Hey Thrill Seekers!
Have you heard about the new Disney Animation-Inspired Experience Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2026? If not, let me fill you in! Disney are creating a place for guests – young and young at heart to let their creative flair shine and it sounds… whimsical!
If you’re not familiar with Walt Disney Animation Studios in Burbank, it is a place of pure magic where artists go i and beloved characters and films come out. Soon, it will spark an exciting new experience at Hollywood Studios. Located in a building much like the iconic Roy E. Disney Animation Building, The upcoming family experience, “The Magic of Disney Animation,” is set to bring the magic of animation to life in a way like never before.
Disney have confirmed the following experiences for 2026:
Star Wars Launch Bay (currently) will be transformed into a place where you can laugh, draw, dream, and explore animated new experiences. Topping the building will be Mickey’s iconic Sorcerer Hat (just like the real building in California!), which will cast a spell with pixie dust.
The story begins as the animators have temporarily stepped away however the building is still buzzing with activity as the characters have come to life and they’re ready to play! Inside, you will interact with and explore silly takes on the iconic Disney Animation headquarters, including the many different studio departments. Only this time, some of our favorite pals have taken over to create the fun adventures. You’ll see portraits come to life before your eyes, find inspiration in a short film (with a twist) and you’ll even pencil in some time to learn how to draw your very own character sketch.
There will be a oversized flower garden with musical instruments, a Mad Tea Party playset, a Tulget wood exploration area and much more for the youngest animators to explorer! Called ‘Drawn to Wonderland’ and (if you hadn’t guessed already) inspired by Alice in Wonderland concept art by Disney Legend Mary Blair. It is sure to be a perfect place for little ones to grow curiouser and curiouser! Another bonus – it’s indoors so there will be aircon galore!
Disney have also confirmed that the pixie dusting from the sorcerers hat will extend far beyond the walls of “The Magic of Disney Animation” that I mentioned above as ‘the entire courtyard is reimagined into “The Walt Disney Studios,” taking inspiration from several buildings found in Burbank. This special nod to the legendary Walt Disney Studios Lot includes our version of the Studio Theater, which will continue to house “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure,” and over at the soundstage, you’ll find a fresh Disney Jr. show.
While exploring the studio grounds and courtyard area, families can take a break to play, relax, or snack on tasty treats under lush trees. And make sure to look around, too. You never know who you might see playing in the branches, soaking up the sun, or digging in the grass.’
That leads me on to one of my favourite things to do in the Disney parks.. Character meet and greets! Disney have said that there will be lots of opportunities to meet your favourite characters in ‘Off the Page’
You’ll be able to venture into “Off the Page!,” a stunning area where you can meet some of your favorite friends from Walt Disney Animation stories while celebrating the artistry behind every frame. Here, six unique departments from the animation studio come to life:
- Story
- Layout
- Hand-Drawn Animation
- Computer Animation
- Lighting
- Effects
Each space offers incredible photo opportunities with some of your favorite characters. You can meet Mulan in the Story department, posing in front of an oversized storyboard panel. Or step into the Background & Layout department where Rapunzel awaits in a setting inspired by the classic multiplane camera. Align your photo just right, and you’ll see layers of backgrounds and painted cells come together like magic!
As Disney prepare for this transformation, Animation Courtyard and Disney Jr. Play and Dance! will close beginning September 25, 2025. During this time, guests will still be able to go under the sea with Ariel in “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” and enjoy the exhibits and film presentation at Walt Disney Presents.
This sounds like a lot of fun!
Smiles included,
Abby
