Fans hoping to explore the newest addition at Disney’s Hollywood Studios got an early treat. The Magic of Disney Animation, officially set to open on September 14, 2026, quietly welcomed its first guests on September 11, three days ahead of schedule. Here is a look at the soft opening, the operating hours, the character encounters, and everything else you can expect inside this new space.
An Early Soft Opening
The Magic of Disney Animation soft opened on the morning of September 11, well before its planned debut. Guests were able to line up alongside others and step inside to experience the space before the official grand opening.
The early access is a common way for Disney to test a new attraction and work out the flow before the crowds arrive. If you happen to be in the park during a soft opening window, it can be a good chance to see the space with fewer people around, though these previews are never guaranteed.
Operating Hours to Know
Once the attraction officially opens, its hours will shift over the first couple of weeks before settling into a regular schedule. Here is the breakdown:
- September 14 to 17: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- September 18 to 19: 8:30 AM to 9:00 PM
- September 20 to 27: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- September 28 and onward: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
If you are planning a visit, note that the daily window narrows starting September 28, so it helps to factor those shorter hours into your park day.
What You Will Find Inside
The Magic of Disney Animation packs several experiences into one space. You can explore enchanted artwork, step into Stitch’s animator office, and let younger guests play at the Drawn to Wonderland playground inspired by Mary Blair’s Alice in Wonderland artwork. Meet-and-greets and other interactive touches round out the visit.
The space is a nod to the past as much as a new offering. The original Magic of Disney Animation was an opening-day attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, back when the park also housed a working Feature Animation studio. This new version pays homage to that history while giving guests a fresh way to connect with the art form.
How Olaf Draws! Works
One of the highlights inside is Olaf Draws!, which uses a virtual queue. There is an important detail to keep in mind here. You cannot join this queue through the My Disney Experience app. Instead, you need to sign up in person.
During the soft opening, the virtual queue was not yet in use, and cast members were letting guests physically join the line and wait. That may change once the attraction fully opens, so plan to sign up on site rather than relying on your phone.
Roaming Characters in Animation Courtyard
Character encounters extend beyond the walls of the attraction. On opening day, Jiminy Cricket, The White Rabbit, and Pluto were spotted roaming Animation Courtyard to greet guests. The characters appeared to alternate, each roaming for around 30 minutes before switching out.
These roaming characters have taken the place of the ones guests saw over the summer, such as Mulan, Stitch, and Chip ‘n’ Dale, who have since moved into designated spots inside the attraction. Disney has noted that guest feedback on the summer roaming characters was positive, and the lineup on opening day appears to be a direct response to that reception.
Off the Page! Meet-and-Greets
Inside the attraction, the Off the Page! experience offers a set of meet-and-greet spaces, each themed to a different stage of the animation process. It is a clever way to pair familiar characters with the work that brings them to life.
Here is who you can meet and where:
- Mulan in Story
- Rapunzel in Layout
- Chip ‘n’ Dale in Hand-Drawn Animation
- Donald and Daisy in CG Animation
- Goofy in Lighting
- Stitch in Effects
The setup gives each character a distinct home within the space while walking guests through how animation comes together from start to finish.
Alice in the Drawn to Wonderland Playground
The playground offered a pleasant surprise during the soft opening. Alice from Alice in Wonderland turned up inside the Drawn to Wonderland playground for an impromptu meet-and-greet, sharing a cup of tea with younger guests at the Mary Blair-inspired tea party set.
Keep in mind that character appearances inside the playground can vary. Alice showed up during this particular visit, but the characters you run into may differ from one day to the next. That element of surprise is part of what makes the space worth a closer look if you have little ones in your group.
Final Thoughts
The Magic of Disney Animation gives guests a lot to take in, from enchanted artwork and Stitch’s animator office to a full slate of character meet-and-greets tied to the animation process. With the early soft opening, the shifting operating hours, and the mix of roaming and in-attraction characters, it helps to know the details before you go.
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.
