The Magic of Disney Animation Experience Coming to Hollywood Studios in 2026 – Full Preview
It’s official — Disney Animation is stepping off the screen and into real life at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2026!
Inspired by the heartwarming Emmy Award-winning short Once Upon A Studio, this brand-new, fully immersive experience will bring the magic of Walt Disney Animation to families in a way we’ve never seen before. If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping inside a real animation studio, this will be your chance to play, explore, create, and connect with your favorite characters like never before.
New Magic Under the Sorcerer Hat
The former Star Wars: Launch Bay is being completely reimagined into “The Magic of Disney Animation” — a whimsical, interactive experience for kids and grown-ups alike.
✨ The building will feature Mickey’s iconic Sorcerer Hat on top (just like the one in California!) — spreading pixie dust and a little animation chaos throughout the space.
When guests step inside, the animators are gone, but the characters are running the show — and they’re ready to play. This space will come alive with interactive studio departments, living portraits, a short film with a twist, and even opportunities to learn to draw your own Disney characters.
🖍️ Draw, Laugh, and Play Inside
The experience promises hands-on, family-friendly fun, with interactive surprises around every corner. Guests will be able to:
🎨 Bring character portraits to life
📽️ Watch a whimsical animated short
✏️ Sketch their own character alongside Disney animation guidance
And it doesn’t stop there…
🐇 “Drawn to Wonderland” Playground for Little Ones
For the youngest Disney fans, a new indoor play area called Drawn to Wonderland is coming — and it looks straight out of a Mary Blair concept sketch.
🌸 Think oversized musical flowers, a Mad Tea Party playset, and a dreamy Tulgey Wood exploration space. It’s whimsical, air-conditioned, and so needed for families with little ones in the park.
📸 Character Greetings & Courtyard Fun
As if that wasn’t enough, expect tons of character meet-and-greet opportunities, playful surprises, and an entire courtyard area transformed into “The Walt Disney Studios” — inspired by the real studio in Burbank.
✨ Themed buildings, shady trees, and fun places to snack or relax will fill the space, and you might even spot your favorite Disney characters hiding in the branches or popping out of the bushes.
🎭 The area will also include:
The Studio Theater, continuing to host The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure
A brand-new Disney Junior stage show
Plenty of places to cool off, sit down, and enjoy the atmosphere
🎬 Final Thoughts
This is huge for families visiting Hollywood Studios. Not only does it bring back the spirit of the original Magic of Disney Animation, but it reinvents it in a playful, modern way with tons of heart.
✨ Whether you’re sketching your first Disney character, playing in Wonderland, or meeting your favorite animated friends, this is shaping up to be one of the most magical new additions to Walt Disney World in 2026.
We’ll be there when it opens — and we’ll bring you along for the ride.
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There’s a lot of pixie dust coming to Hollywood Studios — and we’re here to help you see it all.
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Now grab your sketchpad… and let the magic begin. 🪄🎨