The Magic of Disney Animation Officially Opens at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

The Magic of Disney Animation has officially opened at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, marking the debut of a new collection of experiences that celebrate the studio’s animation history. Housed in a recreation of the Roy E. Disney Animation Building, the attraction features a facade topped by the signature Sorcerer Mickey Hat with nighttime lighting.

Guests inside can explore the Once Upon a Studio Theater, which screens the award-winning short film that inspired the land. The surrounding area includes the Enchanted Gallery, where animated portraits come to life, and Drawn to Wonderland, an indoor playground themed after Mary Blair’s original concept art for Alice in Wonderland.

At Olaf Draws!, visitors can use paper and pencils to learn how to sketch Disney characters alongside an Audio-Animatronic figure of Olaf and pre-recorded lessons from Disney animators. The Off the Page! area features character meet-and-greets in settings inspired by specific animation departments, including Mulan in Story, Rapunzel in Layout, Chip ‘n’ Dale in Hand-Drawn Animation, Donald and Daisy Duck in Computer Animation, Goofy in Lighting, and Stitch in Effects.

Outside in the Animation Courtyard, visitors can find roaming character encounters, including Pluto at Pluto’s Corner, along with intermittent appearances from characters like the White Rabbit and Suzy and Perla.

To celebrate the opening, Disney released a group photo featuring 60 characters from its animated films. Commemorative merchandise has also debuted at Celebrity 5 & 10 and the Studio Store, including the Baymax sipper for $19.49. The sipper is sold in the Animation Courtyard with a beverage blend of Minute Maid lemonade, DOLE pineapple juice, and watermelon syrup, with a limit of two per customer. New pins are also available for purchase, such as the Olaf Draws! pin for $14.99, the Mickey & Minnie pin for $21.99, and a limited edition jumbo pin for $99.99.

The new experience is currently scheduled to operate from 9 AM to 9 PM, with operating hours for Olaf Draws! ending at 8:30 PM and Off the Page! ending at 6:30 PM. Beginning September 28, posted operating hours for the building will change to 10 AM to 6 PM.