DISNEY'S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS

Walk under the archway to the right of the Chinese Theater and turn right into the Animation Courtyard to find the building that houses The Magic of Disney Animation. Near the entrance of the tour, there are often characters available for a meet and greet/photo opportunity.

ATTRACTION

The Magic of Disney Animation -- This attraction underwent a major rehab in November 2003, and then another minor rehab in October 2004. Here's the current format:

The tour begins with visitors sitting in an area featuring a live artist. The 10-minute segment, called "Drawn to Animation," features the artist interacting with an animated version of the tiny dragon Mushu, from 1998's popular feature Mulan. After hearing about the importance of character development and watching a humorous video with some Mulan artists, guests will visit the area that overlooks what USED to be the workspace of Walt Disney Feature Animation Florida. The Cast Member in this segment talks briefly about animation, and answers a few questions. Unfortunately, the real Disney animators were all laid off in early January 2003, and the entire animation process relocated to Disney's California studios, so there is nothing much to see when you are released from that part of the tour. After the cast member's talk, visitors have the chance to visit a number of interactive activities or to sit for 15-20 minutes at a Mickey-themed animator table and create their own Disney character art at the Animation Academy, under the guidance of a Disney artist.

The Sound Stage -- In this hands-on activity, young animators can play with various sound effects and create their own soundtrack for an animated scene.

Digital Ink and Paint -- As these workstations you can add color to an animated scene, and create your own atmosphere.

You're a Character -- In this booth, you can visit with Lumiere (of Beauty and the Beast fame), who will ask you a series of questions and tell you which Disney character you are most like.

Animation Gallery - On display are copies of the Academy Awards won by Disney animators, along with drawing from famous films. Animation cels, books, and other collectibles are also for sale here.

NOTE: AllEars® Feature Writer Jack Spence shared his experiences at this attraction in his blog HERE.

TOURING TIPS

This attraction is wheelchair accessible. Guests using ECVs must transfer to a wheelchair for this tour.

Assistive Listening Devices from Guest Services Can Be Used Here.

Reflective Captioning Available.

Restrooms and telephones are located to the left of the entrance to the Animation Tour.

KIDS AND CHARACTERS

There is a character meet and greet spot, which usually features characters from the latest Disney animated features, inside this building, in the area of the interactive activities. Also, along nearby Mickey Avenue, there are character greeting stations. Check your daily Times Guide for times.

Disney's Hollywood Studios Characters At A Glance
Character Meet and Greet FAQ!

DINING

There is no place to eat in the immediate vicinity of the Animation Tour. Walk back out of the Animation Courtyard and into Hollywood Plaza and then consult your park Guide Map for the nearest restaurant that appeals to you.

Disney's Hollywood Studios Restaurants At A Glance
Menus From Around the World
Vegetarian and Other Special Diets

SHOPPING

The Animation Gallery located at the end of the tour sells animation cels, limited edition reproductions, books and other collectibles.

Shopping in Disney's Hollywood Studios

INTERESTING FACTS

This tour was updated again in October 2004 to include more interactive activities.

Prior to November 2003, the Animation Tour had the following format: After winding your way through corridors decorated with animation sketches of some of Disney's most popular movies, you enter the theater to watch a short film featuring Robin Williams as a tourist and Walter Cronkite, who attempts to explain how animation is created. After Robin is converted into an animated Lost Boy and plays with Peter Pan, you'll meet a Disney animator who shares some animation basics and does a few quick sketches, then allows for a brief question-and-answer session. The tour guide then moves your group on past the animators' workspaces, where guests can peek in and watch animators at work at their computers and drawing boards. You may also catch a few quick glimpses of whatever the newest project is - currently there is artwork and signage for "The Emperor's New Groove" and the upcoming "John Henry." The tour concludes with another short film montage, featuring many Disney films and the people who animated them.

The film featuring Robin Williams and Walter Cronkite was made in Anaheim, California, not at the Disney's Hollywood Studios in Orlando.

If you have comments or tips to share with others about touring Disney's Hollywood Studios' Magic of Disney Animation, please email us. Thank you.