Walt Disney World has set an opening day for the Magic of Disney Animation at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park. The multiple-experience attraction will debut for the public on Sept. 14.
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The animation building will include Olaf Draws, in which an animatronic version of the “Frozen” snowman will lead character-sketching classes (including a session on how to draw Olaf); Drawn to Wonderland, an indoor playground inspired by the “Alice in Wonderland” concept art of Disney Legend Mary Blair; freshly themed character meet-and-greets with Mulan, Rapunzel, Goofy and more; and a theater that shows the “Once Upon a Studio” short film, which was introduced in 2023.
The building was formerly the home of Star Wars Launch Bay and, once upon a time — in the Disney-MGM Studios days — the working space of glass-enclosed Disney animators who were based in Florida. The exterior is now themed to resemble Walt Disney Animation Studios in California, down to Mickey’s oversized sorcerer hat above the entrance.
The additions are part of the reconfigured Animation Courtyard, which now has more seating in a park-like setting. That’s flanked by the new “Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live” show, which opened this year, and “The Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure,” which debuted last year. The area still includes the Walt Disney Presents attraction, a walk-through exhibit that examines the historical developments of the man and his company.
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Disney: New drawing classes will feature Olaf animatronic
Still under construction at Hollywood Studios: a new land inspired by “Monsters, Inc.” that includes a suspended, door-themed roller coaster, the Glob Theater and Harryhausen’s restaurant. Its opening date has not been announced.
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