Magic of Disney Animation Soft Opening: Characters, Courtyard, and Inside

The Magic of Disney Animation soft opened at Disney's Hollywood Studios on September 11, three days ahead of its official September 14 debut. See the first guests inside the building, covering Olaf Draws!, Off the Page! character meets, Drawn to Wonderland, the Once Upon A Studio Theater, and the enchanted art gallery — plus Pluto now appearing in the Walt Disney Studios courtyard outside.

Sep 11, 2026 • 14 photos • Photos: WDWMAGIC • Related article
Magic of Disney Animation Soft Opening: Characters, Courtyard, and Inside Photo 1 of 14 Top
Guests fill the courtyard outside the Magic of Disney Animation building during the attraction's soft opening period

Guests fill the courtyard outside the Magic of Disney Animation building during the attraction's soft opening period.

1 of 14
The Magic of Disney Animation interior map on display near the entrance, showing sections including Drawn to Wonderland, Off the Page!, Olaf Draws!, and the Once Upon a Studio Theater

The Magic of Disney Animation interior map on display near the entrance, showing sections including Drawn to Wonderland, Off the Page!, Olaf Draws!, and the Once Upon a Studio Theater.

2 of 14
An "Open House" banner held by character statues including Mickey, Goofy, Tinker Bell, Moana, and Minnie Mouse stands in the Walt Disney Animation Studios courtyard

An "Open House" banner held by character statues including Mickey, Goofy, Tinker Bell, Moana, and Minnie Mouse stands in the Walt Disney Animation Studios courtyard.

3 of 14
Guests browse the enchanted art gallery inside Magic of Disney Animation, with the Once Upon a Studio Theater entrance visible at left

Guests browse the enchanted art gallery inside Magic of Disney Animation, with the Once Upon a Studio Theater entrance visible at left.

4 of 14
The Once Upon a Studio Theater entrance inside Magic of Disney Animation

The Once Upon a Studio Theater entrance inside Magic of Disney Animation.

5 of 14
The main lobby of Magic of Disney Animation, with color-coded sections for Story, Layout, Animation, and Lighting visible along the upper walls - each holding a meet and greet

The main lobby of Magic of Disney Animation, with color-coded sections for Story, Layout, Animation, and Lighting visible along the upper walls - each holding a meet and greet.

6 of 14
Guests queue for Olaf Draws! inside Magic of Disney Animation, with a sign noting the next class begins in 5 minutes featuring Mickey Mouse

Guests queue for Olaf Draws! inside Magic of Disney Animation, with a sign noting the next class begins in 5 minutes featuring Mickey Mouse.

7 of 14
Guests inside the Drawn to Wonderland play area

Guests inside the Drawn to Wonderland play area.

8 of 14
The enchanted art gallery corridor displays color storyboards for "We Don't Talk About Bruno" and "Colors of the Wind"

The enchanted art gallery corridor displays color storyboards for "We Don't Talk About Bruno" and "Colors of the Wind".

9 of 14
Merchandise fills the Studio Store at the Magic of Disney Animation gift shop, with apparel, Mickey ear headbands, and plush on display

Merchandise fills the Studio Store at the Magic of Disney Animation gift shop, with apparel, Mickey ear headbands, and plush on display.

10 of 14
Pluto meets guests in the Walt Disney Studios courtyard outside Magic of Disney Animation

Pluto meets guests in the Walt Disney Studios courtyard outside Magic of Disney Animation.

11 of 14
Pluto greets guests in the Walt Disney Studios courtyard outside the Magic of Disney Animation

Pluto greets guests in the Walt Disney Studios courtyard outside the Magic of Disney Animation.

12 of 14
An "Open House" banner is held by statues of Mickey, Minnie, Moana, and other Disney characters in the Walt Disney Animation Studios courtyard

An "Open House" banner is held by statues of Mickey, Minnie, Moana, and other Disney characters in the Walt Disney Animation Studios courtyard.

13 of 14
Directional signage outside Magic of Disney Animation points guests toward The Little Mermaid: A Musical Adventure, Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!, stroller parking, restrooms, and the Baby Care Center

Directional signage outside Magic of Disney Animation points guests toward The Little Mermaid: A Musical Adventure, Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!, stroller parking, restrooms, and the Baby Care Center.

14 of 14

All photos each opens its own page

Guests fill the courtyard outside the Magic of Disney Animation building during the attraction's soft opening period The Magic of Disney Animation interior map on display near the entrance, showing sections including Drawn to Wonderland, Off the Page!, Olaf Draws!, and the Once Upon a Studio Theater An "Open House" banner held by character statues including Mickey, Goofy, Tinker Bell, Moana, and Minnie Mouse stands in the Walt Disney Animation Studios courtyard Guests browse the enchanted art gallery inside Magic of Disney Animation, with the Once Upon a Studio Theater entrance visible at left The Once Upon a Studio Theater entrance inside Magic of Disney Animation The main lobby of Magic of Disney Animation, with color-coded sections for Story, Layout, Animation, and Lighting visible along the upper walls - each holding a meet and greet Guests queue for Olaf Draws! inside Magic of Disney Animation, with a sign noting the next class begins in 5 minutes featuring Mickey Mouse Guests inside the Drawn to Wonderland play area The enchanted art gallery corridor displays color storyboards for "We Don't Talk About Bruno" and "Colors of the Wind" Merchandise fills the Studio Store at the Magic of Disney Animation gift shop, with apparel, Mickey ear headbands, and plush on display Pluto meets guests in the Walt Disney Studios courtyard outside Magic of Disney Animation Pluto greets guests in the Walt Disney Studios courtyard outside the Magic of Disney Animation An "Open House" banner is held by statues of Mickey, Minnie, Moana, and other Disney characters in the Walt Disney Animation Studios courtyard Directional signage outside Magic of Disney Animation points guests toward The Little Mermaid: A Musical Adventure, Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!, stroller parking, restrooms, and the Baby Care Center

Related Articles

Magic of Disney Animation Hours Update — Theater Opens Later Than Rest of Building

Magic of Disney Animation Soft Opens Today — Characters Move Inside, New Faces in Courtyard

More from "The Magic of Disney Animation"

Overview

News

Photos

Refurbs

Videos

Latest Photo Galleries
More photos

Disney Believe Full Reveal +7 Other 18 hours ago

Disney Believe Full Reveal
Animation Courtyard Gets a Holiday Lounge for Jollywood Nights 2026 Events 1 day ago

Animation Courtyard Gets a Holiday Lounge for Jollywood Nights 2026
2026 Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party Merch Lineup +6 Events 1 day ago

2026 Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party Merch Lineup
Lilypad's Jams Adds Holiday Playlist Attraction 2 days ago

Lilypad's Jams Adds Holiday Playlist

Most Read
More news

1
18 hours ago

Disney Believe Full Reveal: Homeport, Venues, Entertainment, and Sail Dates
2
22 hours ago

Expedition Everest Yeti Being Replaced, Not Fixed, Joe Rohde Suggests
3
2 days ago

Disneyland Drops Magic Key No-Show Penalty and Extends Cancellation Window
4
4 months ago

Walt Disney World 2026 Holiday Season Dates Confirmed: November 13 – January 6
Link copied