Disney’s Hollywood Studios is set to expand its character interaction offerings with the introduction of six new meet-and-greet experiences in late summer 2026. These new opportunities will be part of a larger reimagining of the park’s Animation Courtyard, which will be renamed the Walt Disney Studios Lot. This article will detail the new character area, the unique themed spaces, and which characters guests can expect to meet.
Welcome to The Magic of Disney Animation
The new character experiences will be housed within a new attraction called The Magic of Disney Animation. This area is designed to immerse guests in the world of Walt Disney Animation Studios, bringing beloved characters and the animation process to life. The concept draws inspiration from the award-winning short film Once Upon a Studio, where animated characters leap off the page and interact with the world around them.
In addition to the meet and greets, this area will feature interactive elements, such as opportunities for guests to draw alongside characters and a Drawn To Wonderland playground. The playground’s design is inspired by the distinctive concept art created by Disney Legend Mary Blair for the animated classic Alice in Wonderland.
New Character Meet & Greets Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2026
Disney’s Hollywood Studios is set to expand its character interaction offerings with the introduction of six new meet-and-greet experiences in late summer 2026. These new opportunities will be part of a larger reimagining of the park’s Animation Courtyard, which will be renamed the Walt Disney Studios Lot. This article will detail the new character area, the unique themed spaces, and which characters guests can expect to meet.
Welcome to The Magic of Disney Animation
The new character experiences will be housed within a new attraction called “The Magic of Disney Animation.” This area is designed to immerse guests in the world of Walt Disney Animation Studios, bringing beloved characters and the animation process to life. The concept draws inspiration from the award-winning short film Once Upon a Studio, where animated characters leap off the page and interact with the world around them.
In addition to the meet and greets, this area will feature interactive elements, such as opportunities for guests to draw alongside characters and a Drawn To Wonderland playground. The playground’s design is inspired by the distinctive concept art created by Disney Legend Mary Blair for the animated classic Alice in Wonderland.
Off the Page! Themed Character Experiences
A major component of The Magic of Disney Animation will be an area named Off the Page!, a collaborative creation between Walt Disney Imagineering and Walt Disney Animation Studios. This space will allow guests to meet characters in settings that represent different stages of the animation process. There will be six unique departments, each offering a distinct photo opportunity and character interaction.
The announced departments and characters include:
- Story Department: Here, guests can meet Mulan while posing in front of a large-scale storyboard panel, giving a behind-the-scenes look at how a film’s narrative is developed.
- Layout Department: Rapunzel will await guests in a setting inspired by the classic multiplane camera. This setup allows for creative photo opportunities where guests can align their shot to see different layers of backgrounds and painted cells come together, simulating the depth and dimension of traditional animation.
While Mulan and Rapunzel are the only characters confirmed so far, the additional four departments; Hand-Drawn Animation, Computer Animation, Lighting, and Effects will each host other beloved characters in similarly themed environments.
A New Hub for Animation Lovers
The transformation of Animation Courtyard into the Walt Disney Studios Lot, featuring The Magic of Disney Animation, will create a dedicated hub for fans of Disney’s animated films. This area will provide a fresh and immersive way to interact with characters, moving beyond simple backdrops to create detailed, story-driven environments. The focus on the animation process itself serves as both entertainment and an educational experience, celebrating the artistry behind the films.
Conclusion
The addition of six new character meet and greets at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in late summer 2026 is a welcome enhancement for the park. The Off the Page! concept within The Magic of Disney Animation promises to deliver unique and memorable interactions by placing guests inside the creative process. As more details and characters are announced, this new area is shaping up to be a must-visit destination for animation fans and families visiting Walt Disney World.
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.
