February 23, 2026, 11:25 AM ·
Disney’s Animation Academy classes are coming back to Disney’s Hollywood Studios this year. But guests will find something missing when the new “Olaf Draws!” show debuts in the reimagined Walt Disney Studios Lot that is replacing the former Animation Courtyard.
As the show’s name implies, Olaf will be the host for the new class – not a Disney animator. The new production is eliminating live hosts in favor of an in-theater Olaf animatronic and on-screen instructors. Those on-screen instructors will include some of the bigger names in Disney Animation.
Mickey Mouse, with director Dan Abraham from Once Upon A StudioMinnie Mouse, with animator Hyun Min Lee from Frozen 2 and The Princess and the FrogDonald Duck, with animator Austin Traylor from Once Upon A Studio and Moana 2Genie, with animator Eric Goldberg from Aladdin and HerculesJudy Hopps & Nick Wilde, with director Byron Howard from Zootopia and Zootopia 2Moana, with story artist Samantha Vilfort from Encanto and Zootopia 2Stitch, with director and head of story Fawn Veerasunthorn from Wish and Raya and the Last DragonUrsula, with animator Michael Woodside from Big Hero 6 and EncantoOlaf, with director Trent Correy from Once Upon A Studio and Frozen 3
Here is Disney’s new promo video about the reimagined experience.
The Walt Disney Studios, including the new Drawn to Wonderland playground, Off the Page! character meet, Once Upon A Studio Theater, and Olaf Draws! class, opens late this summer in Disney’s Hollywood Studios at the Walt Disney World Resort. For assistance in planning a Disney vacation, please contact our travel agent for a free, no-obligation vacation quote.
Replies (6)
New Attraction Reviews
2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020
2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010
Theme Park Insider may receive commissions from purchases made after following links to select ticketing and retail partners.