- Mar 13, 2024
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The MAGIC is officially back at Hollywood Studios this September.
The Magic of Disney Animation in Walt Disney Studios
On September 14th, the park will debut a new version of the opening day Magic of Disney Animation! First announced in 2025, this new take on the classic is replacing the Star Wars Launch Bay (which is a bit of “theme park inception” since the Launch Bay is what replaced the original Magic of Disney Animation over a decade ago). However, this isn’t just one singular attraction. Rather, it’s four distinct new experiences!
These experiences will be set at the back of the newly renamed Walt Disney Studios Lot — based on the real Disney lot in Burbank, California — area of the park.
©Disney
Like its predecessor, The Magic of Disney Animation will make its home in the buildings that once functioned as the park’s real, functioning animation studio.
©Disney
The Once Upon A Studio Theater will present the Emmy Award-winning short film Once Upon A Studio, upon which The Magic of Disney Animation is based.
©Disney
In addition, the theater will also present “enhanced effects that add an extra layer of magic.” For instance, “you may spot characters popping up within the artwork along the theater walls, placing you right in the middle of this enchanting story.” The whole presentation sounds like it will truly feel like Disney’s animation studio is coming to life all around you.
©Disney
The Magic of Disney Animation will also host Olaf Draws, a class where YOU can learn how to draw iconic Disney animated characters in classes led by Olaf himself…with the help of some legendary Disney Animation artists who will help bring the class to life.
©Disney
Olaf will be a brand-new Audio-Animatronic figure as he welcomes people into a new space, inspired by one of his most memorable moments from Once Upon A Studio, sitting at an animator’s desk, joyfully discovering the art of drawing. Josh Gad, the voice of Olaf, returned to record original dialogue for the experience.
©Carlye Wisel
In Olaf Draws, each class features a different character, so you can return again and again! You may sketch any of the following in the class:
©Disney
In this experience, guests will meet beloved Disney characters across “six unique departments from the animation studio,” including Story, Layout, Hand-Drawn Animation, Computer Animation, Lighting, and Effects.
©Disney
Though specific characters may vary, here are some examples of whom you may encounter, and where:
©Disney
Lastly, guests will be able to experience a whimsical indoor play area for the “youngest animators-to-be!” featuring an “oversized flower garden with musical instruments, a Mad Tea party playset, and a Tugley Wood exploration area.”
©Disney
The whole playground is inspired by Disney Legend Mary Blair’s original concept art for Alice in Wonderland.
Drawn to Wonderland Playground Concept Art ©Disney
The Magic of Disney Animation — and its four distinct new attractions — is opening at Hollywood Studios on September 14th. We’ll be there, so be sure to stay tuned to Magical Guides for full coverage of this new experience!
Which part of the Magic of Disney Animation are you most excited for? Let us know in the comments below.
The Magic of Disney Animation in Walt Disney Studios
On September 14th, the park will debut a new version of the opening day Magic of Disney Animation! First announced in 2025, this new take on the classic is replacing the Star Wars Launch Bay (which is a bit of “theme park inception” since the Launch Bay is what replaced the original Magic of Disney Animation over a decade ago). However, this isn’t just one singular attraction. Rather, it’s four distinct new experiences!
These experiences will be set at the back of the newly renamed Walt Disney Studios Lot — based on the real Disney lot in Burbank, California — area of the park.
©Disney
Like its predecessor, The Magic of Disney Animation will make its home in the buildings that once functioned as the park’s real, functioning animation studio.
©Disney
The Once Upon A Studio Theater
The Once Upon A Studio Theater will present the Emmy Award-winning short film Once Upon A Studio, upon which The Magic of Disney Animation is based.
©Disney
In addition, the theater will also present “enhanced effects that add an extra layer of magic.” For instance, “you may spot characters popping up within the artwork along the theater walls, placing you right in the middle of this enchanting story.” The whole presentation sounds like it will truly feel like Disney’s animation studio is coming to life all around you.
©Disney
Olaf Draws
The Magic of Disney Animation will also host Olaf Draws, a class where YOU can learn how to draw iconic Disney animated characters in classes led by Olaf himself…with the help of some legendary Disney Animation artists who will help bring the class to life.
©Disney
Olaf will be a brand-new Audio-Animatronic figure as he welcomes people into a new space, inspired by one of his most memorable moments from Once Upon A Studio, sitting at an animator’s desk, joyfully discovering the art of drawing. Josh Gad, the voice of Olaf, returned to record original dialogue for the experience.
©Carlye Wisel
In Olaf Draws, each class features a different character, so you can return again and again! You may sketch any of the following in the class:
- Mickey Mouse, with Dan Abraham, director (Once Upon A Studio, Baymax!)
- Minnie Mouse, with Hyun Min Lee, animator (Frozen 2, The Princess and the Frog)
- Donald Duck, with Austin Traylor, animator (Once Upon A Studio, Moana 2)
- Genie, with Eric Goldberg, animator (Aladdin, Hercules)
- Moana, with Samantha Vilfort, story artist (Encanto, Zootopia 2)
- Stitch, with Fawn Veerasunthorn, director and head of story (Wish, Raya and the Last Dragon)
- Olaf, with Trent Correy, director (Once Upon A Studio, Frozen 3)
- Ursula, with Michael Woodside, animator (Big Hero 6, Encanto)
- Judy Hopps & Nick Wilde, with Byron Howard, director (Zootopia, Zootopia 2)
©Disney
Disney Character Greetings at “Off the Page”
In this experience, guests will meet beloved Disney characters across “six unique departments from the animation studio,” including Story, Layout, Hand-Drawn Animation, Computer Animation, Lighting, and Effects.
©Disney
Though specific characters may vary, here are some examples of whom you may encounter, and where:
- Mulan in Story (posing in front of an oversized storyboard panel)
- Rapunzel in Layout (in “a setting inspired by the classic multiplane camera”)
- Chip n’ Dale in Hand-Drawn Animation
- Donald and Daisy in Computer Animation
- Goofy in Lighting
- Stitch in Effects
©Disney
Drawn to Wonderland Playground
Lastly, guests will be able to experience a whimsical indoor play area for the “youngest animators-to-be!” featuring an “oversized flower garden with musical instruments, a Mad Tea party playset, and a Tugley Wood exploration area.”
©Disney
The whole playground is inspired by Disney Legend Mary Blair’s original concept art for Alice in Wonderland.
Drawn to Wonderland Playground Concept Art ©Disney
The Magic of Disney Animation — and its four distinct new attractions — is opening at Hollywood Studios on September 14th. We’ll be there, so be sure to stay tuned to Magical Guides for full coverage of this new experience!
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Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
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Which part of the Magic of Disney Animation are you most excited for? Let us know in the comments below.
