out as the initial hype settles. That said, this is a mostly indoor experience, making it a perfect midday escape from the September heat.
How long to budget: Plan for 60–90 minutes to truly explore everything. If you’re traveling with kids who want to spend time in Drawn to Wonderland, budget closer to 2 hours. The Olaf Draws! sessions run on a schedule, so check the My Disney Experience app for times when you arrive.
Best time of day: Hit it early in the morning or late afternoon. Midday will be the most crowded, especially since families will naturally gravitate toward the air conditioning. If you’re using Lightning Lane Multi Pass, check whether any of the experiences are included — Olaf Draws! and Off the Page! are the most likely candidates.
For animation superfans: Take your time. The easter eggs are the real draw here. Bring a phone with a good camera, look up, look down, and check every corner. The Imagineering team has packed this space with more references than any single attraction at WDW. Consider doing a second walkthrough later in the day when crowds die down — you’ll spot things you missed the first time.
For families: Drawn to Wonderland is the highlight for kids under 8. It’s a safe, enclosed play space where they can run, climb, and explore while you recharge. Pair it with Olaf Draws! for a perfect indoor block that kills two hours of heat and gives everyone a souvenir sketch to take home.
The Magic of Disney Animation represents something bigger than just a new attraction. It’s Disney investing in the thing that built the company — the art of animation. By recreating the studio lot and letting guests walk through it, Disney is giving us a behind-the-scenes experience that used to be reserved for employees. It’s a celebration of craft, of the artists whose names are on that chandelier, and of 87 years of animated feature films.
It also signals a broader shift at Hollywood Studios. The park has been evolving from a “studio” theme park into something more immersive, and The Magic of Disney Animation bridges the gap beautifully — it still celebrates the process of filmmaking, but in a way that’s interactive, character-driven, and genuinely fun for all ages.
With Monstropolis, Tropical Americas, and other major expansions on the horizon for 2027 and beyond, this opening is the first taste of what the next era of WDW looks like. And if this is the bar they’re setting, we’re in for something special.
The Bottom Line
The Magic of Disney Animation opens September 14, 2026 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It’s included with regular park admission. It’s indoors (praise be, in September). It has something for every age group. And it might just be the most detail-rich environment Disney has ever built.
Don’t sleep on this one. See you at the studios. ✨