Disney Parks • September 15, 2026
The Magic of Disney Animation opens at Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Olaf, Stitch, and 64 films in the spotlight
Since September 14, 2026, Disney’s Hollywood Studios has hosted a new version of The Magic of Disney Animation, designed as an immersion into the behind-the-scenes world of Walt Disney Animation Studios. Drawing with Olaf, meet-and-greets with Stitch or Rapunzel, a universe inspired by Mary Blair, and references to 64 Disney animated feature films: here is what you need to know.
Disney has just breathed new life into the Animation Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. The reimagined space is directly inspired by the atmosphere of the Walt Disney Animation Studios campus in Burbank, California, as well as the short film Once Upon a Studio. The goal is not just to celebrate the characters: Disney is also showcasing the crafts, techniques, and various stages that bring an animated film to life.
A piece of the Burbank studio in the heart of Walt Disney World
The main building incorporates design cues from the Roy E. Disney Animation Building and is particularly recognizable by its large Sorcerer's Hat. Around it, Disney sought to recreate a creative campus vibe: outdoor spaces, nods to the studios, and hidden details for visitors who love to observe every setting.
Disney specifies that this is the first time at Walt Disney World that all 64 of the studio's animated feature films are represented in a single experience. Some tributes are very subtle. In a "lost and found" style area, for example, one can spot references to Treasure Planet, Winnie the Pooh, Hercules, or Tangled.
- The Magic of Disney Animation was announced for an opening on September 14, 2026.
- The entire space is inspired by both the Disney Animation studios in Burbank and Once Upon a Studio.
- All 64 Walt Disney Animation Studios feature films are represented through the experience and its numerous details.
- Disney Animation and Walt Disney Imagineering collaborated on the design of this new version.
The four experiences to remember
Drawn to Wonderland: the world of Mary Blair becomes a playground
Drawn to Wonderland is an indoor play area inspired by Disney Legend Mary Blair's artistic research for Alice in Wonderland. Here, colors, shapes, and composition are as important as the characters. This is likely one of the most interesting parts for fans of Disney animation history, as it transforms concept art into a setting that you can truly explore.
Off the Page!: meeting characters through the crafts of animation
With Off the Page!, character meet-and-greets are integrated into different departments of an animation studio. Disney notably presents the Story department with Mulan, Layout with Rapunzel, traditional animation with Chip 'n Dale, 3D animation with Donald and Daisy, lighting with Goofy, and effects with Stitch.
The concept is particularly clever: each set serves as both a meeting place and a brief visual introduction to a stage of film production. As always in Disney parks, character appearances may change and should not be considered guaranteed on every visit.
Olaf Draws!: learning to draw with the snowman
The Olaf Draws! experience puts drawing back at the center of The Magic of Disney Animation. Visitors take paper and pencil to learn how to sketch a Disney character, accompanied by Olaf and tips recorded by artists from Walt Disney Animation Studios. Disney presents Olaf as a workshop companion who punctuates the session with his usual humor.
For fans of Frozen, it is also a different way to reconnect with the character: not in a narrative attraction, but in an environment directly linked to artistic creation.
Once Upon a Studio Theater: 100 years of animation in one place
The Once Upon a Studio Theater screens the Emmy Award-winning short film in a space designed specifically around the legacy of Disney Animation. Mickey, Minnie, and numerous characters gather there to celebrate over a century of creation. Disney also announces effects integrated into the theater that extend the experience beyond the screen.
Why Disney fans and collectors will want to look everywhere
This new venue does not rely solely on large installations. A significant part of its appeal comes from the Easter eggs, props, and references scattered throughout the decor. For enthusiasts who love to identify a work from an object, a silhouette, or a graphic detail, The Magic of Disney Animation is almost like a scavenger hunt.
This approach should particularly appeal to collectors: it highlights very famous films, but also titles less frequently represented in the parks. However, Disney did not announce a range of exclusive collector's products for this experience in the information reviewed. It would therefore be premature to assume a dedicated merchandise offering is guaranteed.
Olaf and Stitch play an important role in this new experience. You can find our selections for Frozen and Lilo & Stitch. To extend the theme of behind-the-scenes and Disney expertise, also discover our article dedicated to the hairstyles and makeup of Disney Stars on Parade at Disneyland Paris.
And at Disneyland Paris?
As of September 15, 2026, Disney has announced neither a transfer of The Magic of Disney Animation to Disneyland Paris, nor an equivalent experience directly inspired by this new version at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The opening is indeed for Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Any mention of a future Parisian version would therefore, at this stage, be purely speculative.
This does not stop this novelty from being interesting to follow from France. It shows the way Disney chooses today to showcase its own creative heritage: less as a classic museum than as an interactive universe blending characters, sets, drawing, animation history, and meet-and-greets.
FAQ – The Magic of Disney Animation
When did The Magic of Disney Animation open?
Disney announced the opening of this new version for September 14, 2026, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Where is The Magic of Disney Animation located?
The experience is located in the Animation Courtyard of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, one of the parks at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.
What is Olaf Draws!?
It is a drawing experience where visitors learn to sketch Disney characters with Olaf, following video tips recorded by artists from Walt Disney Animation Studios.
Which characters can you meet in Off the Page!?
Disney notably features Mulan, Rapunzel, Chip 'n Dale, Donald and Daisy, Goofy, and Stitch in areas inspired by the different departments of an animation studio. Appearances may vary, however.
Is a version planned for Disneyland Paris?
No. As of September 15, 2026, no version of this experience has been announced for Disneyland Paris.
A new address to follow for animation enthusiasts
Between the presence of 64 feature films, hidden references, the drawing experience with Olaf, and character meet-and-greets integrated into the various studio departments, The Magic of Disney Animation clearly aims at visitors who love to understand how Disney magic is made. It is also a way for Walt Disney World to put animation back at the center of Disney’s Hollywood Studios with a family-oriented offering rich in detail.
Once Upon Magic will continue to follow future official announcements regarding this experience, especially if Disney reveals new characters, additional animations, or a dedicated product line.