The Walt Disney World Resort in Florida is creating a new experience, The Magic of Disney Animation, at Disney's Hollywood Studios. It is expected to open in 2026.
The experience is based on the 2023 short film "Once Upon a Studio," in which Disney characters step into the halls of the Walt Disney Animation Studios in Burbank, Calif., for a group photo. At Hollywood Studios, "guests will step into a whimsical twist on the real-life studio building, but this time, when the animators are away, the characters come out to play," Disney said in a release.
A new experience, The Magic of Disney Animation, will open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios next year. Photo Credit: Disney
The Magic of Disney Animation will be located in the building currently housing Star Wars: Launch Bay. To make way for the new experience, the Launch Bay, as well as Animation Courtyard and Disney Jr. Play and Dance!, will close on Sept. 25. However, The Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure and Walt Disney Presents will still be open.
When The Magic of Disney Animation opens, the building will be topped with Mickey's sorcerer's hat. Inside, guests will visit different animation studio departments, like the Production Gallery. There, portraits will come to life like they do in the short film. The Screening Theater will feature a short film.
An indoor playground, Drawn to Wonderland, will feature an oversized flower garden with musical instruments, an area inspired by Tulgey Wood and a Mad Tea Party playset. The area was inspired by Disney Legend Mary Blair's concept art for "Alice in Wonderland"
The space will also feature character meet-and-greets as well as the opportunity to learn how to draw favorite characters.
A rendering of The Walt Disney Studios space and the building housing The Magic of Disney Animation. When the attraction opens, the building will be topped with Mickey's sorcerer's hat. Photo Credit: Disney
Animation Courtyard itself will also undergo renovations. The new outdoor space will be called The Walt Disney Studios, featuring seating, landscaping and some surprises.
Trent Correy and Dan Abraham, directors of "Once Upon a Studio," are working on the project.
"Working on this film was the highlight of my career — the most fun I've ever had," Abraham said. "And now, to collaborate with the wonderful talents at Walt Disney Imagineering to bring the short and our studio to guests in this exciting way is beyond our wildest dreams."