LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (February 23, 2026) — Walt Disney World Resort has revealed exciting new details coming to The Magic of Disney Animation at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in late summer, including newly announced character encounters inside the previously revealed “Off the Page!” experience, an all-new Animation Academy led by Olaf, and immersive spaces where art, storytelling, and technology come together like never before.
Learn to Draw with Olaf in a Brand-New Animation Academy Experience
Guests of all ages are invited to discover their inner artist in Olaf Draws!, a completely reimagined Animation Academy experience hosted by Olaf from Frozen. Brought to life as an all-new Audio-Animatronics figure, the happy snowman serves as a cheerful and encouraging guide, inviting guests to explore the art of character drawing with his signature warmth, optimism, and humor.
Stepping into a reimagined animator’s studio with playful nods to Frozen, guests of all ages are invited to sit down and learn to draw. Young animators in the making can spark their creativity at sleigh‑themed tables, while animator‑desk–style workstations invite kids at heart to feel as though they’ve stepped right into the studio.
Original dialogue for the experience was recorded by Josh Gad, the voice of Olaf, who reflected on the inspiration behind the project.
“I’m so thrilled that a whole new generation of kids can dream of becoming animators one day and can actually begin their journey right there on the studio lot,” Gad shared.
Since Olaf can’t quite draw on his own, he enlists the help of legendary Disney animators, directors, and story artists. Through prerecorded instructions, these creative leaders guide guests step-by-step through the drawing process, sharing tips, techniques, and behind-the-scenes stories straight from the studio.
Each class features a different character, inspired by timeless classics and modern favorites. Guests may find themselves sketching a timeless classic or a modern favorite drawn by one of these amazing artists:
- Mickey Mouse, with Dan Abraham, director (“Once Upon A Studio,” “Baymax!”)
- Minnie Mouse, with Hyun Min Lee, animator (“Frozen 2,” “The Princess and the Frog”)
- Donald Duck, with Austin Traylor, animator (“Once Upon A Studio,” “Moana 2”)
- Genie, with Eric Goldberg, animator (“Aladdin,” “Hercules”)
- Moana, with Samantha Vilfort, story artist (“Encanto,” “Zootopia 2”)
- Stitch, with Fawn Veerasunthorn, director and head of story (“Wish,” “Raya and the Last Dragon”)
- Olaf, with Trent Correy, director (“Once Upon A Studio,” “Frozen 3”)
- Ursula, with Michael Woodside, animator (“Big Hero 6,” “Encanto”)
- Judy Hopps & Nick Wilde, with Byron Howard, director (“Zootopia,” “Zootopia 2”)
Meet Favorite Characters Across the Animation Process in “Off the Page!”
Previously announced as part of The Magic of Disney Animation, “Off the Page!” will welcome guests into distinct, department themed environments inspired by the real animation pipeline at Walt Disney Animation Studios. Each space celebrates a stage of the creative process and features character encounters that bring animation artistry to life. Some of the characters you may spot are:
- Mulan in Story
- Rapunzel in Layout
- Chip n’ Dale in Hand-Drawn Animation
- Donald & Daisy in CG Animation
- Goofy in Lighting
- Stitch in Effects
Together, these spaces offer unforgettable photo opportunities while highlighting how animated stories evolve from concept to screen.
Where Art Springs to Life
As guests continue their journey through The Magic of Disney Animation, they’ll discover the Enchanted Art Gallery, a beautifully curated space filled with artwork featuring beloved Disney Animation characters. While it may appear to be a traditional gallery at first glance, a little pixie dust reveals all new animations created exclusively for this experience, bringing the artwork magically to life.
The experience concludes in the Once Upon A Studio Theater, where guests can enjoy the Emmy® Award winning short film Once Upon A Studio. Inside this dedicated theater honoring more than a century of Disney Animation storytelling, enhanced effects add an extra layer of magic. As the film plays, guests may even spot characters appearing within the artwork along the theater walls, placing them right in the heart of this enchanting celebration.