Disney's Hollywood Studios is just days away from one of its most anticipated new openings, and the final countdown has officially begun. Cast Member previews for The Magic of Disney Animation are now underway, giving Disney employees a chance to experience the reimagined space before it opens to the general public on September 14, 2026.
\n\nCast Members Are First Through the Doors
\n\nPhotos from the preview period show groups gathering at the attraction entrance and checking in for the event. The building's large Animation marquee is already serving as the backdrop for the first guests stepping inside. These early visits give Disney a chance to put the experience through its paces with real visitors before opening day arrives.
\n\nThat's especially important here, because The Magic of Disney Animation isn't a single ride or show. The building combines several different experiences under one roof — including character interactions, drawing classes, a theater, artwork displays, and a children's play area. There are a lot of moving pieces, and preview periods help Cast Members get familiar with how everything works while Disney observes how people move through the space.
\n\nEarly reactions are already beginning to trickle out. One guest visiting Disney's Hollywood Studios reported seeing people leaving a Cast Member preview carrying drawings from Olaf Draws! According to that account, one attendee described the experience as