When I was a kid, I knew Disney’s original 1994 “The Lion King” by heart. It was one of my favorite animated movies of all time. To be honest, it still is, and I still know plenty of dialogue and all the songs. I love enjoying many of the Disney classics with my children now.

There’s just something magical about being able to share with your children some of the things you enjoyed growing up, and seeing how they’ll react. My kids like “The Lion King,” but they don’t love it like I did. Other animated movies appeal more to them, as they are their own people.

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Nonetheless, Disney movies, especially classics such as “101 Dalmatians” and “Beauty and the Beast,” are also part of their childhood.

Disney made me fall in love with stories for children and drawing. It made me think about becoming an animator. While my career has gone in another direction, I write stories for my kids and draw a bit.

But I would love the opportunity to see how animation studios work, learn more about the programs Disney uses for animation, meet some animators, and learn about their jobs.

Is this possible? Can you visit the Disney animation studios?

Yes, you can. Tours are available on select days throughout the year, but you must have a Disney fan club membership or D23, writes PixieDust.

Further, Disney has just announced a wild thematic area for everyone interested in animation.

Disney announced it is reviving a popular attraction for animation fans. 

Image source: Getty Images

Disney Animation-inspired theme coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios

In 2026, the current Star Wars Launch Bay at Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios will become The Magic of Disney Animations, inspired by Disney Animation’s headquarters.

This is not a new attraction but a revived one. It was part of the park’s opening in 1989, attracting guests to experience Disney’s animation process firsthand.

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The attraction was eliminated in 2015 and replaced with Star Wars Launch Bay, writes USA Today.

Back from the ashes, the animation-themed attraction allows guests to interact with characters and learn how to draw them. Visitors can enjoy myriad interactive features, including portraits that come to life and short films with a twist, and they can also make their own sketches.

“Imagine stepping inside those iconic walls and seeing Disney Animation characters leap off the screen and into our world,” Disney Parks Blog said, describing the attraction.

The crown on top of the building will be the legendary Mickey’s Sorcerer Hat, like a real building in California.

There’s also an indoor playground for smaller kids. The youngest guests can enjoy the Drawn to Wonderland playground featuring a large flower garden with musical instruments, a Mad Tea Party playset, and a Tulgey Wood exploration area. 

Yes, this is a place where “Alice in Wonderland” comes to life.

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, The Beak and Barrel and more recently added Disney attractions

Disney’s inspiration and imagination is everlasting. Not only when it comes to animated movies and stories, but also its 12 Disney theme parks across six resort destinations around the planet.

Over the last couple of years, it has added several new attractions and made many changes, including replacing the legendary Splash Mountain with Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is also closed for refurbishment and possible changes, writes The Street’s Christy Rakoczy.

Liberty Square Riverboat was removed, Cars Land was added for the first time, and Villains Land is in progress.

More recently, Disney announced it is breaking its own longstanding rule (Walt would not approve). The Beak and Barrel, a stand-alone pirate-themed bar and lounge, is set to open in Adventureland, right next to one of the park’s most iconic rides, Pirates of the Caribbean.

According to the website, the 45-minute pub experience includes adult beverages, snacks, and storytelling. Only a few restaurants serve alcohol in Disneyland. Walt Disney didn’t support allowing alcohol in the park because he feared it would add a “rowdy” element to the parks, disrupting their family-friendly atmosphere.

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