DHS Disney Animation-Inspired Experience Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios

[HauntedPirate]

Not that I am clamoring for IP to be added there, but you could use Wall-E at Living with the Land - the idea of man overusing/misusing natural resources and now having a better understanding is working to be more working with the natural environment to restore balance, etc

That ride is about as perfect as it can get as-is. IP would likely ruin it.

 

[James Alucobond]

Are there examples of this type of artwork from the past?

It’s a byproduct of visualization, which is not always made with broad public consumption in mind. It was happening in both the past and present but is obviously done differently now from a technological perspective. What crept out in the past would probably still be way more visually appealing than what is released in the present just because of the difference in appeal between ink and watercolor versus digital visualization, but you’re also probably seeing more of it proportionally because there’s greater demand (D23, Disney blog articles, dedicated news sites, etc.).

This is not to say that they shouldn’t put more effort into dressing up the visualizations that make it out there, but the point is that they’re not of the same genre as a less exact painting meant to convey the general scenery and feeling of standing along the Rivers of America. That has way more in common with the kinds of things you’d find at Art of Disney.

 

[Gusey]

Are there examples of this type of artwork from the past?

If we're talking about digitally created concept art, which is why most concept art these days are less stylistic and abstract compared to past concept art, this one is my favourite that they ever publically released for Disneyland. Nothing is as bad as this one

 

[Casper Gutman]

I haven’t experienced the new show admittedly, but you seem an outlier of the broader reaction. Perhaps because you disliked the progenitor so much?

Unless I’m missing something and everyone else thinks it’s really bad? I’m just struck by general reviews apart from yours. When everything here is received various shades of poorly, this one seemed to have a good reaction. Again, I can’t weigh in for another 6 weeks personally.

Also to reiterate my position, I still would have been a fan of updating MV3D (after the priority of Beauty and the Beast).

It’s the original show with an extra song and some universally derided CGI. Not a lot has changed. And Poor Unfortunate Souls is still very underserved.

 

[SpectroBro]

Forgive me if it’s been mentioned, but I’m not going back 18 pages lol. Do we think Galaxy’s Edge will drop the timeline and finally allow legacy characters now that Launch Bay is going bye bye?

 

[Johnwdwguy]

Concept art and details below - Animation Courtyard and Disney Jr. Play and Dance! will close beginning September 25, 2025:

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Walt Disney Animation Studios in Burbank, California, is a place of pure magic – artists go in… beloved characters and films come out. Now, imagine stepping inside those iconic walls and seeing Disney Animation characters leap off the screen and into our world.

That was the heart and premise of the Emmy Award-winning short film, “Once Upon A Studio,” and soon, it will inspire a brand-new experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Housed in a building reminiscent of the iconic Roy E. Disney Animation Building, this upcoming family experience, “The Magic of Disney Animation,” is getting ready to bring the wonder of animation to life like never before.

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In 2026, the current home of Star Wars: Launch Bay will transform into a place where kids and kids at heart can laugh, draw, dream, and explore animated new experiences. Topping the building will be Mickey’s iconic Sorcerer Hat (just like the real building in California!), which will cast a spell with pixie dust.

Our story in this newly reimagined space begins as the animators have temporarily stepped away… but the building is still buzzing with activity as the characters have come to life and they’re ready to play!

Inside, you will interact with and explore silly takes on the iconic Disney Animation headquarters, including the many different studio departments. Only this time, some of our favorite pals have taken over to create the fun adventures.
The playful and interactive moments will be around every corner. You’ll see portraits come to life before your eyes just like they did in “Once Upon A Studio;” you’ll find inspiration with a short film (with a twist, of course); 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, all inspired by the original “Alice in Wonderland” concept art from Disney Legend Mary Blair. It’ll be the perfect whimsical indoor play area for little ones to grow “curiouser and curiouser!”

All of those places to explore and create, and we haven’t even talked about character greetings… and there are lots! The whole family will be drawn to all the creative ways to play together when “The Magic of Disney Animation” opens at Disney’s Hollywood Studios next year.

The pixie dusting from the Sorcerer’s Hat will extend far beyond the walls of “The Magic of Disney Animation” as the entire courtyard is reimagined into “The Walt Disney Studios,” taking inspiration from several buildings found in Burbank. This special nod to the legendary Walt Disney Studios Lot includes our version of the Studio Theater, which will continue to house “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure,” and over at the soundstage, you’ll find a fresh Disney Jr. show.

While exploring the studio grounds and courtyard area, families can take a break to play, relax, or snack on tasty treats under lush trees. And make sure to look around, too. You never know who you might see playing in the branches, soaking up the sun or digging in the grass.

Disney Animation artists and Walt Disney Imagineers are working hand-in-hand to bring the wonder and nostalgia of Disney Animation films to the whole courtyard in new and immersive ways families will love. We can’t wait for you to experience this fantastical place in 2026.

As we prepare for this transformation, Animation Courtyard and Disney Jr. Play and Dance! will close beginning September 25, 2025. During this time, guests will still be able to go under the sea with Ariel in “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” and enjoy the exhibits and film presentation at Walt Disney Presents.

Disney Animation-Inspired Experience Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios - Disney Parks Blog

Walt Disney Animation Studios in Burbank, California, is a place of pure magic – artists go in… beloved characters and films come out. Now, imagine stepping inside those iconic walls and seeing Disney Animation characters leap off the screen and into our world. That was the heart and premise...

disneyparksblog.com

The Magic of Disney Animation has Returned (In 2026...). It is time (As Rafiki would say)

 

[Timothy_Q]

Disney still has plenty of extremely talented artists

The difference is artists today aren't given the same time, pay, and prompts as they used to to create sprawling and evocative traditional paintings.

If Disney isn't asking for big traditional paintings, paying for them, or giving artists enough time to create them, artists aren't going to magically make them.

 

[drew81]

Forgive me if it’s been mentioned, but I’m not going back 18 pages lol. Do we think Galaxy’s Edge will drop the timeline and finally allow legacy characters now that Launch Bay is going bye bye?

They should do that. It makes too much sense.

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

The difference is artists today aren't given the same time, pay, and prompts as they used to to create sprawling and evocative traditional paintings.

Glad they have time and money for research trips and not actually making art! Good use of company funds!

 

[Andrew C]

That ride is about as perfect as it can get as-is. IP would likely ruin it.

bets on it surviving until the end of the decade?

 

[HauntedPirate]

bets on it surviving until the end of the decade?

With this regime and Burbank calling the shots? All bets are off.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Forgive me if it’s been mentioned, but I’m not going back 18 pages lol. Do we think Galaxy’s Edge will drop the timeline and finally allow legacy characters now that Launch Bay is going bye bye?

Been nothing mentioned - we might get hints when the Mando and Grogu overlay takes over for Falcon as the show/movie is set before the timeline of GE (though theoretically the characters could still be around when GE is set)

 

[Fox&Hound]

Looking back over the original description, I’m super curious as to how this area will be structured. Will the pictures be Magicband activated, or a Magic Quest type situation, or otherwise interactive in some way? I’m unsure what a guest exhibit that looks like offices would look like, so that’s a question mark (areas with interactive exhibits tend to be large open spaces). The Alice in Wonderland area sounds intriguing too. I’m assuming the flowers will be a soft play area? (Hopefully staffed by CMs because older kids have no mercy when doing parkour on play structures and will send a toddler flying in a heartbeat.) The tea party situation is intriguing too as I can’t imagine they’ll give kids access to actual dishes. Maybe a permanent structure with interactive elements?

Not that I want an extra charge, but disney selling interactive paintbrushes (similar to Potter wands) that bring the paintings to life would be pretty cool.

 

[DisneyHead123]

Not that I want an extra charge, but disney selling interactive paintbrushes (similar to Potter wands) that being the paintings to life would be pretty cool.

I like that idea! They need an alternative to Magic Bands for interactive features… you don’t point with your wrist, lol.

 

[AKL2003]

Not that I want an extra charge, but disney selling interactive paintbrushes (similar to Potter wands) that being the paintings to life would be pretty cool.

Love that idea!!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

They could loan you the paintbrush to get the effect but if you have a MB+ it will buzz or change colors or do some "extra" effects

 

[Brer Oswald]

Why are you guys so negative about it? You guys complained that TMODA got replaced by a lame Star Wars Launch Bay and now DHS is bringing back The Magic of Disney Animation, and this is the thanks you’re giving to DHS? Geez guys!

Listen…I’m pretty happy, and I’m rarely positive about any of their announcements these days. Are they going to take it as far as they should (complete with a Reluctant Dragon style studio tour dark ride)? No. But it’s at least a step in the right direction.

 

[ChrisFL]

I'm not following with the whole story line since the whole concept of the ride has no relevance to its actual name. It's no longer a "Test Track".

Sure it is. What do you do when you go to a car dealership? You go on a Test Drive...this is on a track...hence Test Track.

I'm joking of course but....wait, this ain't the Test Track thread!

 

[ChrisFL]

I guess it depends on what you want. Modern concept art is far more literal than the stylized, beautiful pieces from the past. It does feel like people are more likely to criticize the finished product for not “living up” to the art, so perhaps it’s just not worth it for them to make stylized art. I doubt they make much from those coffee table books. They probably employ far fewer concept artist than in the past, and I’m sure you’re correct that some AI is employed.

I think they should show us concept art from Planet Coaster 2

 

[TsWade2]

DuhListen…I’m pretty happy, and I’m rarely positive about any of their announcements these days. Are they going to take it as far as they should (complete with a Reluctant Dragon style studio tour dark ride)? No. But it’s at least a step in the right direction.