Disney Reveals First Look Inside Reimagined Animation Courtyard, Sept. 14 Opening

Disney has offered a detailed preview inside the newly reimagined Animation Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, confirming that the fan-favorite experience—The Magic of Disney Animation—will officially open to parkgoers on Sept. 14, 2026.

The legendary Walt Disney Animation Studios lot in Burbank, California, has long been regarded as a place of pure magic, where artists transform raw ideas into world-famous characters and films. Now, guests visiting Disney World will be able to step inside that studio atmosphere firsthand, seeing iconic Disney Animation characters leap off the drawing board and into the real world.

That premise originally served as the heart of the Emmy Award-winning short film Once Upon A Studio. Now, it acts as the creative centerpiece behind the total transformation of Hollywood Studios’ animation district. Drawing directly from the architecture and design of the historic Burbank lot, the updated Courtyard features recognizable studio landmarks—including Pluto’s Corner—set within a shaded, park-like setting for families to explore.

A Fan-First Walkthrough of Animation History

Inside the main building, all 64 animated feature films from Walt Disney Animation Studios are represented through an array of easter eggs, set pieces, and historic artifacts.

Upon entering the reception area—which mimics the exact lobby tilework of the Roy E. Disney Animation Building in California—guests will encounter several studio nods:

• The Lost and Found Department: Suspended overhead, careful observers can spot iconic props, including the Map Sphere from Treasure Planet, Eeyore’s tail from Winnie the Pooh, a vase depicting Hercules fighting the Hydra, and the Sundrop Flower from Tangled. Above it all, Figaro the cat keeps watch over his personal stash of treasures.
• Tributes to the Artists: Hanging directly overhead is a multicolored chandelier made entirely of paintbrushes, with each brush hand-named by members of the Walt Disney Animation Studios Ink and Paint Department.
• Animator’s Desk & Artifacts: Pencil sketches of classic characters—such as Oliver (Oliver & Company), Mr. Toad (The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad), and Tod and Copper (The Fox and the Hound)—line the walls. The reception area also showcases character maquettes—three-dimensional reference models—including a young Tarzan perched on a branch and Taffyta Muttonfudge from Wreck-It Ralph.

Inside the 6 Key Experience Zones

The newly revealed venue consolidates several distinct interactive spaces, galleries, and character encounters under one roof:

• Reception & Treasures Untold Gallery: Serves as the entrance and historical hub, featuring the Lost and Found overhead display, the Ink & Paint chandelier, and iconic studio props like Jiminy Cricket’s suit, Lilo’s doll Scrump, and Kuzco’s crown. It also houses a desk preserved directly from the park’s original Animation Academy.
• Drawn to Wonderland: An interactive indoor play venue designed for younger guests, taking direct visual inspiration from legendary artist Mary Blair’s concept art for Alice in Wonderland. Features include a Mad Tea Party playset, the Queen of Hearts’ rose garden, and the Tulgey Wood.
• “Off the Page!” Meet & Greets: Six character stations mapped to specific studio animation departments:
  • Mulan (Story Department)
  • Rapunzel (Layout Department / Multiplane Camera)
  • Chip ‘n’ Dale (Hand-Drawn Animation)
  • Donald & Daisy (CG Animation)
  • Goofy (Lighting Department)
  • Stitch (Effects Department)
• Olaf Draws!: A redesigned Animation Academy classroom hosted by an advanced Audio-Animatronic Olaf, where guests learn step-by-step sketch techniques from Disney artists.
• Once Upon A Studio Theater: A dedicated cinema housing the short film Once Upon A Studio, enhanced with integrated room projections and special atmospheric lighting effects.
• The Walt Disney Studios Courtyard: The outdoor area surrounding the building, styled as a recreation of the Burbank lot with shaded seating, lush trees, and Pluto’s Corner.