Magic of Disney Animation To Open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios In 2026

A new animation experience is coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios in 2026.

Image: © Disney

Walt Disney World News Published 4th December 2025, 1:37pm GMT by Ash Hales

In 2026, the current home of Star Wars: Launch Bay will transform into a place where guests can laugh, draw, dream, and explore animated new experiences. Topping the building will be Mickey’s iconic Sorcerer Hat which will cast a spell with pixie dust. The playful and interactive moments will be around every corner. You’ll see portraits come to life before your eyes and you’ll even pencil in some time to learn how to draw your very own character sketch. Our youngest animators-to-be can explore the “Drawn to Wonderland” playground filled with an oversized flower garden with musical instruments, a Mad Tea Party playset, and a Tulgey Wood exploration area.

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Outside the building, the entire courtyard will be reimagined into "The Walt Disney Studios," taking inspiration from several buildings found in Burbank. While exploring the studio grounds and courtyard area, families can take a break to play, relax, or snack on tasty treats under lush trees.

You’ll also be able to venture into "Off the Page!," a stunning area where you can meet some of your favourite friends from Walt Disney Animation stories while celebrating the artistry behind every frame. Here, six unique departments from the animation studio come to life:

> Story
> Layout
> Hand-Drawn Animation
> Computer Animation
> Lighting
> Effects

Each space offers incredible photo opportunities with some of your favorite characters. You can meet Mulan in the Story department, posing in front of an oversized storyboard panel. Or step into the Background & Layout department where Rapunzel awaits in a setting inspired by the classic multiplane camera.

The "Magic of Disney Animation" opens at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2026.

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About the author

Ash Hales

Founder, Mickey From The UK

Ash Hales is a British Disney Parks writer and the voice behind Mickey From The UK. Based in the South West of England, he's been visiting Disney Parks for nearly three decades and launched Mickey From The UK in 2017 to provide honest, straight-talking news and advice for UK guests - without the American bias.