All-New "Magic of Disney Animation" Experience coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2026
- Emma Walton
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Beloved Characters and Timeless Animation Come to Life in New “The Walt Disney Studios” Area at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
A brand-new animated adventure is coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2026. “The Magic of Disney Animation,” will debut in the building that currently houses Star Wars: Launch Bay. Drawing inspiration from the legendary Walt Disney Animation Studios in Burbank, California, and the Emmy award-winning and heartwarming short film “Once Upon a Studio,” guests will step into a whimsical twist on the real-life studio building, but this time, when the animators are away, the characters come out to play! Topped with Mickey’s iconic Sorcerer Hat, the space will invite guests to explore different studio departments brought to life by Disney characters.
In the Production Gallery, portraits come to life just like in “Once Upon a Studio,” while in the Screening Theater, guests can get inspired by a short film the whole family will love. Additionally, they will have the chance to learn how to draw fan-favorite characters and greet them in real life.
Families with younger children will also delight in “Drawn to Wonderland,” an all-new indoor playground inspired by the whimsical concept art for “Alice in Wonderland” created by Disney Legend Mary Blair. This imaginative play area will feature an oversized flower garden with musical instruments, a Mad Tea Party playset, and a Tulgey Wood exploration area.
Beyond the building, Animation Courtyard will be reimagined into “The Walt Disney Studios,” a newly designed outdoor space offering shaded seating, playful landscaping and fun surprises, ideal for relaxing, snacking or spontaneous fun.
Walt Disney Animators and Imagineers are working hand-in-hand to bring the wonder and nostalgia of Disney animated films to the whole courtyard in new and immersive ways families will love.
Check out the latest theme park news and updates from Central Florida.
“Our film came from the heart and from a desire of all the Disney Animation artists wanting to celebrate our artistic accomplishments and a passion for the studio’s legacy,” said “Once Upon a Studio” director, Trent Correy.
“Working on this film was the highlight of my career – the most fun I’ve ever had,” recalled his fellow director, Dan Abraham. “And now, to collaborate with the wonderful talents at Walt Disney Imagineering to bring the short and our studio to guests in this exciting way is beyond our wildest dreams.”
In addition to the new offerings, the exteriors of several existing buildings will be reimagined with design elements inspired by buildings found in Burbank.
To prepare for the transformation, Animation Courtyard, Star Wars: Launch Bay and Disney Jr. Play and Dance! will close beginning Sept. 25, 2025. Guests can continue to enjoy “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” and Walt Disney Presents while the transformation is completed.
More details about new offerings, characters, and experiences coming to this new area will be shared in the coming months.
Comments
What do you think of the news? Share your thoughts, and let us know what you think in the comments below.
For Real News, Real Orlando, you Gotta Go Orlando! Get the Latest Orlando News now!
Check Out The Best Of Orlando - What's New To See & Do In The City!
Never miss anything happening in Orlando again, we've got you covered with the latest and best things to see and do throughout Central Florida. We update our website and social channels daily.
Looking for things to do in Orlando? Check out our weekly and monthly event guides with the can’t-miss happenings throughout Central Florida. Plus, for Orlando on a budget, check out our the weekly, and monthly things to do in Orlando that are either free or cheap.
From major headlining tours, to local indie music nights, Orlando features an eclectic music scene! Catch the latest shows at Kia Center, House of Blues, The Plaza Live, Hard Rock Live, Addition Financial Arena, The Social, The Vanguard, Conduit, Will's Pub, and more.
Orlando features an endless choice of entertainment on the stage each day, with an impressive choice of venues, including Dr Phillips Center, The Ren, Orlando Family Stage, Winter Park Playhouse, Theater West End, Funny Bone Comedy Club, SAK Comedy Lab, and more.
The City Beautiful has a thriving arts scene, and is home to Orlando Ballet, Opera Orlando, Orlando Philharmonic, Breakthrough Theatre Company, Osceola Arts, Orlando Sings, and more.
Go Team Orlando! Orlando is home to an exciting selection of hometown teams to support including the Orlando Magic, Orlando City SC, Orlando Pride, Orlando Solar Bears, UCF Knights, and more. Plus, regular big game action takes place at Camping World Stadium, including the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, the Pop-Tarts Bowl, and the StaffDNA Cure Bowl.
Orlando is home to a year-round schedule of amazing festivals and events, including the Central Florida Fair, EDC Orlando, Silver Spurs Rodeo, Orlando Fringe, Orlando Pride, and many more.
Central Florida is home to a never-ending choice of amazing theme parks and attractions, including Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld Orlando, LEGOLAND Florida, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Gatorland, Fun Spot America, Island H2O Water Park, and more.
If you're lookin to explore Orlando's cultural scene, you have an an impressive choice of museums and galleries, including Orlando Museum Of Art, Orlando Science Center, The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, The Mennello Museum of American Art, and more.
No matter your tastes or budget, Orlando’s incredible dining experiences are endless, including MICHELIN Guide restaurants, celebrity chefs, local James Beard honorees, and more.
There is always something new to experience in Orlando, and whether your looking for the latest restaurants or nightlife hotspots, what's new and coming soon to the theme parks and attractions, or the biggest festivals and the latest events, we've got you covered.
Now go and explore everything that our beautiful city has to offer, you Gotta Go Orlando!
Contact us here. To advertise with us, click here. To list your upcoming event, submit it here.
Sign up for our newsletter and stay in the loop with all the latest news from Central Florida delivered daily to your mailbox.
Join the local conversation on X, Facebook, and Instagram, plus, for extended coverage, catch the latest on our YouTube channel.
