The Magic of Disney Animation Opening Summer 2026 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Updated: 2/23/26

Get ready to step into a world where Disney animation literally comes to life! In the summer of 2026, “The Magic of Disney Animation” will open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World offering an immersive, interactive experience inspired by the artistry, characters, and wonder of Walt Disney Animation Studios.

Based on the ideas behind the short Once Upon a Studio, animated characters come to life; characters will leap from their portraits, draw with us, and invite us into a “Drawn To Wonderland” playground inspired by Disney Legend Mary Blair’s original Alice in Wonderland concept art.

“Off the Page!”: Step Into the Animation Studio

And that’s just the beginning! You’ll also be able to venture into “Off the Page!” Here, you can meet some of your favorite friends from Disney stories across six unique departments from the animation studio and each space offers incredible photo opportunities:

• 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

Olaf Draws! Brings a Fresh Twist to Disney Animation Classes

Disney is switching things up, and now, we get to learn how to draw with Olaf!

The newly announced Olaf Draws! experience will feature Olaf himself as an Audio-Animatronic host, guiding Guests through the art of character drawing in a reimagined animator’s studio setting. And yes, Josh Gad has recorded brand-new dialogue for the experience, bringing Olaf’s signature humor and heart to the class.

Stepping inside, Guests will find themselves surrounded by playful nods to Frozen in a space designed to feel like a real working animation studio. Young artists can sit at adorable sleigh-themed tables, while other workstations resemble authentic animator desks, making everyone feel like they’ve stepped right onto the Disney Animation lot.

Since Olaf doesn’t exactly have hands made for sketching, he calls in some serious backup.

The experience will feature pre-recorded guidance from legendary Disney Animation artists who walk Guests step-by-step through drawing beloved characters. Along the way, they’ll share insider tips, techniques, and stories from inside the studio, giving participants a behind-the-scenes look at how iconic characters come to life.

Who Can I Draw?

Each class focuses on a different character, so no two visits are the same. You might find yourself drawing:

• Mickey Mouse with Dan Abraham (Once Upon A Studio, Baymax!)
• Minnie Mouse with Hyun Min Lee (Frozen 2, The Princess and the Frog)
• Donald Duck with Austin Traylor (Once Upon A Studio, Moana 2)
• Genie with Eric Goldberg (Aladdin, Hercules)
• Moana with Samantha Vilfort (Encanto, Zootopia 2)
• Stitch with Fawn Veerasunthorn (Wish, Raya and the Last Dragon)
• Olaf with Trent Correy (Once Upon A Studio, Frozen 3)
• Ursula with Michael Woodside (Big Hero 6, Encanto)
• Judy Hopps & Nick Wilde with Byron Howard (Zootopia, Zootopia 2)

I am a little bummed to hear that there won’t be live animators in the room with you teaching you. I just did the experience for one last time at Conservation Station at Rafiki’s Planet Watch and having a different animator there each time made for unique experiences.

That being said, I am excited that we are returning to animation classes at Disney’s Hollywood Studios!

More Artsy Fun in The Magic of Disney Animation

And if you thought the creativity stopped at Olaf Draws!, think again.

As you continue exploring The Magic of Disney Animation, you’ll step inside an enchanted art gallery that celebrates beloved Disney Animation characters in a truly unique way.

At first glance, the space feels like a traditional gallery filled with beautiful artwork. But this is Disney, so of course there’s a twist. With just a little pixie dust, your favorite characters may suddenly spring to life in all-new animations created exclusively for this experience. The art quite literally comes alive around you.

(Honestly… does this give anyone else major Disney Cruise Line vibes?)

From there, your artistic journey continues into the Once Upon A Studio Theater, where Guests can enjoy the beloved short film Once Upon A Studio.

As you watch, you may notice characters popping up within the artwork along the theater walls, making you feel as though you’ve stepped right into the animated world yourself. It’s an immersive experience that blurs the line between the gallery, the screen, and the story, placing you right in the middle of the action.

Oh and let’s not forget the “Drawn to Wonderland” playground! This area will be filled with an oversized flower garden with musical instruments, a Mad Tea Party playset, and a Tulgey Wood exploration area, all inspired by the original “Alice in Wonderland” concept art from Disney Legend Mary Blair. Best of all, it’s an INDOOR play area, which will be perfect for those incredibly hot summer days that Florida is known for!

A New Era for Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Between interactive drawing classes, living artwork, and immersive film experiences, The Magic of Disney Animation is shaping up to be one of the most creative and heartfelt additions to the park.

But, The Magic of Disney Animation is part of the broader transformation of the Animation Courtyard area, which will also include the debut of:

• Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! (summer 2026)
• Additional upgrades and storytelling enhancements

Together, these additions will create a brand-new hub celebrating Disney animation in all its forms from sketch to screen.

Connect With Us

Follow A Disney World After All for all the latest Disney news and tips.

But now, I want to know your thoughts. Are you excited for The Magic of Disney Animation? You can share with me in the comments or on social! Find me on Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram, Threads,  BlueSky, and TikTok.

Book Your Next Trip!

Want to book a Walt Disney World Resort vacation? Jocelyn Martins at The Magic For Less Travel specializes in the art of personalized vacation planning. She provides a guest-driven, concierge level planning service. Best of all, Jocelyn’s service is provided free of charge. Click here to get your free, no-obligation quote today! (Yes, that’s an affiliate link. I would greatly appreciate that if you would like to book a vacation you consider clicking and helping me!)