On September 14, 2026, The Magic of Disney Animation will be opening to the public. Before guests begin to walk in through the doors under the big blue hat, Disney has been revealing details about the magical experiences found inside this experience based on the Once Upon a Studio animated short. All of this is found within buildings that have been refurbished to emulate the look and vibe of the Walt Disney Studios lot in Burbank, California. The result is full of charm and full of magic with iconic details from the real studios replicated at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Easter Eggs
Ahead of the opening of The Magic of Disney Animation, Disney has shared a look at the different offerings found in this experience. This includes some Easter Eggs that can be found when visiting. Throughout the experience, all 64 Disney animated films are represented. Throughout this fan-first experience, there are plenty of different ways to discover nods to favorite films, some more apparent than others.
Throughout the experience, there are details to be found that quite truly bring the magic of Disney animation to life for guests who are visiting. As can be seen above, Cinderella’s slipper is on prominent display in The Magic of Disney Animation.
Upon your animated arrival inside the reception area, you may notice some details are easy to spot, whereas others reward you for taking a moment to look a little closer. Glance overhead and you’ll find the studio’s playful Lost and Found Department, stocked with recognizable items like the Map Sphere from Treasure Planet, Eeyore’s tail, a vase depicting Hercules’ fight against the Hydra, and the Sundrop Flower from Disney Animation’s Tangled. Figaro also watches from above and looks like he’s claimed a few of the lost treasures as his own, occasionally flicking his tail while he keeps “watch” over the room.
There’s even a meaningful, personal tribute to the artists behind the magic, where each paintbrush hanging from the colorful chandelier overhead is individually named by members of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Ink and Paint Department. And if the decorative tilework feels strangely familiar, that’s because you’ll find the same vibrant designs in the lobby of the Roy E. Disney Animation Building in California.
As you make your way throughout the space, keep an eye out for pencil sketches of familiar friends like Oliver from Oliver & Company, Mr. Toad from The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad, and Tod and Copper from The Fox and The Hound.
Sketches might be the stars of the show, but they’re not the only tools animators use. Artists also rely on maquettes, small sculptures built to help study a character from every angle so every drawing stays true to the design. While meeting some of your favorite characters in “Off the Page!,” look around to spot a young Tarzan perched on a tree trunk and Taffyta Muttonfudge from Wreck-It Ralph.
After checking out these maquettes, head over to Treasures Untold and you’ll notice a gallery packed with keepsakes, mementos, and iconic artifacts from across the history of Walt Disney Animation Studios.
As you make your way through the collection, you’ll spot everything from Jiminy Cricket’s suit and gold star pin to a box of Kanine Krunchies straight from One Hundred and One Dalmatians. Look for Lilo’s doll, Scrump, the Aristocats’ collars, and even Kuzco’s crown and earrings.
As your animated journey at Hollywood Studios wraps up, swing by the Animator’s Office, a detail-packed space designed to feel like a real animator has just stepped away from their desk.
This animation desk is preserved from the original Animation Academy at Hollywood Studios, serving as a tangible connection to the park’s longstanding animation legacy. If you look closely, you might even spot a Moana cap, a miniature Walt Disney Animation Studios maquette, and dozens of other keepsakes, artwork, and personal touches scattered throughout the room.
Under the Hat
There will be plenty of new adventure to enjoy by fans when the walk through the doors under the hat in The Magic of Disney Animation. This includes Drawn to Wonderland, Off the Page!, Olaf Draws!, Once Upon a Studio Theater, and more! These offerings give guests young and old a chance to explore and play as their favorite animated stories come to life around them. This includes the chance to meet characters, play in animated environments, learn how to draw favorite Disney characters, see Once Upon A Studio and more.
Off the Page!
Among the highlights of The Magic of Disney Animation, meeting characters are certainly one of them. The following characters could be met when visiting Off the Page!:
- Mulan in Story
- Rapunzel in Layout
- Chip n’ Dale in Hand-Drawn Animation
- Donald and Daisy in Computer Animation
- Goofy in Lighting
- Stitch in Effects
Olaf Draws!
Another highlight will be the opportunity to learn how to draw with Olaf! The lovable snowman who recently appeared at the Imagineering Horizons Pavilion at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event is now found seated at an animators desk. He is joined by several of the biggest names in Disney animation to learn to draw different characters.
The experience will take guests one step at a time through the creative process. Disney Animation artists will help move things along with recorded tips, techniques, and stories from inside the studio. Olaf will add his playful humor as an added dose of Disney magic to the experience.
On the way in to learn to sketch, be sure to check out the back of the marquee. Olaf has sketched a fun little tribute to the legendary Jungle Cruise. This is a fun and quirky little detail that is completely unsurprising coming from Olaf and also a fun nod to another beloved Disney attraction.
Once you take your seat inside the space, you’ll find Olaf surrounded by inspiration. He sits atop The Illusion of Life, the influential animation book by Disney Legends Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston, while nearby shelves overflow with animation keepsakes, from vintage VHS tapes and character maquettes to nostalgic toys like a figurine of The Black Cauldron.
The following classes and characters will be available to experience at Olaf Draws!:
- Mickey Mouse, with Dan Abraham, director (Once Upon A Studio, Baymax!)
- Minnie Mouse, with Hyun Min Lee, animator (Frozen 2, The Princess and the Frog)
- Donald Duck, with Austin Traylor, animator (Once Upon A Studio, Moana 2)
- Genie, with Eric Goldberg, animator (Aladdin, Hercules)
- Moana, with Samantha Vilfort, story artist (Encanto, Zootopia 2)
- Stitch, with Fawn Veerasunthorn, director and head of story (Wish, Raya and the Last Dragon)
- Olaf, with Trent Correy, director (Once Upon A Studio, Frozen 3)
- Ursula, with Michael Woodside, animator (Big Hero 6, Encanto)
- Judy Hopps & Nick Wilde, with Byron Howard, director (Zootopia, Zootopia 2)
Once Upon A Studio Theater
The Once Upon A Studio Theater will allow guests to watch the Once Upon A Studio short. This theater honors over a century of Walt Disney Animation. It uses enhanced effects to add an extra layer of magic when guests visit to see this short.
While enjoying the film, characters may be seen popping up within the artwork along the theater walls. This brings this charming story to life even more.
There is also an enchanted art gallery to be found. This is a beautifully curated space that is filled with artwork that features favorite Disney animated characters. At first look, it seems like a traditional art gallery. However, with a little pixie dust the artwork comes to life (just like in Once Upon A Studio) and favorite characters can be seen coming to life!
Drawn to Wonderland
In Drawn to Wonderland, young animators get to step into an immersive indoor playground inspired by the original Alice in Wonderland concept art from Disney Legend Mary Blair. There will be fun moments to be found while exploring this area that includes the playful chaos of the Mad Tea Party and Mad Hatter’s house, the Queen of Hearts’ vibrant rose garden, and the Cheshire Cat’s mysterious Tulgey Wood. There are plenty of things to explore, move, and let their imaginations run wild.
What do you think of what you are seeing of The Magic of Disney Animation? Are you excited to experience it when it opens on September 14, 2026? What are you most excited to experience? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
