More than a decade after it first disappeared, The Magic of Disney Animation has returned to Disney’s Hollywood Studios with a fresh new format, and we’ve got your Unofficial Guide to all the must-do experiences found inside this reincarnated attraction.
Back in 2015, Walt Disney World shuttered its original version of The Magic of Disney Animation educational walk-through tour, which was an opening-day attraction at the former Disney/MGM Studios. After serving for 11 years as the home of Star Wars Launch Bay, the building has finally returned to its roots, reopening this summer as The Magic of Disney Animation. Although no longer a working animation studio staffed by actual artists, the new experience shares significant thematic DNA with its ancestor, while adding exciting new elements.
Before entering The Magic of Disney Animation, stop for a moment to appreciate the newly landscaped courtyard in front of the attraction, which has been remodeled after the real Disney Animation Studios campus in Burbank, California.
Be sure to spot the many sculpted animal statues hidden around the park-like area, as well as face and fur characters randomly roaming around.
Mickey’s blue Sorcerer’s cap marks the entrance to The Magic of Disney Animation, beyond which is an expansive stroller parking lot adorned with new multi-character murals.
After walking by yet another open-air photo op, visitors walk through the main door and into industrial-strength air-conditioning, which might be this exhibit’s most popular feature on a hot day!
Upon stepping inside the facility, guests can turn left into a screening room to see Once Upon a Studio. This animated short celebrating the studio’s 100th anniversary is excellent, but it’s easily available at home on Disney+ and therefore skippable on a tight schedule.
Immediately outside the screening room are framed pieces of animation art—a few of which “magically” come to life, along with some interactive screens, and a small-but-sweet tribute to the real animators who once worked here on hits like Mulan and Lilo & Stitch.
Speaking of Stitch, he’s taken over one of the old animator’s cubicles just down the hall, where he can be seen mischievously spinning in a chair. Also look for Mushu, Hei Hei, and a host of other animation Easter eggs hidden among the office’s vintage memorabilia.
Next, guests approach the heart of the attraction: a series of character meet-and-greet opportunities, each themed to a different stage in the animation process.
Wait times here can be long, so check the digital displays to know who you are queueing for before getting in line.
To the left is perhaps the attraction’s most charming addition, an indoor playground inspired by artist Mary Blair’s psychedelic concept art for Alice in Wonderland.
Although the slides and climbing equipment are designed for small children, this adult adored watching Alice herself wandering through the Wonderland playground, engaging in freeform play with the kids.
Last but not least, we come to The Magic of Disney Animation’s most-discussed experience, Olaf Draws! The new version of the longtime fan-favorite Animation Academy has dispensed with the live artists who once led the cartoon drawing classes here (and briefly at Animal Kingdom) in favor of a prerecorded Disney animator, accompanied by an animatronic of Olaf the Snowman from Frozen.
The mechanical figure’s movements are marvelously lifelike, and Josh Gad’s witty vocal track made us laugh out loud more than once.
The new Arendale-style drawing desks are also much more comfortable than the lap boards used by the Animation Academy in Anaheim’s Disney California Adventure. However, you may find it more difficult to keep up with the onscreen animators’ instructions, as they can’t interact with the audience.
Tip: Check the digital sign outside the entrance of Olaf Draws to know which character is being sketched next, and line up at least 15 minutes before the class you want to attend.
What do you think of the new Magic of Disney Animation attraction? Let us know in the comments below.
For all there is to see and do at Walt Disney World, check out The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World. If you enjoyed this post, please subscribe to our YouTube channel and sign up for our newsletter here. Be sure to follow us on Threads, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
#theUGseries #unofficialguide
