About 60 costumed Disney Animation characters gathered in the reimagined Animation Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on Monday, September 14, 2026, to celebrate the official opening of “The Magic of Disney Animation.” The once-in-a-lifetime character lineup quickly became a trending moment on X, as fans around the world shared photos and video of the milestone celebration for the new walkthrough experience honoring nearly a century of Disney animation.
The reimagined attraction replaces the former Star Wars Launch Bay inside a building modeled after the Roy E. Disney Animation Building in Burbank, California, complete with the iconic Sorcerer Hat perched on the roof. A soft opening welcomed guests on September 9, and today’s grand opening caps a week of first looks. Inspired by the Emmy-winning short “Once Upon a Studio,” the experience is the first at Walt Disney World to represent all 64 Walt Disney Animation Studios feature films under one roof.
The opening also revives the animation legacy of the park, which was home to the original Magic of Disney Animation tour from 1989 until 2015.
What the new experience includes
Interactive zones invite guests to explore every step of the animation process, from story and layout to hand-drawn and CG animation, lighting, and effects. Character greetings take place in studio-themed areas, and families can let kids play in an Alice in Wonderland-inspired playground. Baymax steps in as “decorator,” helping guests inflate balloons, while Olaf leads a drawing lesson for aspiring animators. Guests can also catch screenings of “Once Upon a Studio” throughout the day.
What fans are saying
The opening day celebration quickly took over social media. DiscussingFilm shared an 18-second video of the 60-character gathering, which has already racked up more than 150,000 views.
The official Disney Parks account joined in with opening-day photos and a 45-second vertical video capturing the festivities.
Entertainment reporter Scott Gustin shared the group photo of the assembled characters, drawing thousands of likes. Many fans said the lineup, spanning from Mickey Mouse to newer favorites, made the opening feel like a love letter to animation history. But it was not all celebration. Eagle-eyed fans were quick to notice that Nick Wilde was nowhere to be found, sparking playful disappointment from Zootopia fans hoping to see the beloved WildeHopps pairing represented. Others celebrated the limited-edition opening-day pins, which proved to be a hit with collectors.
Planning your visit
From September 14 through September 27, “The Magic of Disney Animation” operates during full park hours, generally 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Beginning September 28, the attraction shifts to daily hours of 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
For a closer look inside the new experience, check out Parade’s inside look at the attraction’s return to Hollywood Studios and this behind-the-scenes report from News 6 in Orlando.
As opening week continues, more photos, videos, and reactions are expected to pour in from guests visiting the new experience. Stay tuned for continuing coverage of the celebration.