Hey there, Cassandra!
We're so glad to welcome you to planDisney today. It looks like you have a visit on the horizon, and if so, I'm happy to help you unleash your inner artist.
Earlier this year, The Animation Experience at Conservation Station permanently closed at
Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park. I had the opportunity to draw a few of the Fab 5 there over the years and always loved watching my creations come to life. The instructors were incredible at teaching everyone how to transform a few simple lines, circles, and details into the familiar faces we know and love. It was always fun to see the subtle differences in our finished designs and compare our improved skills from year to year.
While this experience ended to make way for
fun with Bluey and Bingo, another opportunity to put pencil to paper is set to debut at
Disney's Hollywood Studios later this summer as part of
The Magic of Disney Animation collection.
Olaf Draws! will feature a similar step-by-step drawing class led by none other than the lovable Olaf (in animatronic form) as well as recorded clips from Disney Animation artists. We don't have an opening date for this just yet, but keep your eyes on Disney Parks Blog for details as soon as they become available.
The Disney Animation collection experiences will all happen indoors under Mickey's iconic Sorcerer hat in the newly reimagined Animation Courtyard, which reopened in May after a months-long refurbishment. As a lifelong fan of
Alice and Wonderland, I'm most excited about the new Drawn to Wonderland playground, but I know that the character interactions at “Off the Page!” will also offer plenty of magical and frame-worthy memories.
I know this doesn't help for tomorrow's visit, but as a Florida resident, I'm hopeful you'll find time to return once these experiences become available. Speaking of future visits, if you happen to enjoy cooler temperatures and color around every corner, be sure to visit
EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, typically scheduled in January and February. This is my favorite EPCOT festival as it features tons of interactive art and live performances, alongside artfully designed (and delicious) food and beverages. The festival usually features an Animation Academy in the America Gardens Theatre, which I'm sure you'll enjoy.
I drew Wall-E there back in 2024, and it remains my favorite drawing to date.
Cassandra, please pencil planDisney in should any additional questions pop up. We're always here to add the finishing touches to your next vacation.
Magic and memories,
Amy