All 64 Disney Animated Features Represented Inside The Magic of Disney Animation
The Magic of Disney Animation opens at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on September 14. The new space, once home to Star Wars meetups, will include character greetings, animation activities, and so many Easter eggs.
Select media members and influencers are touring the updated space right now. Unfortunately, I’m not “select,” so I’m roasting in Texas.
According to Disney, all 64 Walt Disney Animation Studios feature films are represented inside the new experience. That includes everything from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to Zootopia 2, the studio’s latest release. Some references are prominently displayed. Others will require some study, an extensive knowledge of Disney animation, or a nearby Cast Member willing to provide hints.
Of course, you could also wait for someone to upload a video showing you exactly where to look. I tend to avoid those because I despise spoilers.
That said, I’m about to share several of Disney’s spoilers myself. I don’t have the moral high ground. But I will warn you to stop reading if you don’t want to know anything about the new space.
First, Disney shared a fly-through of the new experience:
The Lost and Found Department
The details start in the reception area, where Disney has installed the Lost and Found Department overhead. Its collection includes the Map Sphere from Treasure Planet, Eeyore’s tail, the Sundrop Flower from Tangled, and a vase showing Hercules’ battle with the Hydra.
Figaro is also overhead, occasionally flicking his tail. He’s claimed several of the department’s objects for himself.
A nearby chandelier connects to the artists behind Disney’s animated films. Each of its paintbrushes was named by a member of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Ink and Paint Department.
The room’s tilework also uses the same design found in the lobby of the Roy E. Disney Animation Building in Burbank.
Sketches and maquettes
Throughout The Magic of Disney Animation, guests will find pencil sketches featuring characters from the studio’s history. Disney shared drawings of Oliver from Oliver & Company, Mr. Toad from The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad, and Tod and Copper from The Fox and the Hound.
The updated space also includes character maquettes. Animators use these small sculptures to study their subjects from different angles, ensuring consistency when drawing the same character thousands of times.
Guests visiting the “Off the Page!” character greeting area can find maquettes of young Tarzan sitting on a tree trunk and Taffyta Muttonfudge from Wreck-It Ralph. I’m sure there are more.
Treasures Untold
Treasures Untold includes a gallery filled with “keepsakes, mementos, and iconic artifacts” from Walt Disney Animation Studios. Those items include Jiminy Cricket’s suit and gold star pin, a box of Kanine Krunchies from One Hundred and One Dalmatians, and Scrump, Lilo’s homemade doll from Lilo & Stitch.
Guests can also find the Aristocats’ collars, Kuzco’s crown and earrings from The Emperor’s New Groove, and artifacts from several other films. Disney has shared photos of several more pieces, but with 64 films represented, there’s still plenty to explore on your own.
A connection to the original Animation Academy
The Animator’s Office looks as though its occupant has briefly stepped away, leaving artwork, keepsakes, and other personal items scattered around the room.
Its centerpiece is a desk from the original Animation Academy at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Smaller details include a Moana cap, a miniature Walt Disney Animation Studios maquette, and dozens of drawings.
The Magic of Disney Animation opens September 14. Someone will undoubtedly have compiled a complete list of all 64 movie references by then.
