Hat Comes Back: Animation Experience Coming In 2026 To Hollywood Studios

Walt Disney Animation Studios in Burbank, California, is truly a realm of enchantment – where artists enter and beloved characters and movies come to life. Picture yourself walking inside those legendary halls and watching Disney Animation characters jump right off the screen and into our world.

This magical idea was the inspiration behind the Emmy Award-winning short film, “Once Upon A Studio,” and very soon, it will spark a brand-new adventure at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Set inside a building inspired by the famous Roy E. Disney Animation Building, this exciting family attraction, “The Magic of Disney Animation,” is gearing up to bring the art of animation to life in ways never seen before.

Come 2026, the spot now known as Star Wars: Launch Bay will transform into a magical hub where both kids and the young at heart can giggle, sketch, imagine, and dive into animated new experiences. Perched atop the building will be Mickey’s famous Sorcerer Hat (just like the iconic one in California!), sprinkling a little pixie dust magic all around.

The tale inside this freshly reimagined space starts as the animators have taken a break… but don’t worry, the building is still alive with energy as beloved characters have popped out of the screen and are ready for some fun!

Step inside and you’ll explore whimsical, playful versions of the famous Disney Animation headquarters, including all the different creative departments. This time, some of your favorite friends have taken charge to bring these adventures to life.

Fun and interactive surprises await around every turn. Watch portraits magically come alive just like in “Once Upon A Studio;” get inspired by a short film with a special twist; and even grab a pencil and try your hand at drawing your very own character sketch.

Little future artists will love the “Drawn to Wonderland” playground, a delightful spot featuring a giant flower garden with musical instruments, a Mad Tea Party-themed playset, and a Tulgey Wood area to explore—all inspired by the original “Alice in Wonderland” concept art from Disney Legend Mary Blair. It’s an enchanting indoor playground where kids can let their imaginations run wild and get “curiouser and curiouser!”

There’s so much to discover and create here, and we haven’t even mentioned the character meet-and-greets—there are plenty! The entire family will be drawn to the endless fun and creativity when “The Magic of Disney Animation” opens at Disney’s Hollywood Studios next year.

The magic of the Sorcerer’s Hat is stretching well beyond “The Magic of Disney Animation” as the whole courtyard transforms into “The Walt Disney Studios,” inspired by iconic buildings from Burbank. This charming tribute to the famous Walt Disney Studios Lot features a unique Studio Theater, which will still be home to “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure,” and nearby at the soundstage, a brand-new Disney Jr. show awaits.

As you wander through the studio grounds and courtyard, take some time to play, unwind, or enjoy delicious snacks beneath the shady, leafy trees. Keep your eyes peeled, too—you might just spot a few playful friends hiding in the branches, basking in the sunlight, or exploring the grassy areas.

Get ready to dive into “Off the Page!”, a dazzling space where you can hang out with some of your favorite pals from Walt Disney Animation classics while celebrating the incredible artistry behind every scene. This area brings to life six distinct departments from the animation studio:

Each department offers fantastic photo ops with characters you know and love. Meet Mulan in the Story department, standing in front of a giant storyboard panel. Or visit the Background & Layout section, where Rapunzel awaits in a scene inspired by the classic multiplane camera technique. Snap your picture just right, and the layers of backgrounds and painted cells come together like pure Disney magic!

Every nook and cranny of “Off the Page!” is crafted to immerse guests in the art of animation, created through a collaboration between Walt Disney Imagineering and Walt Disney Animation Studios. Dan Abraham, Walt Disney Animation Studios Director and co-director of the Once Upon a Studio short, shares excitement about the inspiration visitors will take away from this experience.

He highlights how guests can enjoy meeting characters while also glimpsing the studio’s rich history, sparking creativity that might inspire future storytellers to continue Disney’s treasured animation legacy.