Disney Brings a New Animation-Inspired Experience to Hollywood Studios This Fall
There are some Disney announcements that make you smile.
Then there are the ones that instantly have you texting your travel agent and wondering when you can squeeze another Walt Disney World trip into your calendar.
This is definitely the second kind.
Beginning September 14, 2026, Disney's Hollywood Studios will welcome The Magic of Disney Animation, a brand-new experience that celebrates the artists, characters, and storytelling that have shaped generations of Disney fans. Inspired by the Emmy Award-winning short Once Upon A Studio, this isn't just another attraction—it's an invitation to step inside the creative heart of Disney Animation itself.
A Love Letter to Disney Animation
If you've ever found yourself humming "Let It Go," quoting The Lion King, crying during Encanto, or introducing your kids to the same Disney classics you grew up watching, this experience was created with you in mind.
Disney is transforming the former Animation Courtyard into a beautiful park-like space inspired by the legendary Walt Disney Animation Studios in Burbank, California. Guests will discover playful details throughout the courtyard, hidden character surprises, and interactive experiences that celebrate the magic behind the movies we love.
It's the kind of place where you'll want to slow down, look around, and appreciate the little details Disney is famous for.
More Than Just an Attraction
What excites me most is that this isn't designed to be something you rush through on your way to the next Lightning Lane.
It's meant to be experienced.
Families can wander through several immersive spaces, each highlighting a different part of the animation process.
Some of the experiences include:
Drawn to Wonderland – A whimsical playground inspired by Disney Legend Mary Blair's iconic Alice in Wonderland artwork where little imaginations can run wild.
Off the Page! – Walk through beautifully themed animation studios where beloved Disney characters seem to step right off the storyboard.
Olaf Draws! – Learn to draw alongside everyone's favorite snowman through an interactive experience featuring Disney Animation artists.
Once Upon A Studio Theater – Watch the award-winning short film that inspired the entire land while celebrating more than a century of Disney storytelling.
As someone who appreciates both the finished movies and the stories behind how they're created, I love that Disney is pulling back the curtain and letting guests experience the artistry that brings these films to life.
Character Encounters with a Twist
One feature that immediately caught my attention is Off the Page!
Instead of traditional meet-and-greets, guests will encounter characters inside spaces representing different animation departments.
Imagine meeting:
Mulan in the Story Department
Rapunzel in the Layout Department
Chip and Dale in Hand-Drawn Animation
Donald and Daisy in CG Animation
Stitch in Effects
Goofy in Lighting
It's such a creative way to celebrate both the characters and the incredible artists who make them possible.
Future Animators, This One's for You
Parents, I think this may become one of those experiences your kids remember long after vacation ends.
Disney is introducing drawing lessons led by Olaf (yes, with Audio-Animatronics!) where guests will learn techniques from real Disney animators. Even better, the lessons feature artists who worked on films like Frozen 2, Moana 2, Encanto, Big Hero 6, Wish, Princess and the Frog, and many more.
Who knows?
The next Disney animator might leave Hollywood Studios with their very first character sketch tucked safely into a backpack.
Why I'm Excited
As a travel advisor, I always tell my clients that Disney is at its best when it creates experiences that every generation can enjoy together.
This feels like one of those experiences.
Grandparents can appreciate the nostalgia of classic animation.
Parents can relive the movies they grew up with.
Kids can discover new favorites while learning that every magical story starts with someone's imagination and a simple sketch.
Those shared moments are what make Disney vacations so memorable.
Thinking About Visiting?
If you're planning a Walt Disney World vacation for late 2026 or beyond, this new experience deserves a spot on your itinerary.
Between this exciting addition, Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!, Toy Story Land, Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, and Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway, Disney's Hollywood Studios continues to evolve into a park that offers something for every member of the family.
And if you're wondering when to visit, I'd be happy to help you find the right dates, maximize your park time, and build an itinerary that lets you experience all the magic without feeling rushed.
Because the best Disney vacations aren't about checking attractions off a list—they're about making memories you'll be talking about for years to come.