Sorcerer's Workshop
Sorcerer's Workshop: Unleash Your Inner Animator
Animation Academy: Unleash Your Inner Artist
Learn to draw your favorite characters at this unique, hands-on Disney animation experience in California Adventure.
The Animation Academy at Disney California Adventure Park offers guests of all ages the chance to learn how to draw their favorite Disney characters. Led by a Disney artist, the 25-minute class provides step-by-step instructions, making it a fun and engaging experience for the whole family.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Animation Academy
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Disney California Adventure Park, 1313 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, Anaheim Resort, CA, 92802, US
Monday
9 am-8:30 pm
Tuesday
9 am-7:30 pm
Wednesday
9 am-7:30 pm
Thursday
9 am-7:30 pm
Friday
9 am-9:30 pm
Saturday
10 am-9:30 pm
Sunday
9 am-8:30 pm
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Getting There
Walking
From the main entrance of Disney California Adventure, head straight down Buena Vista Street and turn right into Hollywood Land. Continue past the Hyperion Theater; the Animation Academy will be on your right, across from Fairfax Market. *Note: This assumes you are already within Disney California Adventure Park. Park admission is required.
Public Transport
From Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC), take the Anaheim Resort Transportation (ART) Route 15 to the Disneyland Main Transportation Center. Enter either Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure Park. If entering Disneyland, take the monorail to Tomorrowland and walk through the park to the entrance of California Adventure. Once inside California Adventure, head straight down Buena Vista Street and turn right into Hollywood Land. Continue past the Hyperion Theater; the Animation Academy will be on your right, across from Fairfax Market. *Cost: ART bus fare is $6.00 for a 1-day pass for adults and $2.50 for children (ages 3-9). Park admission is required.
Driving
From I-5, exit on Disneyland Drive and follow signs for Disneyland Resort parking. Park in the Mickey & Friends or Pixar Pals parking structure. Take the free tram to the main entrance of Disney California Adventure Park. Once inside California Adventure, head straight down Buena Vista Street and turn right into Hollywood Land. Continue past the Hyperion Theater; the Animation Academy will be on your right, across from Fairfax Market. *Cost: Standard parking is $35 per car or motorcycle. Oversized vehicles are $40 at the Toy Story Parking Area. Tram service is free. Park admission is required.
Local tips
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Check the schedule posted outside the Animation Academy to see which characters will be drawn at each class time.
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Arrive a few minutes early to secure a good seat, especially during peak season.
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No drawing experience is necessary; the Disney artists provide step-by-step instructions.
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Visit the Animation Courtyard to view concept art and animation clips from your favorite Disney and Pixar films.
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Consider visiting in the late afternoon when the Animation building tends to be less crowded.
Discover more about Animation Academy
Located in Hollywood Land at Disney California Adventure Park, the Animation Academy provides a unique and interactive experience that reveals the magic behind Disney animation. Housed within the Disney Animation building, the Academy invites guests to explore their creative potential through guided drawing sessions led by skilled Disney artists.
Inside the Animation Academy, guests are provided with a sheet of paper, a pencil, and a board to draw upon. A Disney artist guides the class, teaching guests how to draw a specific Disney character in an approximately 25-minute session. The classes rotate throughout the day, featuring a variety of classic and contemporary Disney characters, sometimes including Pixar, Marvel, or Star Wars characters. Guests can take their drawings home as a unique souvenir.
Beyond the drawing classes, the Animation building also features various exhibits and displays that delve into the history and process of Disney animation. Guests can explore the different stages of animation production and view concept art and sketches from popular Disney and Pixar films. The Animation Courtyard showcases a 360-degree experience with concept art and animated versions of popular Disney and Pixar films set to music. Turtle Talk with Crush, an interactive show featuring the sea turtle from Finding Nemo, is also located in the Animation Building.
A brief summary to Animation Academy
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