The Magic of Disney Animation officially opened at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on September 14, 2026, and Disney marked the moment with a picture worth pausing over. Sixty Disney characters gathered outside the new experience for a group photo, mixing familiar faces with a few you rarely get to see.
Here is a look at the opening, the characters who showed up, and the experiences waiting for you inside.
A Group Photo for the Ages
To celebrate opening day, 60 Disney characters assembled outside the entrance for a rare group portrait. The lineup included the characters who meet guests inside at the Off the Page! meet-and-greets, along with a set of harder-to-find faces.
Among the rare characters were Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, Bernard and Miss Bianca from The Rescuers, Bolt, Merlin, Milo and Kida from Atlantis, and Yzma from The Emperor’s New Groove. It is not often you see this many characters together in one spot, which made the gathering a fitting way to open a space built around Disney animation history.
A Poster Inspired by the Multiplane Camera
View this post on Instagram
Disney also created a recreation of the attraction poster with a clever twist. Instead of a flat printed image, the team used flat character cutouts on sticks, layered in front of the entrance to build a sense of depth.
The idea draws from the multiplane camera technique that Disney pioneered nearly 90 years ago, which added dimension to animated scenes by filming layered artwork at different distances. Seeing that method translated into a physical display at the entrance ties the whole experience back to its roots before you even step inside.
A Building Rooted in Animation History
The Magic of Disney Animation is housed in a building modeled after the Roy E. Disney Animation Building in Burbank, California. The theming carries through to the details, including special nighttime lighting that gives Animation Courtyard a different feel after dark.
Inside, all 65 Walt Disney Animation Studios films are represented, including the upcoming feature Hexed. That range means you can spot references spanning decades of animation, from early classics to films still on the way.
Once Upon a Studio Theater
The experience takes its inspiration from the short film Once Upon a Studio, which plays throughout the day in the Once Upon a Studio Theater. This version of the Emmy Award-winning short comes with enhanced effects that add an extra layer to the presentation.
The magic extends beyond the screen. Character portraits inside and outside the theater come to life, echoing the way the short film brings decades of characters together. Director Dan Abraham worked with Walt Disney Imagineering’s Daniel Handke to keep the animation authentic while adding the entertainment and energy of a live attraction.
Drawn to Wonderland Playground
Younger guests get a space of their own in the Drawn to Wonderland playground. This indoor play area draws directly from the original Alice in Wonderland concept art created by Disney Legend Mary Blair.
Blair’s artwork is known for its bold colors and shapes, and the playground turns that style into a hands-on environment where kids can explore and play. It is a nice fit for families who want a break from the queues while still staying inside the theme of the space.
Olaf Draws!
For guests who want to try their hand at drawing, Olaf Draws! puts the Frozen snowman front and center. The experience pairs an Audio-Animatronic Olaf with pre-recorded videos of Disney animators, who guide you through drawing Disney characters step by step.
Josh Gad recorded new dialogue as Olaf for the attraction, keeping the character’s voice consistent with the films. Reflecting on the experience, Gad shared, “I’m so thrilled that a whole new generation of kids can dream of becoming animators one day and can actually begin their journey right there on the studio lot.” The result is an approachable activity that welcomes guests of all ages, whether or not they have ever picked up a pencil for drawing.
Final Thoughts
The Magic of Disney Animation brings together a rich slice of Disney history and a set of experiences with something for every age. Between the opening-day group photo, the multiplane-inspired poster, and the mix of theater, playground, and drawing activities, there is a lot to take in on a single visit. Now that the space is open, it is worth building time into your Hollywood Studios day to explore it at your own pace and catch as many details as you can.
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.
