The Magic of Disney Animation finally gives kids room to play

The newest attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios does not ask kids to sit still, meet a height requirement or rush toward the next ride. The Magic of Disney Animation finally gives families an air-conditioned place where children can draw, explore, interact with Disney characters and, most importantly, play at their own pace.

Today, Attractions Magazine is getting an inside look at this new attraction which opens later this week, Sept. 14, 2026. Here’s what parents can look forward to inside.

This morning I am working from home while Attractions Magazine Publisher Matt Roseboom explores The Magic of Disney Animation during its media preview. And if you’re a parent like me, you’ve been eager to see how kids can play inside this new space.

As soon as photos arrived showing the “Drawn to Wonderland” play area and interactive character portraits, I jumped for joy as the mother of an 8-year-old: My son and I may have found our new home inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

The Magic of Disney Animation gives children opportunities to draw, explore, meet characters and play without a height requirement or a carefully prescribed path through the experience. It also provides something increasingly valuable during a theme park day: an indoor, air-conditioned place where children can follow their interests and spend time.

Five things kids and parents will love inside The Magic of Disney Animation

Here are the five key features for families that make The Magic of Disney Animation one of the most valuable experiences at Walt Disney World.

1. An indoor place to play freely

“Drawn to Wonderland” is not a large playground, and its only slide appears best suited to toddlers. Its real value comes from providing an air-conditioned space where children can move around and invent their own play.

The tea party table includes balls that travel along looping tracks through teacups, similar to an activity my 8-year-old loves in The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh queue at Magic Kingdom. Here, children can use it without waiting in line for a ride or being urged to keep moving.

Matt’s photos also reveal considerably more built-in seating than Disney’s initial images suggested, although the area could still become crowded during busy periods. More will be added to our article throughout the day

2. Interactive displays that respond to children

The enchanted gallery initially resembles a traditional collection of framed Disney artwork, but several portraits are digital displays. Disney previously said characters would spring to life through new animations created for the experience.

New photos show children using gestures in front of interactive framed screens. Children and guests are active participants in the gallery.

3. Character experiences beyond a traditional meet-and-greet

“Off the Page!” places Disney characters in settings inspired by different parts of the animation process. Children can step into those environments for photos and personal interactions with familiar Disney friends.

The experience adds a human connection to a building already filled with screens, artwork and activities. Character greetings also offer an appealing option for children who are not interested in rides. Families can choose which experiences suit their child instead of following one required path through the building.

The characters are visible from a distance so if the line is too long or kids are apprehensive, you can still catch a glimpse of the beloved characters in a highly themed environment.

5. No height requirement, no scary thrills or villains

Children do not need to meet a height requirement, board a ride vehicle or prepare for a drop to enjoy The Magic of Disney Animation. Its primary experiences center on drawing, play, animated artwork, character encounters and a charming film.

These types of experiences are especially valuable for children who dislike thrill rides or need more control over how they experience an attraction, and adults like me who are the same way. Some rooms use darker lighting, vivid colors and animated effects, so individual sensory needs still deserve consideration. However, families can move among several activities and select the ones that feel comfortable.

This is the Disney magic families need

As Matt continues sending photos from inside, I cannot help but squeal with delight. Every new image reveals another detail I want to examine and another activity I can picture my son enjoying. I cannot wait for the two of us to explore it together early next week and discover which elements capture his attention first.

This is where Disney’s magic has always lived: in thoughtful details, experiences designed for guests with different interests and needs, and generations of artists and storytellers inviting people into their work.

The building that once housed a working animation studio has a purpose again, honoring that creative legacy through new technology without abandoning the timeless value of imagination.

The Magic of Disney Animation recognizes that children do not always need another ride or a carefully directed experience. Sometimes they need time, room and permission to play.