First Look Videos Inside Magic of Disney Animation: Olaf Animatronic, Playground, Theater and More

By WDWMAGIC Staff · Wednesday September 9, 2026 6:37am ET · "The Magic of Disney Animation"
First Look Videos Inside Magic of Disney Animation: Olaf Animatronic, Playground, Theater and More
Cast Members have shared early video from inside Magic of Disney Animation ahead of its September 14 opening at Hollywood Studios, offering the first real look at the Olaf Animatronic, Drawn to…

Cast Members who took part in yesterday's early previews at The Magic of Disney Animation have begun sharing video from inside the building, giving the first real look at the new experiences ahead of the September 14 official opening at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

The videos, embedded below, cover all of the main areas inside the building — including the Olaf Audio-Animatronics figure in Olaf Draws!, the Drawn to Wonderland playground, and the Once Upon A Studio Theater.

@makellrose Come discover the new animation building in the animation courtyard at Hollywood Studios with me!! I could sit and do olaf draws all day!! #olafdraws #waltdisneyworld #hollywoodstudios #olaf #stitch ? original sound - MakellRose

@hollyrunsdisney Alice in Wonderland playground at Hollywood Studios ?? I cannot wait for Tea Parties at the Alice in Wonderland playground are inside the Walt Disney Studios in the Animation Courtyard at Hollywood Studios! This new are at Walt Disney World for kids with the best imaginations to run around indoors and explore the magic of Wonderland. I personally can't wait to take my little besties to play and paint the roses red ?? ??? #hollywoodstudios #thewaltdisneystudios #animationcourtyard #aliceinwonderland #disneyworld ? original sound Holly Maddock

@xtrawilly first look at OLAF DRAWS!! join olaf & a disney animator as they teach you how to draw some of your favorite disney friends!! @Disney Parks #wdw #waltdisneyworld #magicofdisneyanimation #olafdraws #olaf ? original sound - xtrawilly

Opening September 14

The Magic of Disney Animation brings several experiences under one roof:

  • Olaf Draws! — Drawing classes hosted by an all-new Audio-Animatronics Olaf, with step-by-step instruction from real Disney Animation artists. Classes rotate through nine characters including Mickey Mouse, Genie, Moana, Stitch, and Ursula.
  • Off the Page! — Character meet-and-greet spaces themed around different stages of the animation process, featuring Mulan, Rapunzel, Chip 'n' Dale, Donald and Daisy, Goofy, and Stitch.
  • Once Upon A Studio Theater — A dedicated theater showing the Emmy Award-winning short film with enhanced in-theater effects, including characters appearing within artwork along the walls.
  • Drawn to Wonderland — An indoor playground for children ages 6 months to 5 years, inspired by Mary Blair's original Alice in Wonderland concept art, featuring the Mad Tea Party, Queen of Hearts' rose garden, and Tulgey Wood.
  • Enchanted Art Gallery — Curated Disney Animation artwork that springs to life with exclusive animations.

Press and influencer previews are also taking place this week, so expect more looks at the interior before opening day.

The Magic of Disney Animation opens Monday, September 14 at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

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This randomly appeared in my IG feed. Guess the media embargo was lifted.
First look at the Olaf AA and drawing class.
First Look Videos Inside Magic of Disney Animation: Olaf AA, Playground, and Theater
Cast Members at early previews have started sharing video from inside Magic of Disney Animation, giving the first real look at the Olaf Audio-Animatronics figure, the Drawn to Wonderland playground, and the Once Upon A Studio Theater. The attraction opens September 14 at Hollywood Studios.

https://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/The-Magic-of-Disney-Animation/news/09sep2026-first-look-videos-inside-magic-of-disney-animation-olaf-aa-playground-and-theater.htm
PS: The statues also make the contrast with costumed characters in the area a real problem that severely challenges the suspension of disbelief.

*****

Working this hard to be miserable must be exhausting.
Some more images of The Magic of Disney Animation from Disney Parks
Disney has shared a full walkthrough of The Magic of Disney Animation:

Additional photos:
Here's an Easter egg tour of the space from Walt Disney Imagineering:
Setting aside the concern this means no larger development will happen in the backstage space there for a long time…

This is a great addition to DHS. What a charming space. I especially love the rotating Stitch at the animation desk.
I’m surprised how many physical aspects there are too this and how alive the whole area feels. This is a great addition to the park!!
My kids are sadly too big for the play area but it looks amazing! We spent so much time in the Boneyard over the years, I’m glad another play space like this was created.

Does the movie artifact section have actual movie props? Or just ones that were created to look like props from animated movies?
↩ replying to JackCH
Not necessarily, the park can still be expanded past here but it would have to go through the studio or another entrance would have to be opened up.
↩ replying to DisneyDreamer08
I would assume they're all artificial. Legitimate props and costumes already have other galleries around the park for display, so mixing doesn't make sense as it'd just cause confusion.
This looks beautiful, there is a lot to take in. Imagine if that alice playground were a dark ride, its as close as we will ever get. Can't wait to walk through it and everything else. You can choose where you want to go once in the building right, I mean there's no order you have to follow?
THIS BETTER BE FOR SALE IN THE GIFT SHOP!
↩ replying to HuntrixOwlMouse98
I can't tell if you're pulling everyone's leg or not.

I'd love to see it but I don't buy it especially in your timeframe. Post Monstropolis door coaster opening? Maybe one day.
↩ replying to HuntrixOwlMouse98
I highly doubt we’re going to get any development back there in that part of the park for at least 5 years. Definitely not next year tho. Not to mention there aren’t any rumors partaking to that development or the theme of that development if there is such development.