UPDATED September 14, 2026

A brand new area is now open in Disney’s Hollywood Studios: get ready to step into The Walt Disney Studios!

The area previously known as Animation Courtyard has been reimagined into The Walt Disney Studios as a “special nod to the legendary Walt Disney Studios Lot” in Burbank, California. But here, Disney Animation characters “leap off the screen and into our world.”

The new land retains two of Animation Courtyard’s signature attractions while introducing brand-new experiences inspired by beloved Disney characters as well as the “Once Upon a Studio” short film!

 

The Magic of Disney Animation

The building that houses The Magic of Disney Animation is inspired by Walt Disney Animation Studios and the Roy E. Disney Animation Building.

Just like its namesake building, The Magic of Disney Animation features Mickey’s famous Sorcerer Hat on top (which serves as a double nod to the Sorcerer’s Hat that used to stand in front of the Chinese Theater in the park).

And once you go under it to step inside, you can interact and explore this fun take on the Disney Animation headquarters, including the different studio departments. But in this version of the iconic HQ? “Some of our favorite pals have taken over to create the fun adventures.”

The new building lets YOU into the studio, “as the animators have temporarily stepped away,” and characters have come to life and taken over!

The experience draws its inspiration from the Disney short “Once Upon A Studio.”

If you’ve seen the short (and if you haven’t, you can view it here and on Disney+), you will remember how the Disney characters came to life… and The Magic of Animation presents its own moments when portraits come to life as they do in the short!

The building hosts several unique experiences…

Olaf Draws

Be sure to, as Disney says, “pencil in some time to learn how to draw your very own character sketch” with help from none other than Olaf in Olaf Draws!

These classes are led by Olaf himself and teach folks how to draw iconic Disney animated characters — with the help of some legendary Disney Animation artists who help bring the class to life. Olaf is a brand-new Audio-Animatronics figure welcoming guests into a new space, inspired by one of his most memorable moments from Once Upon A Studio, sitting at an animator’s desk, joyfully discovering the art of drawing. Josh Gad, the voice of Olaf, returned to record original dialogue for the experience.

Character Greetings at “Off the Page”

As mentioned, Disney characters play a major part in the experience! “Off the Page” is where you can meet beloved Disney characters across “six unique departments from the animation studio.” They are as follows:

Drawn to Wonderland Playground

The Drawn to Wonderland playground provides a whimsical indoor play area for the “youngest animators-to-be!”

The space will feature an “oversized flower garden with musical instruments, a Mad Tea party playset, and a Tugley Wood exploration area,” based on the original concept art of Alice in Wonderland by Mary Blair.

Outdoor Courtyard Area

Animation Courtyard has been transformed into  “The Walt Disney Studios,” based on buildings and the Studios lot located in Burbank, California.

The courtyard provides a place filled with lush trees for all guests to relax and even play (and, if you’re like us here at the DFB, enjoy a classic Hollywood Studios snack!).

Additionally, one of the most iconic features of Hollywood Studios is the handprints in front of the Chinese Theatre, featuring a variety of celebrities and Hollywood icons. Now, Disney Imagineers have brought that same magic to the Walt Disney Studios Courtyard…but this time with Disney characters!

Disney also teased that “you never know who you might see playing in the branches, soaking up the sun, or digging in the grass.”

Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! 

On May 26, 2026, Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! made its official debut in the building that previously housed Disney Jr. Play and Dance.

Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! is a Lightning Lane Multi Pass Tier 2 option. You can also check for showtimes in the My Disney Experience app. 

The Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure

The Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure made its debut inside the Studio Theater on May 27th, 2025.

Get ready to hear beloved songs from the film including “Part of Your World,” “Under the Sea,” “Poor Unfortunate Souls,” and “Kiss the Girl” in this live theatrical production.

Walt Disney Presents

Walt Disney Presents features the film One Man’s Dream along with exhibits and artifacts that come together to tell the life story of Walt Disney.

It’s here that you can also meet Ariel from the live action version of The Little Mermaid!