The Magic of Disney Animation opens later this summer at Disney's Hollywood Studios, giving families a new indoor animation space in the reworked Animation Courtyard area.
The outside of the land is already doing part of the job. The Walt Disney Studios Lot opened around the existing Little Mermaid theater and the new Disney Jr. soundstage, with studio-lot details, shaded paths, character touches, and places to slow down before the indoor animation experience arrives.
What The Magic of Disney Animation is
The indoor experience takes over the former Star Wars: Launch Bay building and turns it into a Disney Animation play-and-character space. The building is modeled after the Roy E. Disney Animation Building in Burbank, including Mickey's Sorcerer Hat on top.
The idea is simple enough for guests to understand before they walk in: the animators have stepped away, the characters have come to life, and families move through animation-inspired rooms built for photos, drawing, play, and short breaks from the heat.
The Walt Disney Studios Lot
The courtyard is the first part guests see. It uses Burbank studio-lot touches, a Studio Theater for The Little Mermaid - A Musical Adventure, and a nearby soundstage for Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live.
The area gives Hollywood Studios another family zone near the front half of the park, with places to sit, snack, take photos, and let younger kids reset between headliners.
Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live
Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live opened May 26. Mickey and Minnie lead a party-style search for Goofy, Daisy, and Pluto, with music, clapping, cheering, and enough movement to work for younger kids who need something more active than a sit-still theater show.
The nearby Disney Jr. Zone adds character greetings, bubbles, and music. Sofia the First and Bitsy from SuperKitties are part of the summer lineup.
Off the Page character areas
Off the Page is the character-heavy piece in The Magic of Disney Animation. The rooms are themed to animation departments, so the queue and meet-and-greet areas do more than move people toward a photo.
The announced character lineup includes Mulan in Story, Rapunzel in Layout, Chip and Dale in Hand-Drawn Animation, Donald and Daisy in CG Animation, Goofy in Lighting, and Stitch in Effects.
Olaf Draws
Olaf Draws brings back the drawing-class idea with a new host. An Audio-Animatronics Olaf welcomes guests into a reworked animator's studio, with Frozen details, sleigh-themed tables for kids, and animator-style desks for older guests.
Pre-recorded guidance from Disney Animation artists walks guests through the sketching process. This should be the most repeatable part of the indoor lineup if the character being drawn changes often enough.
Drawn to Wonderland
Drawn to Wonderland is the indoor playground for younger guests. It uses Mary Blair's original Alice in Wonderland concept art, with oversized flowers, musical instruments, a Mad Tea Party playset, and a Tulgey Wood play area.
This is the piece families may use as a pressure valve. Hollywood Studios can still be hard on small kids because so many marquee attractions have height requirements, loud effects, or long waits. An indoor play area near character stops gives the park a softer option without leaving the gate.
Once Upon a Studio Theater and gallery
The Once Upon a Studio Theater screens the Emmy-winning short with added in-room effects. Nearby artwork can animate with new character moments made for the experience, turning the gallery into something guests may want to scan instead of walk past.
The best use is probably after a hotter or louder part of the day. Let kids draw, play, and meet characters, then move back toward shows or meals instead of forcing another headliner immediately.
How to plan around it
Until the indoor experience opens, treat The Walt Disney Studios Lot as a shorter stop: Disney Jr., courtyard photos, shade, snacks, and a family reset. Once The Magic of Disney Animation opens, budget more time.
Families with toddlers and preschoolers should pair the area with Frozen Sing-Along, Toy Story Land, or a meal break. Guests chasing thrill rides can still use it as a mid-afternoon reset when Tower of Terror, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, and Galaxy's Edge have done enough damage for one block of the day.
Image credit: Disney Parks Blog.
Official sources
- Disney Parks Blog: Disney Animation-Inspired Experience Coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios
- Disney Parks Blog: Cool KIDS' SUMMER at Disney World