References to all 64 Disney animated feature films fill The Magic of Disney Animation, opening September 14 at Disney's Hollywood Studios. The indoor experience combines character encounters, drawing lessons with an Audio-Animatronics Olaf, a playground and a short-film theater.
Sixty-four films, hidden in the details
The reception area's Lost and Found display includes references to Treasure Planet, Hercules and Tangled. Paintbrushes hanging above the room were individually named by artists in Walt Disney Animation Studios' Ink and Paint Department.
Character sketches and maquettes, the small sculptures artists use to study a character's shape, appear around the animation departments. A separate Treasures Untold gallery holds keepsakes from the films. The displays include Jiminy Cricket's suit and star pin, Lilo's doll Scrump, Aristocats collars and items tied to The Emperor's New Groove, One Hundred and One Dalmatians and other films.
Four experiences under the Sorcerer Hat
The collection brings together four named stops. Drawn to Wonderland is an indoor playground based on Mary Blair's Alice in Wonderland concept art. Off the Page! places character encounters inside animation departments, including Story, Layout, Hand-Drawn Animation, Computer Animation, Lighting and Effects.
Olaf Draws! uses an all-new Audio-Animatronics Olaf and recorded guidance from Disney Animation artists. Classes with artists and directors teach guests to draw characters including Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Genie, Moana, Stitch, Olaf, Ursula, Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde.
The Once Upon a Studio Theater screens the Emmy Award-winning short that inspired the project with added effects, alongside an animated art gallery where characters can appear in new animations made for the space.
The Animator's Office also preserves a piece of the park's earlier animation attractions: a desk from the original Animation Academy, surrounded by artwork and keepsakes.
Source: Disney Parks Blog, Sept. 9, 2026.
Images: Disney Parks Blog.