Animation Academy is a guided Disney character drawing attraction inside Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim, California. You can join without a reservation when space is available, then keep your finished drawing as a souvenir.
- Location: Disney Animation, Hollywood Land
- Session pattern: Every 30 minutes
- Reservations: Not required for the drawing session
- Park admission: Required to enter Disney California Adventure
Where to find Animation Academy
Animation Academy is in Disney Animation in Hollywood Land, where the official park map marks it as attraction 5. From Little Boy Blue Motel, a hotel in Anaheim, it is about a 21-minute walk or a 7-minute drive.
Once inside Disney Animation, you can also find Animation Courtyard, with still images and video clips about the creative process from pencil to pixel. The same area includes Turtle Talk with Crush and Sorcerer’s Workshop.
What happens during a drawing session
An instructor guides participants through drawing a Disney character, and you can take your completed drawing with you. Disney describes the activity as suitable for all ages and experience levels, with no minimum height requirement.
You do not need drawing talent or a reservation to join. Go to the Disney Animation Building and ask to join a session when space is available. Capacity is the practical consideration: being able to show up does not guarantee a place in a particular class.
How to check session times and availability
Animation Academy sessions are scheduled every 30 minutes, but check the Disneyland app for the times that apply to your visit. Disney’s attraction information directs guests to the app for current times and more.
The park map says the last show begins 30 minutes before park closing. Use the app to confirm the day’s schedule, then leave enough time to reach Disney Animation and join if space is available. Session times can vary, so don’t plan around a time shown for another visit.
Accessibility and family planning
The official park map marks Animation Academy with wheelchair and stroller icons. Disney also states that the attraction has no minimum height requirement and is suitable for all ages and experience levels.
If you’re planning to combine the session with another attraction in Disney Animation, Turtle Talk with Crush and Sorcerer’s Workshop are in the same area. Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout is another Disney California Adventure attraction; its Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout guide can help you plan around that stop.
Park entry and visit logistics
Animation Academy is inside Disney California Adventure, so you need admission to that park to attend. Disney lists no separate reservation requirement for the drawing session; join at the Disney Animation Building when space is available. The Disney California Adventure Park guide covers broader visit logistics.
Before you go: Check the official site before you go for current park information, and use the Disneyland app to check session times.
FAQs
Do you need a reservation for Animation Academy?
No. Disney says reservations are not required for the drawing session. You can join at the Disney Animation Building when space is available.
How often do Animation Academy sessions run?
Sessions occur every 30 minutes. Check the Disneyland app for times that apply to your visit.
Is Animation Academy suitable for children?
Disney describes the activity as suitable for all ages and experience levels, and there is no minimum height requirement.
Can you keep the drawing?
Yes. Participants can keep their finished character drawing as a souvenir.