The Magic of Disney Animation Set to Open This September at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Walt Disney World has announced that The Magic of Disney Animation will open on September 14th at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This new attraction will offer a collection of experiences that involve interactive elements, familiar characters, and creative activities, all inspired by animation.
You may remember that the reimagined courtyard opened back in May and immediately became a hit with so many characters roaming the area, interacting with guests. When The Magic of Disney Animation opens, some of these characters will move inside to a new experience called Off the Page. Here is a list of all the experiences you’ll be able to find when it opens in mid-September.
- Drawn to Wonderland
- Olaf Draws!
- Off the Page
- Once Upon a Studio Theater

A Play Area for Young Animators
When it opens, younger guests will be able to step into the whimsical world of Alice in Wonderland in Drawn to Wonderland. This playground is inspired by original concept art created by Disney Legend Mary Blair. Expect the same playful chaos that you might find at the Mad Tea Party, the Mad Hatter’s house, and the Queen of Hearts’ rose garden. You might even spot the Cheshire Cat in the mysterious Tulgey Wood. This play area will be for the enjoyment of children ages 6 months to 5 years old. See more details for this Alice in Wonderland indoor playground. Additional details were shared about Drawn to Wonderland in this announcement.

A Place to Spot Favorite Friends
If you’re a character fan, you’ll want to head straight to “Off the Page”, which Disney notes is a stunning area where guests will be able to meet favorite friends. But this isn’t just an ordinary meet-and-greet. For example, you might be able to meet Mulan in the Story department as she poses in front of a giant storyboard panel. Or you could find Rapunzel in the Layout department. This setting is inspired by the multiplane camera and offers a glimpse of how backgrounds and painted cells come together. Preview the entire list of characters announced for “Off the Page.”

Sketch a Character
Those who love to draw will want to check out “Olaf Draws!” where Olaf is joined on-screen by some pretty well-known animators. These artists will provide recorded instruction with tips and techniques on how to make your best drawing. Even more exciting, Olaf’s all-new Audio-Animatronics figure will welcome you to the space. More details about this experience are available in the original announcement.

Enjoy a Short Film
Last but not least, guests will be able to enjoy the Emmy Award-winning short film Once Upon a Studio inside the theater bearing its name. However, there’s more than meets the eye here. While watching the film, you may spot characters popping out of the woodwork within the theater walls. Disney says you’ll feel as though you’ve been placed in the middle of the story.

Final Thoughts
I don’t know about you, but we can’t wait to check out these new attractions! It’s hard to believe that it’s been almost a year to the date since The Magic Of Disney Animation was announced. Of course, a lot has changed since then. This area of the park was formerly home to Star Wars Launch Bay, and several Disney Junior Characters had long-standing meet-and-greets in this area. Now all that is gone, and the outdoor courtyard has evolved into a welcoming space for guests to see characters and check out some of the fun impressions (character prints) left behind in the concrete.
If you’re planning a visit on or after September 14th, you might want to check out the map with the layout of The Magic of Disney Animation. It shows a more detailed idea of what you’ll find inside the building when it opens. Check back with ResortsGal.com for more updates.
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