When The Magic of Disney Animation officially opens at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on September 14, 2026, theme park guests will need to adjust their morning and evening plans. Walt Disney World has officially published the operating schedule for the new attraction, revealing a permanent shift starting September 28, 2026, that will significantly shorten the experience’s daily operating window compared to the park's.
Opening Fortnight vs. Permanent Schedule Cut
To handle anticipated crowds during its grand opening, Disney will initially run The Magic of Disney Animation for the full duration of the park day from September 14 through September 27, 2026. However, starting September 28, the venue will transition to an abbreviated daily schedule of 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- September 14 – 17, 2026: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (Full park operating hours)
- September 18 – 19, 2026: 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (Matches early park opening)
- September 20 – 27, 2026: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (Full park operating hours)
- September 28 Onward: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Opens late, closes early)
Because Disney’s Hollywood Studios routinely opens at 9:00 a.m. (with Early Entry for resort guests at 8:30 a.m.), the 10:00 a.m. opening time means visitors cannot head to Animation Courtyard at rope drop. Additionally, with a 6:00 p.m. daily shutdown, the attraction will close three hours before the park’s standard 9:00 p.m. closing time, locking out late-afternoon and evening visitors.
What’s Included Inside The Magic of Disney Animation
Replacing Star Wars Launch Bay in the newly reimagined Animation Courtyard—now presented as “The Walt Disney Studios” lot—the venue serves as an interactive walkthrough that celebrates more than a century of Disney animation history.
When the attraction opens next week, guests can explore five distinct areas:
- Olaf Draws!An interactive animation academy where guests learn step-by-step how to draw classic characters alongside recorded artists and a state-of-the-art Audio-Animatronic Olaf. To manage opening demand, Disney has confirmed that Olaf Draws! will utilize a Virtual Queue on the My Disney Experience app.
- Once Upon A Studio Theater: A dedicated screening room showcasing the Emmy Award-winning short film Once Upon a Studio, which features over 500 classic Disney characters gathered at the real Burbank studio lot.
- Off the Page! Character Meet & Greets: Interactive character encounters themed around various stages of the animation pipeline:
- Mulan (Story department)
- Rapunzel (Layout department)
- Chip ‘n' Dale (Hand-Drawn Animation)
- Donald and Daisy (Computer-Generated Animation)
- Goofy (Lighting department)
- Stitch (Visual Effects)
- Drawn to Wonderland: A whimsical, sketch-inspired indoor play space where younger children can explore interactive elements inspired by Alice in Wonderland.
- Enchanted Art Gallery: A curated exhibit space displaying physical character maquettes, concept sketches, pencil tests, and historical production artifacts from classic and modern Disney films.
How to Adjust Your Hollywood Studios Strategy
This shortened schedule is a common operational pattern for indoor walk-throughs and character halls across Walt Disney World, such as Walt Disney Presents. However, because The Magic of Disney Animation is a flagship expansion, parkgoers must explicitly account for its 8-hour daily window.
To ensure you don't miss out once the 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. hours take effect on September 28:
- Avoid Rope Drop Mistakes: Do not head toward Animation Courtyard at 9:00 a.m. Instead, prioritize headliner rides in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Toy Story Land, or Sunset Boulevard during the park's first hour.
- Secure Your Virtual Queue Early: If Olaf Draws! is a priority, log into the My Disney Experience app early in the morning to request a Virtual Queue spot before slots fill up.
- Visit During Mid-Day Peak: Schedule your walkthrough p.m. and 4:00 p.m. as a comfortable, air-conditioned escape from afternoon heat and central Florida rain showers.
By planning around the 6:00 p.m. closing rope, you can experience all the drawing classes, character meets, and art exhibits without getting caught off guard by an early shutdown.
