Disney has unveiled a bunch of new information about the new Magic of Disney Animation area that’s being built at Hollywood Studios. The area, which is taking over the old Star Wars Launch Bay and Animation Courtyard Space, will feature an Animation Academy Experience where guests can learn to draw various characters.
Learn to Draw With Olaf! is a new experience at the Animation Academy where the snowman will help guests draw iconic Disney characters. Unfortunately, there will no longer be live animators helping teach guests. This role is being reduced to a screen where pre-recorded Disney animators show how to draw the characters.
This announcement is a bit of a mixed bag. We’ll always celebrate a new animatronic coming to Disney World. Olaf should add a ton of fun to the experience! But, it’s really disappointing to hear that animation cast members won’t be directly involved in the classes. Having a cast member drawing in person is special, and it really showcases their talents.
As cool as it is to see an Olaf animatronic and have iconic Disney animators showing how to sketch characters, we’ll miss the human aspect from live demonstrations.
