All New Disney Animation-Inspired Experience Comes To Walt Disney World In 2026!

An all new Disney Animation-inspired experience is set to launch at Walt Disney World, Florida in 2026 bringing the magic Disney Animation to life like never before.

Walt Disney World is set to welcome an all new, never before seen experience centred around the magic of Disney Animation for 2026.

The new attraction which will occupy current space taken by Star Wars: Launch Bay and will allow kids and kids at heart alike the chance to draw, dream and explore “animated new experiences”.

The building itself will be topped by a giant Mickey’s Sorcerer hat (just like the actual building itself based in California) and will cast magic and pixie dust over all who enter.

The Magic of Disney Animation, as the new attraction will be known lets children and adults alike feel the same magic as Disney’s iconic imagineers by giving them the chance to walk in their shoes and see their animated ideas ‘just to life’.

Decribing the upcoming new Disney attraction in Disney Parks Blog Tyler McNulty – Communications Manager for Walt Disney Imagineering states;

“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.”

Guests will step into the new attraction under the premise that the aninmators have temporarily stepped away and have left a building full of colourful characters who are full of life and ready to play.

The new attraction will take those who enter on a journey through ‘silly takes’ on classic disney departments with each character bringing their own ‘colourful twist’ to proceedings.

Throughout your time in there you’ll also come across portraits with a life of their own, find inspiration with a unique short film and pencil in some time of your own to learn the skills necessary to bring the magic of Disney to life.

Younger “animators-to-be” will also have the chance to explore a unique playground too filled with an oversized flower garden complete with musical instruments, a Mad Hatter’s tea party set and a Tugley Exploration area all said to be inspired by Disney’s orginial ‘Alice in Wonderland’ legend Mary Blair.

Alongside this visitors will also have the chance for plenty of character encounters along the way too as the magic of disney animation comes to life in new and exciting ways perfect for the whole family.

In order to make way for the magical new Disney Animation-inspired attraction Animation Courtyard and Disney Jr. Play and Dance! will close beginning September 25th, 2025 onwards.

This is due to the whole area being transformed as part of the new attraction’s introduction but don’t worry, 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.

This means that the whole courtyard will be re-imagined into Walt Disney Studios, taking heavy inspiration for the company’s official HQ in Burbank, California!

The new area will also feature a brand new Disney Jr. show over at the soundstage perfect for older guests and little ones alike.

Want to find out more? you can catch the inspiration for this brand new adventure – Disney Animation’s “Once Upon a Studio” – on Disney+.