Brand New Experience Is Coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios

Walt Disney World is bringing a brand new interactive experience, and we LOVE it! Find out full details, and the best part is that it comes with a free souvenir.

Magic of Disney Animation

Robin Williams Added to Disney's Magic of Animation Experience — Credit: Disney

Animation Courtyard permanently closed on September 25, 2025. This made way for "The Magic of Disney Animation".

Disney shares that this will "be a place where kids and kids at heart can laugh, draw, dream, and explore animated new experiences."

"Magic of Disney Animation" will open in phases this summer. First to open this summer will be "Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!" This will be a similar show to what has delighted guests at Disneyland.

New Animation Experience

Free Drawing Class Disney — Credit: Kate

"The Magic of Disney Animation" will fully open "later this summer". Disney invites us all inside the world of Walt Disney Animation Studios and its beloved, playful creations. Just like in the award-winning short Once Upon a Studio, animated characters come to life.

Today, Disney just revealed that this new Animation Experience will be hosted by an Olaf animatronic.

Disney shares, "Step into a new Animation Academy experience with Olaf Draws!, where everyone's favorite snowman takes center stage as your cheerful host. With his signature warmth, optimism, and playful humor, Olaf invites guests of all ages to explore the art of character drawing."

Learn to Draw with Olaf

The best part is that Josh Gad, the original voice of Olaf, helps to bring the magic to life at "Olaf Draws!".

Olaf Draws! opens this summer

Since Olaf is not quite an experienced animator just yet, legendary Disney Animation artists will help with pre-recorded demonstrations. Together, they guide you step-by-step through the creative process, sharing tips, techniques, and stories straight from the studio as you learn how beloved Disney Animation characters come to life.

Magic of Disney Animation — Credit: Disney

Each class features a different character, inspired by timeless classics and modern favorites, giving you a unique reason to return again and again. You may find yourself sketching:

Mickey Mouse, with Dan Abraham, director (Once Upon A Studio, Baymax!)
Minnie Mouse, with Hyun Min Lee, animator (Frozen 2, The Princess and the Frog)
Donald Duck, with Austin Traylor, animator (Once Upon A Studio, Moana 2)
Genie, with Eric Goldberg, animator (Aladdin, Hercules)
Moana, with Samantha Vilfort, story artist (Encanto, Zootopia 2)
Stitch, with Fawn Veerasunthorn, director and head of story (Wish, Raya and the Last Dragon)
Olaf, with Trent Correy, director (Once Upon A Studio, Frozen 3)
Ursula, with Michael Woodside, animator (Big Hero 6, Encanto)
Judy Hopps & Nick Wilde, with Byron Howard director, (Zootopia, Zootopia 2)

The best part is that after you complete your animation, you can take this home as a free souvenir.

Check out this fun sneak peek:

What do you think of this new animation experience? Share your thoughts with us and share this news with your Disney pals.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Donna loved Disney from an early age. As a child, her family would joke that she lived in "Donna Land." As an adult, she enjoys planning and creating magical vacations for her family. She always brings a little faith, trust, and a little bit of Pixie Dust!