Hollywood Studios is one of those Disney parks where it can feel like you’re constantly moving. Rise of the Resistance. Slinky Dog Dash. Tower of Terror. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway. Toy Story Land. Fantasmic!
There is a lot to see—and a lot of reasons to keep looking at your watch.
But now open and tucked into the Animation Courtyard is a completely different kind of experience, and I think it deserves a little more of your time.
The Magic of Disney Animation is an invitation to slow down, look around, and rediscover some of the characters and stories that have been part of our lives for generations.
Inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios lot in Burbank and the Emmy Award-winning short Once Upon a Studio, the reimagined courtyard brings the world of Disney Animation to life in a relaxed, park-like setting. And if you’re willing to look a little closer, you’ll find Disney references and details everywhere.
Related content: Disney’s Once Upon a Studio: Full Short Film
New to Disney World?
If you’re just getting started, be sure to visit my Disney World Vacation Planning Guide, your complete resource for planning a magical vacation. From choosing the right Disney Resort hotel and understanding ticket options to mastering Lightning Lanes, and beyond, the guide brings together everything you need to plan with confidence. Then come back here to discover where to find the best quick-service breakfasts and coffee in each Walt Disney World theme park.
This Is Where the Nostalgia Gets Real
There is something different about seeing characters you grew up with.
Maybe it’s Mickey and Minnie. It could be Donald and Goofy. Perhaps it’s Mulan, Rapunzel, Stitch, Olaf, or characters from movies you haven’t thought about in years.
For me, that’s part of what makes Disney so special. These aren’t simply characters we recognize. Many of them are connected to a particular time in our lives—a childhood movie, a favorite family memory, a character our kids loved, or even a film we still enjoy as adults.
And this space gives you an opportunity to reconnect with some of that.
You’ll find familiar characters throughout Off the Page! as part of different stages of the animation process, including Mulan, Rapunzel, Chip ‘n Dale, Donald and Daisy, Goofy and Stitch.
But don’t just walk through looking for the next character photo.
Look around.
Related article: Disney’s Hollywood Studios Full Guide
Take Your Time. There’s More Than Meets the Eye.
One of my favorite recommendations for Disney World is also one of the easiest to overlook:
Give yourself permission to explore.
The Magic of Disney Animation is full of details that reward you for slowing down.
Look overhead and you’ll find a playful “Lost and Found Department” filled with recognizable treasures from Disney Animation. Notice the artwork and you’ll find pencil sketches of characters like Oliver, Mr. Toad, Tod and Copper. Look at the chandelier and you’ll discover a tribute to the artists behind the magic, with individually named paintbrushes from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Ink and Paint Department.
There are maquettes, animation artifacts, keepsakes and pieces of Disney history tucked throughout the space—including treasures from The Aristocats, Lilo & Stitch, The Emperor’s New Groove and 101 Dalmatians.
You could walk through quickly and see the big things.
Or you could slow down and start discovering the little things.
I highly recommend the second option.
Related article: Insider Tips for Surviving Holiday Crowds at Disney World
A Place for Kids—and Kids at Heart
The Magic of Disney Animation isn’t just about nostalgia for adults.
Younger guests can explore Drawn to Wonderland, an immersive play space inspired by the artwork of Disney Legend Mary Blair and Alice in Wonderland.
There’s also Olaf Draws!, where guests can learn to draw Disney characters with guidance from Disney Animation artists, and the Once Upon a Studio Theater, where you can experience the short film that inspired this entire project.
And honestly? Don’t assume these experiences are just for families with little kids.
Disney nostalgia doesn’t have an age limit.
My Take: Don’t Rush Past This One
If you’re spending a day at Hollywood Studios, I wouldn’t necessarily put the Animation Courtyard at the top of your “rope drop and race there” list.
Instead, build in some breathing room.
Hollywood Studios is home to some of Walt Disney World’s most popular attractions, and it’s easy to spend the entire day thinking about your next Lightning Lane, dining reservation or attraction.
This is an opportunity to step away from that pace. Walk through. Look around. Find a character you haven’t thought about in years. See how many hidden Disney Animation details you can spot. Let your kids play. Take the pictures.
And maybe spend a few minutes remembering the movies and characters that shaped your own childhood—or your kids’ childhoods.
Sometimes the Disney moments you remember most aren’t the ones you planned down to the minute. They’re the ones you took the time to discover. That’s one of my favorite ways to experience Disney World.
And I think The Magic of Disney Animation is going to be a pretty special place to do just that.
Related article: Hollywood Studios Stand-by Wait Times Put to the Test Mid-Summer
Continue Planning Your Walt Disney World Vacation
Planning your Disney vacation goes well beyond deciding where to eat breakfast! Continue exploring these helpful guides before your trip:
- Disney World Vacation Planning Guide
- Disney Dining Guide
- Guide to Disney Resort Hotels
- Beginner’s Guide to Lightning Lanes
- Disney Transportation Guide
- Best Disney World Snacks
Ready to Plan Your Vacation?
Every family vacations differently. That’s why I never recommend the same itinerary twice.
The best vacation plan isn’t the most expensive one—it’s the one that fits your family’s priorities.
That’s where I can help.
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