When shopping at Walt Disney World, many visitors gravitate toward standard theme park merchandise like apparel, pins, and plush toys. For guests looking for a home decor piece with a personal touch, The Art of Disney at Disney Springs offers original, hand-drawn character sketches created by Disney artists.
Where to Find the Artwork
These custom sketches are sold at The Art of Disney, a specialty retail location situated in the Marketplace neighborhood of Disney Springs. This store focuses on galleries, prints, figurines, and collectibles. Beyond the pre-packaged prints, the shop regularly features an artist desk where illustrators create original drawings right in front of guests.
Visitors can watch an artist bring a character like Oogie Boogie from The Nightmare Before Christmas to life on paper, and then purchase completed pieces directly from the store.
Character Selections and Artistic Styles
The available drawings span a wide range of artistic styles and character categories. Some pieces are straightforward graphite pencil sketches that highlight the raw construction lines of traditional animation, while others incorporate vibrant colors and dramatic shading, such as two-tone blue and black illustrations.
Recent offerings have highlighted a variety of seasonal and classic characters, giving collectors plenty of options depending on their personal tastes. Notably featured characters include:
Classic Villains: Sketches often feature iconic antagonists such as the Evil Queen holding her poisoned apple from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Cruella de Vil from One Hundred and One Dalmatians, and Dr. Facilier from The Princess and the Frog.
Spooky Favorites: Fans of autumn and Halloween themes can find illustrations of the Headless Horseman, the Hitchhiking Ghosts from the Haunted Mansion attraction, as well as Jack Skellington, Sally, and Oogie Boogie.
Traditional Characters: For those who prefer lighter themes, artists also draw classic figures in seasonal attire, such as Minnie Mouse dressed in a witch costume or Winnie the Pooh holding a pumpkin carved to look like his own face.
Framing and Purchasing Tips
Many of the sketches on display come ready to hang in a variety of framing styles. Shoppers can find everything from ornate black frames that suit villain portraits to frames that feature subtle, character-themed accents. Because these are hand-drawn pieces, the visible pencil lines and individual strokes ensure that each drawing is distinct from mass-produced prints.
Because the artwork is made by hand, the inventory at The Art of Disney changes constantly, and specific pricing varies depending on the complexity of the drawing and whether it is framed. If you visit the store with a specific character in mind and do not see them on display, it is always recommended to speak with a cast member at the counter. They can help you check the current catalog of available sketches or let you know which characters can be drawn upon request.
Bringing Home Disney Animation History
Purchasing a hand-drawn sketch at Disney Springs provides a lasting connection to the legacy of traditional Disney animation. Whether you are a longtime collector of theme park memorabilia or simply want a distinct souvenir from your vacation, stopping by The Art of Disney offers an educational glimpse into the talent of Disney illustrators.
Written by
Rachel Van Norman
Contributing Writer
Rachel fell deeply in love with all things Disney as a little girl. Now as a wife and a mother herself, she shares this Disney obsession with her son and everyone around her. From her love of princesses to eating all the Disney food, Rachel spends her time radiating Disney magic and keeping everyone up to date on Disney news.
