Animation Experience at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Author: Chelsea Murphy Posted: April 4, 2022 Updated July 20, 2025
The Animation Experience at Animal Kingdom: A Hidden Disney Gem You’ll Wish You Knew About Sooner
Want to step into the shoes of a Disney animator—without needing any experience or artistic skill? Welcome to The Animation Experience at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, a creative, hands-on attraction that lets guests of all ages bring beloved Disney characters to life with just a pencil and a little imagination.
If you’re looking for something unique, relaxing, and delightfully unexpected at Walt Disney World, this is the under-the-radar experience you won’t want to miss.
Where Is the Animation Experience Located?
You’ll find this tucked-away treasure in Rafiki’s Planet Watch, a peaceful area within Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Getting there feels like a bit of an adventure in itself:
- First, board the Wildlife Express Train near Harambe in Africa
- The train ride takes about 7 minutes and offers stunning views of backstage animal care areas
- Plan to board at least 30–40 minutes before your session to allow for travel and check-in
Once you arrive at Conservation Station, head straight to The Animation Experience area, where a friendly Cast Member will guide you to your seat and hand you a lapboard, paper, and pencil—no supplies or prep needed.
What Happens During The Animation Experience?
During this 25-minute instructor-led class, an actual Disney animator will walk you through drawing a character from a well-known Disney film.
✨ But here’s the insider twist:
Before you draw, you’ll watch a short clip featuring the real-life animal that inspired the character. For example, if you’re drawing Timon from The Lion King, you’ll first learn about meerkats and how their behaviors influenced his animated design.
Each session features a different character, so the experience stays fresh even if you’ve done it before. In recent visits, guests have drawn characters like Timon and Hopper from A Bug’s Life.
🎯 Think you can’t draw? Think again. The step-by-step instructions make it fun and easy—even for first-timers.
A Bit of Disney History: Where Did This Experience Come From?
The Animation Experience at Animal Kingdom debuted on July 11, 2019, but its roots go back much further.
This attraction was inspired by fan-favorite experiences like:
- The former Animation Academy at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- DisneyQuest, a now-closed indoor theme park once home to interactive animation classes
- Shanghai Disneyland’s Marvel Comic Academy, where guests learn to draw Marvel characters
It’s part of a larger legacy of celebrating the art of Disney animation—one sketch at a time.
What’s Next for The Animation Experience?
The magic is expanding.
A new version of The Animation Experience was announced for EPCOT’s Play Pavilion, featuring none other than Edna Mode from The Incredibles as your host. While the opening timeline has shifted, it’s clear that interactive animation is becoming a bigger part of Disney’s storytelling magic.
Stay tuned—this is one attraction style that’s here to stay.
Why You Should Add The Animation Experience to Your Disney Itinerary
If you’re planning a trip to Animal Kingdom, The Animation Experience is the perfect mid-day break from thrill rides and outdoor heat. It’s:
- ✅ Family-friendly
- ✅ Indoor and air-conditioned
- ✅ Quiet and creative
- ✅ Free with park admission
- ✅ A take-home souvenir you create yourself
And best of all? It’s a rare chance to slow down at Disney and connect with the artistic magic behind the characters you love.
Whether you’re a lifelong Disney fan, a budding artist, or just someone looking for a refreshing and enriching park experience, The Animation Experience at Animal Kingdom offers a slice of behind-the-scenes magic that few guests take the time to discover.
Pro Tip: Arrive early, ride the Wildlife Express with intention, and embrace your inner animator—even if you’ve never picked up a pencil.
Have you ever tried The Animation Experience?
We’d love to hear which character you got to draw! Leave a comment below and share your masterpiece.
Author: Chelsea Murphy
