Hello Renee!
Thank you for visiting planDisney. I am thrilled to hear that you will be visiting Walt Disney World Resort this fall with your granddaughter.
Autumn is such a lovely time to visit and vacations are always a little more magical with our loved ones. I know my kids love it when my parents join us at the Most Magical Place on Earth.
Learning to draw my favorite Disney characters from a talented Disney animator is something I also really enjoy. I am happy to tell you this experience is available at Walt Disney World Resort as well! You'll find
The Animation Experience at Conservation Station located in Rafiki's Planet Watch at
Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Just last October, I visited with a few of my panelist pals and we learned how to draw Simba. Although the schedule may change, currently the 25-minute class is offered various times each day starting at 10:00 AM. Rafiki's Planet Watch does close at 5:00 PM, so you will want to make sure you add this stop to your itinerary earlier in the day. Again, times may vary so be sure to check with a Cast Member or check the
My Disney Experience Mobile App for current times during your stay.
While you're visiting
Conservation Station, you can view into the Nutrition Center to sometimes see experts prepare meals for the animals or the Veterinary Treatment Room where you can occasionally watch them perform procedures. Also, at Rafiki's Planet Watch, you'll find the
Affection Section which is the only petting zoo at Walt Disney World Resort.
If you are looking for another Disney art-related activity to experience, look no further than the
Enchanting Extras Collection for a few others I highly recommend. Depending on your granddaughter's age, you may want to reserve a spot to decorate a Disney cake, paint, or make a Spanish Mosaic. For Guests age 5 and older, you can decorate an edible work of art at
Amorette's Patisserie Cake Decorating Experience. This 90-minute class will teach you how to decorate your own Disney cake and you'll be able to take it with you to enjoy later! I have made the Mickey cake before, but they just added a Minnie Mouse version last month. If your granddaughter is 12 or older, you have the option of channeling your inner artists at the
Colors of Coronado Painting Experience or by creating Disney-themed mosaics at the
Spanish Mosaic Art class. There are so many ways to create an unforgettable art-inspired experience for your granddaughter at Walt Disney World Resort. Reservations for the Enchanting Extras Collection experiences can be made 60 days prior to your visit.
I hope you have an amazing vacation, Renee. If there is anything else I can help you plan between now and your visit, please let me know.
Magical Wishes,
Lauren