The summer of 2015 marked a transformation for Disney’s Hollywood Studios. As the park underwent major changes, it bid farewell to an opening day original. The Magic of Disney Animation closed its doors for the final time on July 12, 2015. This attraction had a rich history, dating back to the park’s opening. It was originally home to the Florida division of Walt Disney Feature Animation, which played a pivotal role in the creation of films such as Lilo & Stitch, Mulan, and Brother Bear.
After the Animation Department closed in 2004, the building took on a new role. It
Drawing a character was always popular inside the building.
became a hub for interactive experiences, allowing guests to step into the world of animation. Visitors could draw a Disney character at the Animation Academy, create a movie soundtrack at The Sound Stage, or add color to classic scenes with Digital Ink and Paint. Another popular experience was You’re a Character, where guests answered questions to discover which Disney character matched their personality. The Animation Gallery showcased artwork, props, and awards, offering a behind-the-scenes look at Disney’s legendary animation process.
A Space for Meet and Greats.
The Magic of Animation building was once home to many character meet and greats including Baymax and Hiro
Throughout its years, The Magic of Disney Animation was home to many character meet-and-greets. Sorcerer Mickey, Minnie Mouse, and rotating characters from new animated films regularly greeted guests. Before its closure, Baymax and Hiro from Big Hero 6 were the featured characters, drawing in fans eager to meet their favorite heroes.
Drawn to Animation: A Lasting Legacy
At the heart of the attraction was the Animation
Drawn to Animation featuring Mushu quickly became a classic
Theater, which has hosted various presentations over the years. At the time of closing, it featured Drawn to Animation, a show led by Mushu from Mulan. Mushu guided guests through the animation process, highlighting the importance of character development and storytelling in Disney films. This engaging presentation offered a fun and accessible way to learn about the art of animation.
While some fans may remember the original Back to Neverland film, featuring Robin Williams and Walter Cronkite, Drawn to Animation grew to hold a special place in the hearts of many. The show’s humor and an inside look at animation made it an unforgettable experience.
A Look Back at a Disney Classic
For this episode of Sam’s Disney Diary, I had the opportunity to record one of the final presentations of Drawn to Animation. This video serves as a tribute to the Magic of Disney Animation, capturing its final moments before the attraction became a part of history. Like the now-removed Sorcerer’s Hat, this attraction was a defining feature of Hollywood Studios, leaving behind cherished memories for Disney fans.
Hollywood Studios Animation Courtyard
Hollywood Studios Animation Courtyard – promoting the latest in Disney animation – Summer 2015 – Inside Out
The Magic of Disney building Map
An empty animation building
The Magic of Animation building was once home to many character meet and greats
The Magic of Animation building was once home to many character meet and greats, including Sorcerer Mickey
The Magic of Animation building was once home to many character meet and greats including Baymax and Hiro
What Disney Character are you?
What Disney Character are you?
The Magic of Animation building was once home to many character meet and greats including Baymax and Hiro
The Magic of Animation building was once home to many character meet and greats including Baymax and Hiro
Coming attraction posters line the halls of the animation building, a perfect opportunity to get some insight into what Disney had planned.
Coming attraction posters line the halls of the animation building, a perfect opportunity to get some insight into what Disney had planned.
The Magic of Animation building – Animators continuing to work through the end of the building.
The Magic of Animation building served as a showcase for the latest in Disney Animation – Inside-Out was the last film featured in the gallery
The Magic of Animation building served as a showcase for the latest in Disney Animation – Inside-Out was the last film featured in the gallery
The Magic of Animation building served as a showcase for the latest in Disney Animation – Inside-Out was the last film featured in the gallery
The Magic of Animation building served as a showcase for the latest in Disney Animation – Inside-Out was the last film featured in the gallery
The Magic of Animation building served as a showcase for the latest in Disney Animation – Inside-Out was the last film featured in the gallery
The Magic of Animation building served as a showcase for the latest in Disney Animation – Inside-Out was the last film featured in the gallery
The Magic of Animation building served as a showcase for the latest in Disney Animation – Inside-Out was the last film featured in the gallery
The Magic of Animation building served as a showcase for the latest in Disney Animation – Inside-Out was the last film featured in the gallery
The Magic of Animation building served as a showcase for the latest in Disney Animation – Inside-Out was the last film featured in the gallery
Drawn to Animation featuring Mushu quickly became a classic
The Animator Desk from “Drawn to Animation” theater – Great Detail
The Animator Desk from “Drawn to Animation” theater – Great Detail
The Animator Desk from “Drawn to Animation” theater – Great Detail
The Animator Desk from “Drawn to Animation” theater – Great Detail
Donald Duck Model Sheet
Drawing a character was always popular inside the building.
Drawing a character was always popular inside the building.
The Animator Desk from “Drawn to Animation” theater – Great Detail
The Animator Desk from “Drawn to Animation” theater – Stack of Books on the left of the desk.
The Animator Desk from “Drawn to Animation” theater – Great Detail
The Animator Desk from “Drawn to Animation” theater – Great Detail
The Animator Desk from “Drawn to Animation” theater – Great Detail
The Animator Desk from “Drawn to Animation” theater – Great Detail
The Animator Desk from “Drawn to Animation” theater – Great Detail
The Animator Desk from “Drawn to Animation” theater – Great Detail
The Animator Desk from “Drawn to Animation” theater – Great Detail
That’s a yound Walt Disney hanging on the way “Drawn to Animation” theater – Great Detail
The Animator Desk from “Drawn to Animation” theater – Great Detail
The Animator Desk from “Drawn to Animation” theater – Great Detail
Animation Academy – Where you can draw a Disney character.
Thanks for the Memories!!!
The Magic of Disney Animation – now Closed
Drawn to Animation Staring Mushu
The Animation Gallery inside the Art of Animation Building changed as the latest feature was released… Frozen was feature just before it’s release
The Animation Gallery inside the Art of Animation Building changed as the latest feature was released… Frozen was feature just before it’s release
The Animation Gallery inside the Art of Animation Building changed as the latest feature was released… Frozen was feature just before it’s release
The Latest in Character Meet and Greats could always be found in the Art of Animation Building – Wreck it Ralph among many..
The Animation Gallery inside the Art of Animation Building changed as the latest feature was released… Wreck-it Ralph features here
The Animation Gallery inside the Art of Animation Building changed as the latest feature was released… Wreck-it Ralph features here
The Animation Gallery inside the Art of Animation Building changed as the latest feature was released… Wreck-it Ralph features here
[…] has already begun. The removal of the Sorcerers Hat, the closing of the Backlot tour and the Animation Building may have captured the headlines, but the process started years ago with the disappearance of some […]
[…] has already begun. The removal of the Sorcerers Hat, the closing of the Backlot tour and the Animation Building may have captured the headlines, but the process started years ago with the disappearance of some […]
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