Planning a Hollywood Studios Trip? Disney World’s Newest Attraction Won’t Be Open All Day

Walt Disney World has officially revealed the operating hours for The Magic of Disney Animation ahead of its September 14, 2026, grand opening at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. While early visitors will enjoy full-day access during the grand opening fortnight, Disney is planning a permanent schedule change starting September 28, 2026, that will shorten the attraction’s daily operating window significantly compared to the rest of the park.

A Major Shift in Daily Operating Hours

To accommodate heavy opening crowds, The Magic of Disney Animation will run from park open to park close from September 14 through September 27:

• September 14 – 17: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• September 18 – 19: 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (matching Early Entry hours)
• September 20 – 27: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

However, starting September 28, the attraction will operate on a reduced schedule from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Because Hollywood Studios generally opens at 9:00 a.m. and closes at 9:00 p.m., the attraction won’t be accessible for the first hour of the day and will close three hours before the park shuts down.

What’s Included Inside The Magic of Disney Animation

Located in Animation Courtyard (now presented as “The Walt Disney Studios”), the new indoor walkthrough experience celebrates over 100 years of Disney animation history. When it opens next week, guests can explore five distinct spaces:

• Olaf Draws!An interactive drawing academy where guests learn sketching techniques alongside an Audio-Animatronic Olaf. Disney confirmed this experience will utilize a Virtual Queue via the My Disney Experience app.
• Once Upon A Studio Theater: A dedicated screening venue showing the short film Once Upon a Studio, celebrating 100 years of Disney animation with over 500 characters.
• Off the Page! Character Meet & Greets: Unique character photo opportunities themed to stages of animation: Mulan (Story), Rapunzel (Layout), Chip ‘n’ Dale (Hand-Drawn), Donald and Daisy (CG), Goofy (Lighting), and Stitch (Visual Effects).
• Drawn to Wonderland: An indoor children’s play area inspired by Mary Blair’s concept art for Alice in Wonderland.
• Enchanted Art Gallery: A curated gallery showcasing character maquettes, concept sketches, and historical animation artifacts.

How to Plan Around the Shorter Hours

Abbreviated schedules are common for walkthrough exhibits at Disney World, but because this is a major new addition, visitors must adjust their itineraries:

1. Skip It at Rope Drop: Do not head to Animation Courtyard at 9:00 a.m. starting September 28. Prioritize headliners in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge or Toy Story Land first.
2. Join the Virtual Queue Early: Request an Olaf Draw! Virtual Queue spot early in the morning so you don’t miss out on a spot before 6:00 p.m.
3. Visit During Afternoon Peak: Schedule your visit between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to beat afternoon heat and rain showers.

By accounting for the 6:00 p.m. closing time, you can experience all the drawing classes and character meets without getting locked out.