With classics like Snow White, The Lion King, and Beauty and the Beast, Disney laid a strong foundation for modern animation. Although Disney has largely stopped producting traditional drawn-drawn theatrical feature films in favor of 3D computer animation, the history of these iconic classic were the premise of 2023's Emmy Award-winning short film, Once Upon a Studio. And now these heartwarming classics will serve as inspiration of a new park experience at Walt Disney World's Hollywood Studios.
The Disney Parks Blog announced this week, Hollywood Studios will soon be the home of a new family experience that will "bring the wonder of animation to life like never before."
Opening in 2026, “The Magic of Disney Animation" invites families to "laugh, draw, dream, and explore animated new experiences." The experience will be housed in the current home of Star Wars: Launch Bay, which primarily serves as a meet-and-green for Star Wars characters.
The building will be transformed into a building reminiscent of the iconic Roy E. Disney Animation Building, complete with Mickey's iconic Sorcerer Hat, just like the real building in California. Inspired by the Once Upon a Studio short, here's how Disney describes the story backdrop for the experience:
Our story in this newly reimagined space begins as 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!
Inside, you will interact with and explore silly takes on the iconic Disney Animation headquarters, including the many different studio departments. Only this time, some of our favorite pals have taken over to create the fun adventures.
The playful and interactive moments will be around every corner. You’ll see portraits come to life before your eyes just like they did in “Once Upon A Studio;” you’ll find inspiration with a short film (with a twist, of course); and you’ll even pencil in some time to learn how to draw your very own character sketch.
One of the major highlights of this new experience is an indoor playground (major score for parents looking for an indoor play area to escape the heat while letting their kids blow off some energy). Inspired by the original Alice in Wonderland concept art by Disney Legend Mary Blair, the "Drawn to Wonderland" playground is filled with an oversized flower garden with musical instruments, a Mad Tea Party playset, and a Tulgey Wood exploration area.
For old-school Disney fans, this new playground sounds a lot like the beloved Honey, I Shrunk the Kids: Movie Set Adventure, a now-closed playground previously located in Hollywood Studios that featured oversized props and structures, making kids feel like they had been shrunk down to the size of an ant.
In addition to the playgrund and interactive experiences, “The Magic of Disney Animation" will also offer character meet-and-greets. We're not sure who will be featured, but Disney teased "there are lots" of opportunities.
As part of this new experience, Animation Courtyard and Disney Jr. Play and Dance! are also being reimagined into "The Walt Disney Studios." The new area will be inspired by several buildings found in Burbank. The recently re-opened "The Little Mermaid - A Musical Adventure" will remain and there will be a new Disney Jr. show featured at the soundstage. The concept art also showcases some much needed shade trees.
"The Magic of Disney Animation” is set to open in 2026, which also means Animation Courtyard and Disney Jr. Play and Dance! will close beginning September 25, 2025. “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” will remain open during this renovation.