Disney World just turned Animation Courtyard into the kind of place where kids can climb through Wonderland, meet characters inside an animator’s workspace and learn to draw with Olaf.
The Magic of Disney Animation opened September 14 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It is not one single show. It is a collection of experiences built around how Disney Animation stories move from a sketch to the screen.
What is inside The Magic of Disney Animation?
Disney’s official rundown names four major pieces:
- Olaf Draws!: A drawing experience hosted by an Olaf Audio-Animatronics figure, with recorded instruction from Disney Animation artists.
- Off the Page!: Character encounters staged around parts of the animation process. Disney says the rotating possibilities include Mulan, Rapunzel, Chip ’n’ Dale, Donald, Daisy, Goofy and Stitch.
- Drawn to Wonderland: An indoor play space inspired by Mary Blair’s concept art for Alice in Wonderland.
- Once Upon a Studio Theater: A dedicated presentation of the animated short with effects and character-filled artwork around the theater.
That mix matters. A family does not have to choose between one seated attraction and one character line. There are things to watch, things to do and a play space for younger kids who have reached the “I cannot stand in another queue” portion of the day.
Olaf teaches the drawing class—but real Disney artists guide it
Inside Olaf Draws!, Olaf sits at an animator’s desk while recorded Disney artists take guests through a character sketch step by step.
The announced character lineup includes Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Genie, Moana, Stitch, Olaf, Ursula, Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde. The artists connected to those lessons have credits on movies including Frozen 2, Encanto, Moana 2, Zootopia 2 and Once Upon a Studio.
Disney has not promised that every character lesson runs at every visit. The useful move is to check the current offering when you arrive instead of making one specific drawing the entire reason for the park day.
There are references to all 64 Disney Animation movies
Disney says all 64 Walt Disney Animation Studios feature films are represented somewhere in the experience.
Some references are obvious. Others are tucked into the space like an extremely elaborate family scavenger hunt. The Lost and Found area includes Eeyore’s tail, the Map Sphere from Treasure Planet, a Hercules vase and the Sundrop Flower from Tangled.
Treasures Untold adds more artifacts, including Jiminy Cricket’s suit, Kanine Krunchies from One Hundred and One Dalmatians, Lilo’s doll Scrump and Kuzco’s crown and earrings.
You do not need to identify every item for the space to work. But the hidden details give older kids and adults something to hunt for while younger visitors focus on characters and play.
What else is open in Animation Courtyard?
The outdoor courtyard has been reworked to resemble the Walt Disney Animation Studios lot in Burbank, complete with the Sorcerer Hat and playful character details around the landscaping.
The neighboring theater continues to present The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure. A nearby soundstage is also home to Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!, an interactive show featuring Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Daisy and Pluto.
Disney’s announcement does not provide one universal operating schedule for every component or character. Check the My Disney Experience app on the day of your visit before promising anyone a particular meeting or showtime.
Hollywood Studios has been getting a lot more music and animation lately. The park also has a new Lilypad soundtrack at Alien Swirling Saucers. Over at Magic Kingdom, Disney just introduced Carol as the new Casey’s Corner pianist.
You can see Disney’s complete map, character list and official photos in the Disney Parks Blog guide to The Magic of Disney Animation.
