Disney's Hollywood Studios welcomed a brand-new destination on September 14, 2026: The Magic of Disney Animation, a sweeping tribute to Walt Disney Animation Studios and its more than 100 years of storytelling. The attraction sits within Animation Courtyard, which has been reimagined to evoke the feel of the actual Walt Disney Studios lot in Burbank, California.
To mark the opening, Disney gathered an impressive 60 characters together for a group photo in front of the attraction's entrance — a moment deliberately reminiscent of Once Upon a Studio, the animated short produced for The Walt Disney Company's 100th anniversary. Just as in that film, beloved characters from across the decades assembled in front of the iconic big blue hat for a picture that felt both historic and heartfelt.
Inside, guests can explore a variety of animation-inspired experiences. Highlights include interactive play areas, the chance to learn to draw alongside Olaf, artwork that appears to come to life, and screenings of Once Upon a Studio itself. Details throughout the space are designed to echo the warmth and whimsy of that anniversary short, making the connections feel intentional and layered for longtime Disney fans.
Before the doors opened, Disney also shared a video on Instagram showcasing a photo taken using a technique inspired by the legendary multiplane camera — an innovation Disney pioneered nearly nine decades ago. The tribute underscores just how deeply rooted this new space is in the studio's rich artistic history.
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This story was first reported by Daps Magic.
