Magic of Animation | Walt Disney World | Hollywood Studios | Animation Courtyard | Double the Mushu Double the Fun | Disney Animation Studio

Summer 2015, Walt Disney Worlds Hollywood Studios is undergoing a major transformation.  When the transformation is finished, the park will have a new name and new identity.  Today, July 12, 2015 was the last day of operation for the “The Magic of Disney Animation”.  The building and attraction have a history that dates back to the park opening; it was once home to the Florida division of Walt Disney Feature Animation, developing feature films including Lilo & Stitch, Mulan and Brother Bear.

The Animation Department was closed in 2004, and since then the building has been home to Animation Academy – hands

on the opportunity to draw your very own Disney character sketch; The Sound Stage – an opportunity for you to create your own soundtrack to a popular Disney movie scene; Digital Ink and Paint – add splashes of color to a classic Disney animated sequence; You’re a Character – Answer a series of questions to discover what popular character you’re most like; and the Animation Gallery – a walk-through display of animation cels, props, and awards.

The building has also housed a variety of Disney Character Meet and Greets including Sorcerer Mickey, Minnie Mouse, and typically a character from the latest Disney Animated Feature – at closing that was Bay Max and Hiro from Big Hero 6. The building also included the Animation Theater.  The building itself has been through a lot of changes, but that’s a topic for another blog.   The Animation Theater featured “Drawn to Animation” when it closed.  A short presentation featuring Mushu; Mushu was developed in the building during the development of Mulan.  With the help of a Disney Animator, Mushu takes us on a fun-filled presentation of the animation process in an easy-to-understand way.  The presentation shows the basics of creating an animated character and the importance of character development in Disney animated movies. While this isn’t the original film presented in the building, it has grown on me and my family over the years.  Like the now removed Sorcerers Hat, many people only know this movie from the Animation Theater.  While I’m fond of the original “Back to Neverland”, I’ve learned to appreciate Drawn to Animation.  For SamsDisneyDiary #58, I was permitted to record one of the final presentations of “Drawn to Animation” – I do hope you enjoy it and this brings back memories. Thanks, Mushu, and thanks to all who visited the Animation Building.

For more on Disney MGM Studios check out The Opening Day Celebration, The Making of Disney MGM Studios, A day at Disney Studios 2004, a Day at Studios 1995, and Walt Disney World MGM Studios The Dream Comes True

Don’t miss any of the Disney Family Albums:  Clarence “Ducky” Nash, The Missing Episode, Ward Kimball, Sherman Brothers, Jim MacDonald, Milt Kahl, Ken Anderson, Disneyland Designers, Eric Larson, Peter and Harrison Ellenshaw, Wolfgang (Woolie) Reitherman, Frank Thomas, Voice Actors, WED Imagineers, Golden Horseshoe Revue, Ollie Johnston, Annette Funicello, Marc Davis, The Milotte’s and the Beebe’s, Fess Parker / Buddy Ebsen, The StoryMen