Walt Disney World has officially released the operating schedule for The Magic of Disney Animation ahead of its grand debut at Disney's Hollywood Studios on September 14, 2026. While the attraction will run from rope drop to park close during its opening two weeks, the currently posted schedule shows it transitioning to a shorter daily window beginning September 28, 2026 — and that's something every guest will want to factor into their park-day plans.
Opening Weeks vs. the Post-Launch Schedule
During the initial rollout from September 14 through September 27, 2026, The Magic of Disney Animation will operate on the same hours as the park itself. Here's a full breakdown of what's currently posted on Walt Disney World's website:
- September 14–17, 2026: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (matches Hollywood Studios operating hours)
- September 18–19, 2026: 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (matches early park opening schedule)
- September 20–27, 2026: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (matches Hollywood Studios operating hours)
- September 28 onward: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (reduced hours — opens one hour late, closes early)
It's worth noting that Disney can adjust attraction operating hours at any time, so the September 28 schedule should be understood as the currently posted schedule rather than a formally announced permanent policy.
Why the Reduced Schedule Matters for Your Park Strategy
Under the schedule taking effect September 28, The Magic of Disney Animation will open at 10:00 a.m. — a full hour after Hollywood Studios' standard 9:00 a.m. opening, and 90 minutes after Early Theme Park Entry begins at 8:30 a.m. for Disney Resort hotel guests. That means the attraction simply won't be an option during the coveted early-morning window.
On the other end of the day, the 6:00 p.m. closing time means the attraction shuts down three full hours before the currently posted 9:00 p.m. park close. Guests planning evening itineraries, dinner reservations in the area, or late-night visits to Hollywood Studios will need to make sure they visit earlier in the day or risk missing it entirely.
This kind of reduced operational window is actually fairly common for walk-throughs, character greeting halls, and show-based exhibits across Walt Disney World — venues like Walt Disney Presents at Hollywood Studios or character locations at EPCOT often settle into shorter hours once opening-day crowds stabilize. That said, given that The Magic of Disney Animation is a major addition anchoring the newly renamed The Walt Disney Studios area, the eight-hour daily window is something guests will need to actively plan around.
What's Inside The Magic of Disney Animation
The Magic of Disney Animation anchors the reimagined Animation Courtyard, now presented as The Walt Disney Studios lot — designed after the real Walt Disney Animation Studios campus in Burbank, California. The outdoor courtyard area opened first on May 26, 2026, alongside the new Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! show, but the main indoor experience opens on September 14 and brings together multiple interactive spaces, character experiences, and screening venues:
Olaf Draws!
Hosted by an advanced Audio-Animatronic Olaf with recorded artist guidance, this interactive drawing academy teaches guests step by step how to draw iconic Disney characters. Disney has confirmed that Olaf Draws! will use a Virtual Queue system upon opening — but guests will need to sign up in person rather than through the My Disney Experience app.
Once Upon A Studio Theater
A dedicated screening venue featuring the Emmy Award-winning short film Once Upon a Studio, which celebrates Disney Animation history by bringing more than 500 classic characters together.
Off the Page! Character Meet & Greets
A series of unique character encounters themed around distinct disciplines in the animation process:
- Mulan — representing the Story department
- Rapunzel — representing Layout
- Chip 'n' Dale — representing Hand-Drawn Animation
- Donald and Daisy — representing Computer Animation
- Goofy — representing Lighting
- Stitch — representing Effects
Drawn to Wonderland
A whimsical indoor play space designed specifically for younger children, featuring interactive elements inspired by classic animation sketches and Alice's world.
Enchanted Art Gallery
A gallery showcasing artwork featuring beloved Disney Animation characters. While it initially appears to be a traditional gallery, animated elements created specifically for the experience bring the artwork to life.
The Return of a Beloved Name
The opening of this venue marks the official return of the "The Magic of Disney Animation" name to Disney's Hollywood Studios. The original attraction was an opening-day feature when the park launched as Disney-MGM Studios in May 1989. For years, guests could watch actual Disney animators working on feature films like The Lion King, Lilo & Stitch, and Mulan through glass viewing windows, and could also meet characters and take drawing classes.
That beloved original attraction closed permanently in July 2015, with the space later becoming Star Wars Launch Bay before the Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge expansion arrived. Now, eleven years later, Disney has revived the classic name with a modern, highly interactive reimagining built for a new generation of theme park guests.
Planning Tips for Your Visit
Because The Magic of Disney Animation won't open until 10:00 a.m. under the currently posted schedule beginning September 28, it won't work as a low-wait rope drop option. Guests arriving at park opening should instead prioritize high-demand attractions in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, Toy Story Land, or Sunset Boulevard before heading to Animation Courtyard once the doors unlock at 10:00 a.m.
Likewise, families who typically save walk-through exhibits and character meet-and-greets for the end of the night will need to wrap up their visits to Off the Page! and Olaf Draws! before the 6:00 p.m. shutdown. And if Olaf Draws! is on your must-do list, be sure to check the Virtual Queue procedures early in the day — remember, sign-ups are in person, not through My Disney Experience.
The bottom line: The Magic of Disney Animation looks like a truly special addition to Hollywood Studios, but the currently posted 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. window beginning September 28 means a little extra planning will go a long way toward making the most of your visit.