Disney Animation Returns After 11-Year Hiatus with Whimsical Reimagining
The Magic of Disney Animation is set to reopen at Walt Disney World's Hollywood Studios on September 14, after an 11-year hiatus. The original attraction closed in 2015 to make way for Star Wars Launch Bay, but now the building will once again house a Disney-themed experience.
According to Mickey Visit, the new version of The Magic of Disney Animation is inspired by the 2023 short film 'Once Upon a Studio', which showcased Disney animated characters from over a century's worth of films. The attraction has been renovated to resemble a fantasy version of the real Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California.
Guests can explore individual mini-attractions within the building, including the Once Upon a Studio Theater, where they can watch the short film starring over 500 characters from a century of Disney Animation projects. The theater's walls come to life with new animation that enhances the idea that this is a place where characters are coming to life.
Another highlight of the attraction is Drawn to Wonderland, an indoor playground inspired by Disney concept artist Mary Blair's preproduction work for 'Alice in Wonderland'. The playground focuses on the art form aspect of animation and features two sections for kids aged 6-23 months old and 2-5 years old.