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Animation Academy: Unleash Your Inner Artist

Learn to draw your favorite Disney characters with real animators at the Animation Academy in Disney California Adventure Park. A fun and creative experience for all ages!

★★★★★4.8 (480)

The Animation Academy at Disney California Adventure Park offers guests of all ages the chance to learn how to draw their favorite Disney characters. Talented Disney animators provide step-by-step instructions in a fun, classroom-like setting, making it a memorable and creative experience for everyone.

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 anywhere inside Disney California Adventure Park, follow signs for Hollywood Land. The Animation Building is located in Hollywood Land, near the Off the Page gift shop. Once inside the Animation Building, the Animation Academy is easily accessible. No additional costs are involved.

    Public Transport

    From the Disneyland Main Transportation Center, walk towards the entrance of Disney California Adventure Park. Enter the park and follow signs to Hollywood Land. The Animation Building is located in Hollywood Land. The cost of a one-day park hopper ticket, which includes access to both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park, varies depending on the date and demand. Check the Disneyland website or app for current pricing and to purchase tickets in advance.

    Driving

    If arriving by car, park at the Mickey & Friends or Pixar Pals parking structures. From the parking structure, take the tram to the Downtown Disney District. Enter Disney California Adventure Park from Downtown Disney. Follow signs to Hollywood Land. The Animation Building is located in Hollywood Land. Standard parking costs $35 per vehicle. Preferred parking is available for $55. Electric vehicle charging is available inside the parking structures.

    Local tips

    Check the schedule upon entering the Animation Building to see which characters will be taught during the day.
    Arrive a few minutes early to secure a good spot, especially during peak season.
    Don't worry if you're not an artist; the animators break down the drawing process into simple, easy-to-follow steps.
    Take advantage of the other animation-related exhibits and attractions within the Disney Animation Building.

    Discover more about Animation Academy

    Located in the Hollywood Land area of Disney California Adventure Park, the Animation Academy invites guests to explore the magic of Disney animation. Inside the Disney Animation Building, visitors are surrounded by sketches, sounds, and projections of beloved Disney films, creating an inspiring atmosphere. The Animation Academy itself is a classroom-style setting where a Disney animator guides guests through the process of drawing a specific Disney character. Classes are held regularly, and each session focuses on a different character, ranging from classic icons like Mickey Mouse to contemporary favorites. All skill levels are welcome, and no prior drawing experience is necessary. Participants are provided with drawing boards and pencils, and they get to take their artwork home as a unique souvenir. The classes typically last around 25 minutes. Beyond the Animation Academy, the Animation Building offers other attractions such as Turtle Talk with Crush, where guests can interact with the animated sea turtle from Finding Nemo in real-time. The Sorcerer's Workshop allows visitors to delve deeper into the animation process.
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