Hollywood Studios is getting ready to welcome a new animation experience, and Disney has finally given us an opening date.
The Magic of Disney Animation opens September 14, 2026.
The new experience is taking over the space formerly occupied by Animation Courtyard’s animation-focused offerings and will give guests several different ways to step into the world of Disney animation.
What Is The Magic of Disney Animation?
The new experience is designed to let guests interact with Disney animation rather than simply watch it.
And that means there are several different experiences packed into the space.
Guests will be able to explore animation, meet characters and even try their hand at drawing.
Basically, it’s Disney’s way of saying, “You know all those characters you’ve been watching your entire life? Here’s a pencil. Have at it.”
Yes, You’ll Get to Draw Olaf
One of the experiences will give guests the opportunity to learn how to draw Olaf.
Guests can follow along with an animation instructor and learn how Disney artists bring characters to life.
It’s a particularly nice option for families because it’s interactive without requiring another ride, Lightning Lane reservation or 90-minute wait.
And let’s be honest: giving kids something creative to do in the middle of a theme park day is never a bad idea.
Once Upon a Studio Is Coming Too
The new area will also feature the Once Upon a Studio Theater.
Once Upon a Studio is Disney’s animated short celebrating the company’s animation history and bringing together characters from across Disney’s decades of animated films.
It’s essentially a giant love letter to Disney animation.
And for Disney history nerds, that alone makes the experience worth checking out.
Drawn to Wonderland
Another part of the new experience is Drawn to Wonderland, which takes guests into the world of Alice in Wonderland and explores how animation and storytelling come together.
It’s another example of Disney leaning into the process behind its animated films rather than simply putting characters in a room and calling it an experience.
And I’m perfectly fine with that.
There’s Also an Off the Page Experience
Guests will also encounter Off the Page, another interactive area connected to the world of animation.
The overall goal is to give guests a chance to see how ideas move from drawings and concepts into the animated characters and stories we recognize.
For younger guests, that can be a fun introduction to animation.
For adults who grew up watching Disney animation?
Well, let’s just say we’re probably going to spend a lot of time standing around looking at things and saying, “Oh my God, I remember that.”
When Does The Magic of Disney Animation Open?
The new experience officially opens at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on September 14, 2026.
That puts it on the calendar just as the fall travel season gets underway.
If you’re visiting Hollywood Studios after that date, you’ll have another option to add to your park itinerary.
Is It Worth Adding to Your Hollywood Studios Plan?
If you love Disney animation, absolutely.
Families with younger children should also keep it on their radar because the experiences are interactive and don’t revolve around a major attraction.
And because Hollywood Studios can be a difficult park to plan, having another experience available can help spread your day out.
You won’t necessarily want to build your entire Hollywood Studios strategy around it, but it’s a nice addition to the park.
Hollywood Studios Is Changing Again
It’s easy to forget just how much Hollywood Studios has changed over the last few years.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land dramatically reshaped the park, and now Disney is continuing to evolve other areas.
The Magic of Disney Animation gives Animation Courtyard a new identity while keeping animation at the heart of the area.
And considering this is Disney we’re talking about, that seems like a pretty appropriate use of the space.
Mark September 14
The Magic of Disney Animation opens at Hollywood Studios on September 14, 2026.
With Olaf drawing, Once Upon a Studio, Drawn to Wonderland and Off the Page, there’s plenty for guests to explore.
It’s not another giant E-ticket attraction.
And honestly?
It doesn’t need to be.
Sometimes a Disney park needs a place where you can slow down, play around and remember that the whole thing started with someone drawing a mouse.
Not a bad addition to Hollywood Studios.
If Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is important to your vacation, I wouldn’t wait unnecessarily.
&n
