Once again, Hollywood Studios has some reimagining going on. One of those projects is the reimagined area for Animation Courtyard, with a new attraction called The Magic of Disney Animation.
Taking over the building that once houses Star Wars Launch Bay, this new attraction is inspired by the Roy E. Disney Animation building in Burbank, California. The building in California has Mickey’s Sorcerer’s hat on the roof, so Hollywood Studios will be getting a sorcerer’s hat back in the park. It won’t be as big as the previous hat, but I’m betting it will still be a good backdrop for pictures.
Opening September 14, The Magic of Disney Animation is going to bring lots of interactive moments to guests. There are going to be different areas that each offer a different experience. Some will have you meeting characters, another area is where you can learn to draw a character, another will be showing a short film, and there will be a space for little ones to explore as well.
List of Experiences:
- “Drawn to Wonderland”
- “Off the Page!”
- “Olaf Draws!”
- Once Upon a Studio Theater
- And more!
Here’s a visual of the space:
Drawn to Wonderland
This area is where little ones can explore a whimsical world designed especially for them. By the name it’s easy to tell that it will be Alice in Wonderland themed. So that means experiencing bold colors, a Mad Tea Party, the Mad Hatter’s House, the Queen of Hearts’ rose garden, and the Cheshire Cat’s mysterious Tulgey Wood. This area is inspired by the original Alice in Wonderland concept art by Disney Legend Mary Blair. It sounds like it is going to be a great place to escape the heat and take a break while the kids play. So it’s a win for everyone.
Off the Page!
Want to meet some characters? Then this is the place. There are multiple spaces in this area that celebrate the artistry behind animation and in each space there’s a character to meet. So while it’s going to be fun to meet the characters, there is also going to be some interesting things to see that are related to the animation process. Below is a list of characters and which room they will be in.
- 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!
This is sure to be a popular area with many guests. Not only do you get to take a lesson on drawing a Disney character, but it’s taught by different people who have been involved with Disney movies. You might be taught by an animator, a director, or a story artist, and each person will teach you how to draw a specific character.
- 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)
Not only are you learning to draw from a professional, but you’re also learning with the fan favorite snowman, Olaf, acting as a companion. The animatronic of the happy snowman sits at an animator’s desk as guests are guided in the drawing process, keeping them entertained with his usual humor. I’m sure he’ll have some comments when the class is drawing pictures of him, so that might be a fun one to try to attend. And, yes, Josh Gad is providing the voice for the animatronic.
Once Upon A Studio Theater and Enchanted Art Gallery
In one area guests will enter a theater to see the Emmy Award -winning short film, Once Upon A Studio. As the film plays, take a look at the artwork along the walls, because you might see some characters appearing in the artwork.
In another area guests will see an art gallery filled with artwork that features Disney Animation characters. Just like the artwork in the theater, may sure to take a close look, because you might just see the artwork come to life with favorite Disney characters.
Are you excited to see this new space once it opens on September 14?
Thanks for reading!
Liz
Contact me today to book your trip.
Liz
I love all things Disney, but my main love is for Disney World and I'm always planning for the next trip. Before becoming a Disney blogger, I was a radio DJ, so I guess I'm just continuing in the communication industry, just in a different form. I love talking Disney and I could talk about Disney all day. That's why I started blogging and created the Facebook group. The Disney community is full of friendly, helpful, and happy people...and I love being a part of it! If there is any Disney subject you would like to see covered just let me know! Need help planning your Disney vacation. Feel free to contact myself or Melissa at Never Stop Dreaming Travel Co. We love helping people plan their trips! Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy! Don't forget to check out our Countdown to Disney app! Feel free to email me with suggestions of things you would like to see in the app :-)