Animation Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios had been closed for sometime before reopening at the beginning of the summer. Guests got to see how improved this area was; characters roaming, music, a new Mickey Mouse Clubhouse live show and more. The only spot that wasn’t completed yet was The Magic of Disney Animation. I got a sneak peek yesterday and have the complete rundown with everything you need to know!
I walked into the new Magic of Animation, and I have to say: this was much needed. For years this building housed Star Wars Launch Bay, and while that was fun, this space has always belonged to animation. There’s so much history there.
The whole experience is built around the idea from Once Upon a Studio, that when the animators are away, the characters come out to play. The building is absolutely filled with Easter eggs and decor based on every animated film from Disney! The reception area alone is worth slowing down for: a lost and found shelf holding the Horned King’s Black Cauldron, the Shepherd’s Journal from Atlantis, and Figaro napping on top of the box. Blink and you’ll miss things. There’s the Production Gallery, where portraits animate like in Once Upon a Studio. You can even play games with a few of the portraits like Maximus or Baymax!
There’s also the Treasures Untold gallery. Jiminy Cricket’s suit and gold star pin, Kanine Krunchies straight out of 101 Dalmatians, Lilo’s Scrump doll, Kuzco’s crown, and Cinderella’s glass slipper on a velvet cushion. It’s like a museum, walk around and see “donated” items from some of your favorite characters!
The Animator’s Office is another gem. It really feels like someone just stepped away from their desk, and they even preserved the original Animation Academy desk from the park’s old animation days. That detail alone tells me this was made by people who love this legacy as much as we do. There is representation from all of our favorite animated movies, take time to really look! Plus we see Stitch spinning in the chair, which is cute.
For kids of all ages, there’s Olaf Draws! (an animatronic Olaf hosting the drawing class is as fun as it sounds). Guests can learn to draw different characters with Olaf taught by various artists. You can read more about Olaf Draws here!
Next up, the Drawn to Wonderland playground inspired by Mary Blair’s Alice in Wonderland artwork. The floor is nice and cushioned, there’s a slide and different things to play on. For parents, there are plenty of places to sit, which is nice. It’s a beautifully done place for the kiddos!
Off the Page lets you meet characters in areas themed to each stage of animation, which is a clever touch. Meeting characters is always a wonderful experience, this is the place to be for that!
Shopping! We can’t forget the Studio Store! There are a lot of things to choose from, all of your basic souvenirs like shirts and mouse ears. I also found a section of Walt Disney Studios merch, I’m guessing that will be popular and go quickly!
The cherry on top of this preview day? Getting to meet the new appointed President of the Walt Disney World Resort, Joe Schott. Joe began this position recently on August 3rd, and is already very hands on. He spoke about the progress of the various projects happening the parks. In particular, he had some great things to say about Monstropolis at Hollywood Studios. Joe told us about the restaurant’s being built, and how great the selections will be. Not fancy food necessarily, but things that even us picky eaters would enjoy. He is extremely excited at the progress at Animal Kingdom with Tropical Americas, and of course Piston Peak and Villains land.
One thing in particular that Joe Schott mentioned is that the company is listening to guests. Truly plugged in and listening. Meaning, they are reading comments across social media to see what people like and don’t like. To see what’s a hit and what isn’t. He mentioned the Yeti at Animal Kingdom and people calling him the “Disco Yeti” because it doesn’t move. Joe said they can laugh at themselves which is refreshing to hear. I think he’s going to do a wonderful job!
Bottom line: The Magic of Disney Animation is a must-do. It’a celebration of Disney animation and it’s been a long time coming. Be sure to take your time in there, the details are the whole point. Disney imagineers did an amazing job bringing everything together to create a truly magical experience for everyone. See for yourself when The Magic of Disney Animation opens on September 14th!
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