Animation Academy | Disneyland

Last Updated on: March 27th, 2024

The Animation Academy is a popular and educational attraction located within Disney California Adventure Park at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. This interactive experience allows guests of all ages to step into the world of animation, learn to draw beloved Disney characters, and gain insight into the artistry behind Disney’s animated films. 

The Animation Academy is a hidden gem within Disney California Adventure Park, tucked away in the Hollywood Land area. It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in the art of animation, as well as for families looking for a creative and engaging activity during their park visit.

The main feature of the Animation Academy is the drawing class that takes place throughout the day. Guests can join a scheduled session, typically lasting around 30 minutes, where a Disney artist instructs them on how to draw a specific Disney character step by step. The character may change from session to session, and the selection includes a wide range of beloved Disney characters, from classics like Mickey Mouse to more contemporary figures like characters from Disney’s latest films.

Participants are provided with a pencil, paper, and an easel, making it easy for everyone to follow along and create their own piece of Disney artwork. It’s a hands-on experience that is both entertaining and educational, suitable for artists of all skill levels.

The Disney artist leading the session not only provides guidance on drawing techniques but also shares interesting insights into the character’s creation, personality, and its role in Disney history. This adds depth to the experience and allows guests to appreciate the artistry and storytelling behind Disney’s animated classics.

The Animation Academy also features an exhibit area where visitors can view concept art, character sketches, and animation cells from various Disney films. This provides a glimpse into the evolution of Disney animation and the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into creating these timeless characters.

Overall, the Animation Academy at Disneyland offers a fun and immersive experience for guests to connect with the world of animation, unleash their creativity, and take home a unique souvenir in the form of their very own Disney character drawing. It’s a must-visit for fans of Disney’s rich history of animation and storytelling.

Fun Facts

  • Animation Academy is located in the Disney California Adventure Park, inside the Disney Animation building in Hollywood Land, providing an immersive experience into the world of Disney animation.
  • This attraction offers a hands-on experience where guests can learn to draw Disney characters. The classes are led by actual Disney artists, providing an authentic and educational experience.
  • Each session at the Animation Academy lasts about 30 minutes, during which guests are taught step-by-step how to draw a specific Disney character, with the character selection varying throughout the day.
  • The experience is not only fun but also educational, as guests learn about the fundamentals of drawing and character design, gaining insights into the techniques used by Disney animators.
  • Animation Academy is unique in that it caters to guests of all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a complete beginner, the academy provides an enjoyable and creative environment to learn and have fun.

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About the Author

Craig Smith
I am founder and editor of DisneyNews.us. My passion for all things Disney goes pretty far back to my first trip to Walt Disney World in the mid-80's. I have since returned to the magical place more than 20 times. I started this site when I came to the realization that I spent a significant portion of my day reading articles about Disney and watching Disney content with my 8-year old, so it made sense that I would start sharing some of what I read and see and building a little community around it. Other interests include 80's nostalgia, vintage toys, video games, LEGO, Star Wars and tech gadgets. Other sites include DMR and VideoGamesStats.com.