“The Magic of Disney Animation” Opens in Florida

(eap) “The Magic of Disney Animation” has officially opened at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, offering a new experience dedicated to the art of animation. Inspired by Disney’s “Roy E. Disney Animation Building” in Burbank, California, the experience combines interactive elements, character encounters and insights into the animation process.

At “Off the Page!”, visitors can meet characters including Mulan, Rapunzel, Chip ‘n’ Dale, Donald and Daisy, Goofy and Stitch – each representing different stages of the production process, such as story, layout, hand-drawn animation, computer animation, lighting and effects. Works from all 65 animated feature films produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios are represented throughout the experience, including material from the upcoming film “Hexed”, which is due to hit cinemas in November.

Other offerings include “Drawn to Wonderland”, an indoor play area designed especially for younger guests and inspired by Mary Blair’s concept artwork for “Alice in Wonderland”, as well as “Olaf Draws!”. There, a new Olaf Audio-Animatronics figure guides guests through an interactive drawing experience featuring tips and techniques from Disney Animation artists.

At the “Once Upon a Studio Theater”, guests can watch the Emmy Award-winning short film “Once Upon a Studio”, which inspired the overall concept. An adjacent art gallery also brings selected Disney artworks to life through animation created specifically for the experience.

With “The Magic of Disney Animation”, Disney combines the history of animation, current productions and modern Imagineering technology in an interactive experience for families and animation enthusiasts. There are also other Disney parks that offer experiences focused on Disney animation, including the “Animation Academy” and “Sorcerer’s Workshop” at Disney California Adventure, as well as the “Animation Academy” at Disneyland Paris’ Disney Adventure World. ■