Disney Reaches Next Step of Opening the Magic of Disney Animation

Walt Disney Studios opened in Hollywood Studios in May, and while we have been obsessed with the fun courtyard, we have our eyes on the prize — The Magic of Disney Animation.

Walt Disney Studios — Animation Building

This building in the back will be home to The Magic of Disney Animation, which will host most of the fun, including Olaf Draws and the Drawn to Wonderland Playground. Disney said it will open “late summer,” and they filed another permit, which means we are getting closer and closer to it opening!

Disney filed a permit to “provide labor, material, and/or electric for construction” in The Magic of Disney Animation building in Walt Disney Studios. They posted a behind-the-scenes look on their social media a while ago, and while it was starting to come to life, it was really looking like an empty warehouse. Hopefully this means everything is starting to get cleaned up.

The building that previously housed Star Wars: Launch Bay will be transformed into this new experience, which is inspired by the short Once Upon a Studio. We love that the iconic Sorcerer Mickey hat has made its way back to Hollywood Studios in a new light.

Chip ‘n Dale Ani-made

It looks gorgeous at night, too.

It lights up!

Olaf Draws will let you become a Disney animator. Led by Olaf and real Disney animators, you’ll get to grab paper and pencil and draw your own favorite characters. We’re super excited to see this brand-new Olaf animatronic, which will be voiced by the iconic Josh Gad.

“Olaf Draws” Concept Art ©Disney

You can also meet characters! You’ll be able to meet Mulan, Rapunzel, Chip n’ Dale, Donald and Daisy, Goofy, and Stitch in areas themed to different departments of an animation studio.

©Disney

Personally, I’m most excited for the Drawn to Wonderland Playground, which is an indoor playground with an “oversized flower garden with musical instruments, a Mad Tea party playset, and a Tugley Wood exploration area.”

Drawn to Wonderland Playground Concept Art ©Disney

We’re also looking forward to the Once Upon a Studio Theater, which will play the short with “enhanced effects that add an extra layer of magic.”

Disney hasn’t announced the official opening date beyond late summer 2026, but we are ready to dive in as soon as we can and see the space for ourselves. Make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for more Disney news you’ll want to know before your next Disney vacation.

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