Hi, Sara-Jayne! Thanks for bringing your question to the Disney Parks Moms Panel.
I, too, LOVED the Animation Academy at Disney California Adventure Park. While there isn't anything like that in any of the Walt Disney World Resort Theme Parks, there is a similar experience offered daily at
Disney's Art of Animation Resort. In the lobby each afternoon, you can learn about the techniques and tools Disney artists use to bring characters to life in a small-group session that lets you try your hand at drawing some of your favorite characters. The experience here is more intimate than the one at Animation Academy, but the step-by-step instruction is similar. Guests of the Resort might also be featured as the Sketch Artist of the Day! This feature allows young artists to have their work displayed on an easel in the lobby and receive a personalized certificate celebrating their "outstanding artistic achievement."
If you're just visiting Disney's Art of Animation Resort for the afternoon, even the lobby is absolutely breathtaking. Here you're surrounded by sketches and cels from some of Disney's most famous animated features. Don't forget to look up, too! There's even more artwork suspended from the ceiling. To the right of the check-in desk, you'll also find a Disney artist hard at work. Stop by and chat with him or her about the process and watch them as they create stunning works of art right before your eyes. When I was there in November, there was also a Do-it-Yourself easel set up in the lobby with paper, colored pencils, and step-by-step illustrated instructions for how to draw Nemo, too!
I hope you and your daughter will have an opportunity to stop by and enjoy this experience. While you're there, check out the larger-than-life figures outside each of the hotel's four main sections, too!
Amy