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.
A brief summary to Animation Academy
- Disney California Adventure Park, 1313 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, Anaheim Resort, CA, 92802, US
- +1714-781-4636
- Visit website
- 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
Local tips
- Check the schedule posted outside the Animation Academy to see which characters will be drawn at each class time.
- Arrive a few minutes early to secure a good seat, especially during peak season.
- No drawing experience is necessary; the Disney artists provide step-by-step instructions.
- Visit the Animation Courtyard to view concept art and animation clips from your favorite Disney and Pixar films.
- Consider visiting in the late afternoon when the Animation building tends to be less crowded.
Getting There
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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.
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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.
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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.
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