Walt Disney World has announced shortened operating hours for The Magic of Disney Animation at Hollywood Studios. The experience is currently in soft opening ahead of its official September 14th debut, running daily from 9am to 9pm. Starting September 28th, those hours drop to 10am to 6pm. Here’s the latest.
Magic of Disney Animation Hours Shortened Starting September 28th
IN THIS ARTICLE:
- Daily hours drop from 9am – 9pm to 10am – 6pm starting September 28th
- The change comes shortly after the experience’s September 14th public debut
- The Magic of Disney Animation includes multiple experiences inside the building
What’s Changing
The Magic of Disney Animation is currently operating with daily posted hours of 9am to 9pm during its soft opening period. Soft openings are scheduled to continue through the September 14th public debut. Those current hours reflect a preview and debut window, not necessarily a permanent schedule.
Starting September 28th, the posted hours are reduced considerably to 10am to 6pm each day, a reduction of four hours from the current soft opening schedule. Disney has not said why it’s adjusting the hours so soon after the public opening. We’ll continue to watch for any updates on future scheduling.
What’s Inside The Magic of Disney Animation
The Magic of Disney Animation includes multiple experiences housed inside the building formerly home to Star Wars: Launch Bay. At Olaf Draws, guests can learn to sketch Disney animated characters alongside an Audio-Animatronics figure of Olaf, working through recorded lessons from Disney Animation artists using pencil and paper.
Off the Page places character meet-and-greets inside recreations of specific animation departments, with photo opportunities built around each setting. Drawn to Wonderland is a playground for younger guests, drawing from Mary Blair’s original concept art for Alice in Wonderland. The Disney Once Upon a Studio Theater houses the short film that inspired the entire experience, in which Mickey Mouse reunites with characters from across Disney animation history.
Story So Far
- In July 2025, Disney announced plans to replace Animation Courtyard with the Walt Disney Studios Lot concept.
- Animation Courtyard permanently closed on September 25, 2025, to begin the transformation.
- The Walt Disney Studios Lot courtyard opened to guests on May 20, 2026, though The Magic of Disney Animation itself remained closed.
- BlogMickey went behind the construction walls for a hard hat tour in late May 2026, when no opening date had yet been announced.
- Disney announced a September 14th opening date in July 2026, alongside first looks at Drawn to Wonderland, Off the Page, and Olaf Draws.
- Cast Member previews began inside the building in early September 2026 ahead of the debut.
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!