A Treasure Hunt in Every Frame
Walt Disney Animation Studios’ all-new original short Once Upon a Studio packs a century of storytelling into just nine minutes. With 543 characters reuniting for a group photo, it’s a visual love letter to Disney’s 100th anniversary. While beloved favorites like Mickey, Elsa, and Moana are easy to spot, the real fun lies in the blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moments that reward eagle-eyed viewers.
Rare Characters Make Their Return
According to directors Dan Abraham and Trent Correy, some of the most surprising cameos were also the most challenging. Take Chernabog, the mountain-sized demon from Fantasia—too large to fit inside the animation building. Their clever workaround? Show him on a TV screen that the Dalmatian puppies are watching.
Other obscure hand-drawn legends like Pecos Bill, Susie the Little Blue Coupe, and Johnny Fedora all return in blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moments. Even Pedro the Plane and Robin from the old Back to Neverland tour film at Disney-MGM Studios get screen time.
Why These Characters Matter
Including lesser-known characters was more than fan service. It was personal. Producer Yvett Merino shared that her husband asked whether Pedro the Plane would appear—he did. Animator Eric Goldberg, a fan of Ward Kimball’s eccentric work, chose to animate characters like the Cheshire Cat and Mad Hatter.
These cameos aren’t just for nostalgia. They celebrate the depth of Disney’s animated legacy—and for some animators, they were a dream fulfilled.
So Many Easter Eggs to Spot
Character moments aren’t the only surprises. The short is loaded with Easter eggs—from music cues to sound effects to framed artwork on the walls. Co-director Abraham joked that they could’ve named the short Easter Egg: The Movie.
All 543 characters are in character in the final frame alone, posing for a giant group photo. Want to test your Disney knowledge? Try pausing that final shot to identify every face.
Watch Again and Again
Once Upon a Studio is now streaming on Disney+ and Hulu. The short also plays before Moana in select theaters and will air on multiple Disney-owned channels throughout October. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a new viewer, there’s magic for everyone—and plenty of secrets waiting to be discovered.
