What's New at Disney: Inside the Magic of Disney Animation at Hollywood Studios

News: Walt Disney World's new Magic of Disney Animation is officially open in Animation Courtyard at Disney's Hollywood Studios. We went inside to try everything, and spent over 3½ hours there. Honestly, we could have stayed two more.

This is a great addition for families. Until now, Hollywood Studios hasn't really had a dedicated place to escape the Florida heat or duck inside when it rains. This is exactly that.

What's new at a glance

• Once Upon a Studio Theater: the short film, with characters coming to life in the artwork around you
• Off the Page: indoor character meets
• Drawn to Wonderland: an indoor play area for kids
• Olaf Draws: a drawing class, inspired by the old Animation Academy
• Movie props and new merchandise on the way out
• Roaming characters outside in Animation Courtyard

Roaming characters in Animation Courtyard

Characters are roaming as soon as you walk into the courtyard. We met quite a few before we even got inside, and a whole new set when we came back out. These aren't quick photo-and-go meets. They play games and make the kids part of the fun.

Once Upon a Studio Theater

You watch the Once Upon a Studio short, but the magic doesn't stop at the screen. Characters come to life in the artwork surrounding the theater, so you feel like part of the animation.

Fun history: three Disney classics were produced right here at the Florida animation studio: Mulan, Lilo & Stitch and Brother Bear. Little pieces of that history are all over the new experience.

Off the Page: character meets

This was one of our favorite parts. Characters literally come to life, and you can meet a lot of them: Mulan, Rapunzel, Chip 'n' Dale, Donald, Daisy, Goofy, and even Stitch.

Drawn to Wonderland

An indoor play area where kids can let their imaginations run wild, with plenty to climb, explore and discover. Alice pops in from time to time to play, so it feels like stepping right into Wonderland. It's a great spot to let the kids play while you take a break from the heat (or the rain).

Olaf Draws: my favorite

If you remember the old Animation Academy, where Disney animators taught guests to draw characters, this is the version so many of us have been waiting for. It did not disappoint.

• Olaf is hilarious as your host.
• There are 10 different characters you can learn to draw, and they rotate every session, so you can come back for a new one.
• We did Minnie first, loved it, and came back for Ursula. Minnie was much easier. A cast member told us the Zootopia characters and Moana are some of the hardest.
• I wish the class were a few minutes longer. I had a hard time keeping up!

Tip: When they tell you to draw lightly, listen. There's no eraser, and those light guidelines really help.

Props and merch

On your way out, look for movie props like Maui's hook and Cinderella's glass slipper. There's also a ton of new merchandise, and I love the new jerseys.

Is it worth it?

In my opinion, it's a must-do if you're spending the day at Hollywood Studios, especially with kids, on a hot day, or when the afternoon storms roll in. Plan more time than you think. We did Olaf Draws twice!

Already been? Tell me your favorite part in the comments on the video.