Disney officially announced a brand-new experience coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios later this year. “The Magic of Disney Animation” will open in late summer 2026, transforming the current home of Star Wars: Launch Bay into an interactive, character-filled celebration of Walt Disney Animation Studios.
The announcement was made Monday on the Disney Parks Blog.
What Is “The Magic of Disney Animation”?
Inspired by the Emmy Award-winning short film Once Upon A Studio, the new experience invites guests into a world where Disney Animation characters have come to life inside a reimagined studio setting. The building will feature Mickey’s iconic Sorcerer Hat on top, a nod to the real Roy E. Disney Animation Building in Burbank, California.
Inside, guests will encounter interactive moments throughout different themed studio “departments,” each taken over by beloved Disney characters who are ready to play.
What to Expect Inside
Off the Page! Character Meets
A dedicated area called “Off the Page!” will host character meet-and-greets tied to key stages of the animation process. Each character encounter is set inside a specific studio department:
- Mulan in the Story department
- Rapunzel in the Layout department
- Chip n’ Dale in Hand-Drawn Animation
- Donald and Daisy in CG Animation
- Goofy in Lighting
- Stitch in Effects
Olaf Draws!
A new Audio-Animatronics Olaf figure will serve as the host of a reimagined Animation Academy experience called “Olaf Draws!” Guests of all ages will be guided through learning to draw Disney characters, with original dialogue recorded by Josh Gad. The setting is inspired by Frozen and designed like an animator’s studio.
Drawn to Wonderland Playground
The youngest guests will have their own dedicated play area called “Drawn to Wonderland,” featuring an oversized flower garden with musical instruments, a Mad Tea Party playset, and a Tulgey Wood exploration area. The playground draws from original Alice in Wonderland concept art by Disney Legend Mary Blair.
The Walt Disney Studios Courtyard
The surrounding courtyard will also be reimagined as “The Walt Disney Studios,” designed to evoke the legendary Walt Disney Studios lot in Burbank. The area will include shaded spaces to play, relax, and grab snacks. The Studio Theater will continue housing “The Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure,” and a fresh Disney Jr. show will run at the soundstage.
Opening Date and Location
“The Magic of Disney Animation” is scheduled to open in late summer 2026 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It will occupy the space currently home to Star Wars: Launch Bay. Disney has not yet announced a specific opening date.
For more on what’s happening at Walt Disney World this year, check out our Disney World Refurbishments & Closures: February 2026 Guide and our Best Time to Visit Walt Disney World in 2026 guide. Disney’s most recent major park announcement was Disney Celebrates America, launching in time for the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Source: Disney Parks Blog
