The Walt Disney Animation Studios in Burbank, California, is a place of pure magic where artists create beloved characters and films. Imagine stepping into its iconic walls and seeing Disney animation characters leap from the screen into the real world. At Disney's Hollywood Studios, a fascinating world will come to life in 2026, bringing the magic of the Walt Disney Animation Studios to vivid reality. Inspired by the Emmy-winning short film "Once Upon a Studio," the former Star Wars: Launch Bay will transform into "The Magic of Disney Animation." Visitors can experience characters escaping from the animation studio and discover interactive adventures, all housed in a building reminiscent of the iconic Roy E. Disney Animation Building.
The Heart of the New Experience
"The Magic of Disney Animation" brings the essence of the Walt Disney Animation Studios in Burbank directly to Florida, bringing the wonder of animation to life like never before. Here, where artists create characters and films, those figures now leap into the real world. The building features Mickey's iconic Sorcerer's Hat on the roof, which casts a spell with pixie dust and envelops the courtyard in a magical atmosphere—just like the real building in California. The premise revolves around a world where animators have temporarily stepped away, yet the building still hums with activity as the characters have come to life and are ready to play. Visitors explore whimsical variants of the Disney Animation headquarters, including various studio departments controlled by favorite characters to create fun adventures.Interactive Moments and Creative Discoveries
Every detail in this space invites playful interactions that lurk around every corner. Portraits come to life before guests' eyes, just like in the short film "Once Upon a Studio." An inspiring short film with an unexpected twist awaits viewers, along with time to sketch one's own characters and learn the basics of animation. Children and adults with a childlike heart will find space here to laugh, draw, and dream. The whole family will be drawn to these creative opportunities that make the wonder of animation come alive in fresh ways. In addition, numerous character meet-and-greets enrich shared play, with even more places to explore and create.Playground for Young Adventurers
Especially for the youngest visitors, the indoor playground "Drawn to Wonderland" will take shape. This area is full of fantasy, with an oversized flower garden hiding musical instruments, a Mad Tea Party playset, and an exploration area in Tulgey Wood. Everything is based on the original concept drawings by Disney Legend Mary Blair for "Alice in Wonderland." The playground sparks curiosity and offers the perfect spot to playfully discover the world of Disney animation, helping the little ones become even more inquisitive.The Expanded Courtyard as a Tribute to Burbank
The magic extends beyond the building into the newly designed courtyard, which will become "The Walt Disney Studios." This tribute to the legendary Walt Disney Studios Lot in Burbank draws inspiration from several buildings there. The Studio Theater will continue to host "The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure," and a new Disney Junior show will launch on the soundstage. Families can pause under lush trees to enjoy snacks or relax—and perhaps spot characters playing in the branches, basking in the sun, or digging in the grass.Deep Dive into "Off the Page!"
A highlight is the impressive area "Off the Page!," where six departments of the animation studio come to life: Story, Layout, Hand-Drawn Animation, Computer Animation, Lighting, and Effects. Each room offers stunning photo opportunities with favorite characters. In the Story department, Mulan poses in front of an oversized storyboard panel. The Layout department features Rapunzel in a set inspired by the classic multiplane camera, where layers of backgrounds and painted cels come together like magic. This experience arose from close collaboration between Walt Disney Imagineering and Walt Disney Animation Studios and celebrates the art behind every frame. Every corner of "Off the Page!" is designed to immerse guests in the craft of animation.Dan Abraham, director at Walt Disney Animation Studios and co-director of "Once Upon a Studio," emphasizes the inspiring effect: "It's so cool because you're in line to have fun with the characters … and you get a glimpse into the studio's history at the same time," Abraham said. "It could well inspire people to lead our studio into the future if they join Walt Disney Animation Studios and continue this legacy that means so much to so many people."
