Disney Animation-Inspired Experience Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios

The Walt Disney Animation Studios lot in Burbank, California, is a place of pure magic – artists go in… beloved characters and films come out. Now, imagine exploring that campus for yourself and seeing Disney Animation characters leap off the screen and into our world. 

That was the heart and premise of the Emmy Award-winning short film, Once Upon A Studio, and it inspired the reimagined Animation Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Drawing from the architecture and atmosphere of the legendary Walt Disney Studios lot, the updated area features iconic details, like Pluto’s Corner, within a relaxed park-like setting designed for families to enjoy together…and some of your favorite characters are ready to play.

The reimagined courtyard is the perfect place for families to play, relax, or snack on tasty treats under lush trees.

Animation fans of all ages won’t want to miss exploring the area as there are character surprises and thoughtful details hidden throughout. You never know who you might see playing in the branches, soaking up the sun, or digging in the grass.

This area is still packed with lively entertainment within the neighboring theaters and soundstages, including the Studio Theater, which continues to house “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure,” and a nearby soundstage featuring “Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!”

Now open, the Clubhouse is calling, and you’re on the guest list! Inspired by Disney Jr.’s hit series Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+, this live show turns into a feel-good celebration where you don’t just watch the fun… you help make it happen.

Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse are ready to kick off the big bash, but when their friends are nowhere to be found, the party turns into a playful search mission. With music leading the way, you’ll clap, cheer, and dance along as the adventure unfolds — and before you know it, Goofy, Daisy Duck, and Pluto join in to bring the Clubhouse celebration to life.

In the center of this reimagined courtyard, a building inspired by the iconic Roy E. Disney Animation Building will soon be home to The Magic of Disney Animation, a brand-new collection of experiences opening later this summer. Mickey’s iconic Sorcerer Hat even sits on top of the building (just like the real building in California).

Inside, you will interact with and explore new 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.

Playful and interactive moments will be around every corner. You can see portraits come to life before your eyes just like they did in Once Upon A Studio, and you can even pencil in some time to learn how to draw your very own character sketch. It will be a place where kids and kids at heart can laugh, draw, dream, and explore, bringing the wonder of animation to life like never before.

The collection of experiences includes:

If you’re a visual person, here’s a playful graphic that shows the variety of ways you can experience the creativity and wonder of animation throughout The Magic of Disney Animation.

Younger animators-to-be can step into the whimsical world of “Drawn to Wonderland,” an immersive indoor playground inspired by the original Alice in Wonderland concept art from Disney Legend Mary Blair. From the playful chaos of the Mad Tea Party and Mad Hatter’s house to the Queen of Hearts’ vibrant rose garden and the Cheshire Cat’s mysterious Tulgey Wood, every corner invites young guests to explore, move, and let their imaginations run wild.

“Drawn to Wonderland” comes to life through bold colors, whimsical shapes, and Blair’s unmistakable artistic style. Designed especially for little ones, the space offers families a fun, energetic place to play and recharge while remaining fully immersed in Disney storytelling.

Chosen for its spirit of curiosity, imagination, and discovery, Disney’s Alice in Wonderland naturally lends itself to an environment built for exploration through active play. Younger guests will love climbing, wandering, and creating their own adventure around every corner of this new playground.

You’ll also be able to venture into “Off the Page!” – a stunning area where you can meet some of your favorite friends from Walt Disney Animation Studios stories while celebrating the artistry behind every frame. 

Each space offers incredible photo opportunities with some of your favorite characters. You may meet Mulan in the Story department, posing in front of an oversized storyboard panel. Or step into the Layout department where you might find Rapunzel in a setting inspired by the classic multiplane camera, where you’ll see layers of backgrounds and painted cells come together like magic.

Together, these spaces highlight key stages of the animation process, each brought to life through character encounters. Some of the characters you may spot are:

Every corner of “Off the Page!” is designed to immerse you in the craft of animation, as this experience is a collaboration between Walt Disney Imagineering and Walt Disney Animation Studios. Dan Abraham, Walt Disney Animation Studios Director and co-director of the Once Upon a Studio short, says he can’t wait to see what guests dream up after visiting the space.

“It’s so cool to have fun with characters… that you’ve seen in these films, and you’re getting to see a bit of the history of the studio as well,” Abraham said. “Back when this was a working animation studio, it inspired so many people to become animators… Hopefully, this new version will do the same.”

Step into a new attraction with “Olaf Draws!” where everyone’s favorite snowman takes center stage as your cheerful companion, bringing you along to learn character drawing from some of the biggest names in Disney animation.

Brought to life as an all-new Audio-Animatronics figure, Olaf welcomes you into a 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.

You’ll go step-by-step through the creative process, guided by Disney Animation artists through recorded tips, techniques, and stories from inside the studio. Add in Olaf’s playful humor, and it becomes a fun, laugh-filled experience that leaves you feeling inspired.

Classes will feature characters from both timeless classics and modern favorites. You may find yourself sketching: 

The happy snowman’s spirit of curiosity and encouragement is what inspired Josh Gad, the voice of Olaf, as he recorded original dialogue for the experience while also considering what it might spark in young artists. 

“I’m so thrilled that a whole new generation of kids can dream of becoming animators one day and can actually begin their journey right there on the studio lot,” Gad shared, underscoring how “Olaf Draws!” turns imagination into possibility. 

In the Once Upon A Studio Theater, you can enjoy the Emmy Award-winning short film that inspired it all, Once Upon A Studio. Inside this dedicated theater honoring more than a century of Disney Animation storytelling, enhanced effects add an extra layer of magic. 

As you enjoy the film, you may spot characters popping up within the artwork along the theater walls, placing you right in the middle of this enchanting story.

You can also discover an enchanted art gallery, a beautifully curated space filled with artwork featuring beloved Disney Animation characters. At first glance, it feels like a traditional gallery, but with a little pixie dust, your favorite character may spring to life in all-new animations created exclusively for this experience! 

Disney Animation artists and Walt Disney Imagineers are working hand-in-hand to bring the wonder and nostalgia of Disney Animation films to The Magic of Disney Animation in new and immersive ways families will love. We can’t wait for you to experience this fantastical place in late summer 2026.

And you can catch the inspiration for this brand-new adventure – Disney Animation’s Once Upon a Studio – on Disney+.