The Magic of Disney Animation coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios

An all-new experience is coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios in Burbank, California. In 2026, guests will be able to experience The Magic of Disney Animation in a building reminiscent of the iconic Roy E. Disney Animation Building in Burbank.

The Emmy Award-winning short film, Once Upon A Studio, inspired this brand-new experience coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The building will feature Mickey’s iconic Sorcerer Hat just like the Roy E. Disney Animation Building in Burbank, California.

The Magic of Disney Animation at Disneys Hollywood Studios — ©Disney

The story for this new experience is that the animators have temporarily stepped away… but the building is still buzzing with activity as the characters have come to life and they’re ready to play just like they did in Once Upon A Studio. Portraits will come to life and guests will be able to interact with and explore animation like never before.

The experience will offer guests of all ages an opportunity to learn how to draw Disney and Pixar characters. Young animators will be able to explore a whimsical indoor play area called “Drawn to Wonderland” playground. The area will be filled with an oversized flower garden with musical instruments, a Mad Tea Party playset and a Tulgey Wood exploration area, all inspired by the original Alice in Wonderland concept art from Disney Legend Mary Blair.

Guests will also be able to meet some of their favorite characters with lots of character greetings in The Magic of Disney Animation experience.

The Magic of Disney Animation Courtyard at Disneys Hollywood Studios — ©Disney

The Walt Disney Studios Lot

In addition to the new experience inside The Magic of Disney Animation experience building, the entire courtyard in front of the building will be reimagined into “The Walt Disney Studios Lot.” The area will take inspiration from several buildings and the beautiful landscaping found at the legendary Walt Disney Studios Lot in Burbank. In the area, the Studio Theater will house The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure. And, across the courtyard at the soundstage, guests will find a refreshed Disney Jr. show.

Disney Animation artists and Walt Disney Imagineers are working hand-in-hand to bring the wonder and nostalgia of Disney Animation films to the whole courtyard in new and immersive ways guests will love. To create this new experience and area, Animation Courtyard and Disney Jr. Play and Dance! will close beginning September 25, 2025. The current home of Star Wars: Launch Bay will also close beginning September 25, 2025 to transform into the new The Magic of Disney Animation experience.

During the transformation, guests will still be able to go under the sea with Ariel in the all-new The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure and enjoy the exhibits and film presentation at Walt Disney Presents.

If you haven’t watched Disney Animation’s Once Upon a Studio, catch this short film on Disney+ to get a glimpse into The Magic of Disney Animation experience coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2026.