Disney Announces NEW Details for Magic of Disney Animation in Hollywood Studios

If you’ve been worried about losing The Animation Experience over at Animal Kingdom’s Conservation Station, you haven’t been alone. A somewhat similar offering is returning to Disney’s Hollywood Studios (many will remember when there was a drawing experience offered there, too), and we’ve got some details to share!

Currently, the former Animation Courtyard area of Hollywood Studios is being transformed into The Walt Disney Studios, and part of the new experience will be called The Magic of Disney Animation. Now we know that inside that building, there will also be a new Animation Academy experience called Olaf Draws!

Disney says that Olaf Draws! is where “everyone’s favorite snowman takes center stage as your cheerful host.” Olaf will be a new Audio-Animatronic figure and will invite guests of all ages to sit down and learn to draw some of their favorite characters.

The whole space will be designed after one of Olaf’s favorite moments from the Once Upon A Studio film, where he’s sitting at an animator’s desk, but you’ll want to look around for the many nods to Frozen you’ll find throughout the set. Inside, you’ll find both sleigh‑themed tables, as well as animator‑desk–style workstations.

Josh Gad, voice of Olaf, has already been in the studio recording for the new project. When asked about the project, he said, “I’m so thrilled that a whole new generation of kids can dream of becoming animators one day and can actually begin their journey right there on the studio lot.”

View this post on Instagram

Disney has also revealed that since Olaf can’t draw himself, he turns to the expertise of numerous Disney animators, who will be on pre-recorded videos, instead of in person. Currently, there are nine different options you’ll be able to get when you visit, which are:

• 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)

In Animal Kingdom, the previous Animation Experience let you sit down with a Disney animator/artist and learn to draw one of your favorite Disney characters in real time. It was a surprise what character(s) would be drawn each day, and many guests loved coming back each trip to draw new characters and enhance their skills.

This experience in Hollywood Studios will be different since the animators are pre-recorded instead of live. While we’re looking forward to drawing these characters and hearing from these pre-recorded artists, lots of guests feel that not having in-person, live animators and artists really takes away from the experience. 

Also coming to the new Walt Disney Studios area of the park will be the remainder of The Magic of Disney Animation building, where the animators have stepped away, but the characters have come to life, ready to play. You’ll also be able to explore the “Drawn to Wonderland” playground, numerous new character meet and greets at “Off the Page!,” as well as an incredible art gallery, among many other experiences.

We’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the latest news regarding this new area, among the many other construction sites around Disney World, so stay tuned to AllEars!

CONFIRMED: $6.7 Million Expansion Approved for Cars and Villains Lands in Magic Kingdom

How do you feel about this new addition? Tell us in the comments!

Comments (1)