Disney surprised everyone by giving us the literal first look at Walt Disney Animation Florida, the once active animation studio that operated at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park. And I think we should talk about it.
About Walt Disney Feature Animation Florida
So, brief history: Walt Disney Feature Animation Florida, a division of Walt Disney Feature Animation, was a fully functioning animation studio that operated between 1989 and 2004, on the grounds of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Fan favorite, late Disney Renaissance animated films like Mulan, Lilo & Stitch, and Brother Bear were made entirely there.
And fun fact, the feature animation in Florida also contributed pivotal scenes in other Disney films, including:
I Just Can’t Wait to be King scene from the Lion King, animation of Belle in the Be our Guest scene, and Animation of Princess Jasmine in Aladdin, among others.
When the park opened in 1989, there was a Feature Animation pavilion offering a tour and experiences geared towards learning about the legacy of Disney Animation, which included a short, live-action/animation hybrid starring the great Robin Williams.
Later, in 1998, on the same day Animal Kingdom opened, Roy E. Disney and Michael Eisner were on hand to expand The Magic of Disney Animation attraction, which gave fans an actual look at animators at work at the production environment in the four story building. This attraction was, interestingly, replaced with Star Wars launch bay, which I have a lot of thoughts about and will have to voice in another video.
Anyway, the main point: we now know so much about the Feature Animation building and have pictures of space only accessible by Disney Cast Members. Here are some highlights:
- On opening day on April 22, 1998, during the event presentation, a blustery wind nearly interrupted the happenings, harkening to the overcast day when Walt orchestrated the 1960 Winter Opening Ceremonies. During his speech, when Roy E Disney was describing how the sky eventually cleared back in 1960, the Florida skies did the same, as if on cue. Coincidence? Maybe. But still a fun fact.
- The four stories of the building each are themed to one of the four animated films produced or assisted by the Florida divisions; meeting rooms are named for characters, and murals display animation methods. The first floor is themed to Brother Bear, the second, Mulan, the third, Lilo & Stitch, and the fourth, The Lion King.
- Because the live action Lilo & Stitch is in theaters right now, we learned a lot about the animated original, like how Chris Sanders, a director on the film, also voiced stitch, while co-director Dean DeBlois— fun fact, both also directed and wrote the How to Train your Dragons series, including the live action — helped shape the now classic emotional story between Lilo and Stitch. Did you know that the story was initially set in Kansas, as the directors wanted somewhere remote? After a trip to Hawaii, Sanders was taken with the islands and realized it was the perfectly remote setting.
- Ride vehicles and Disney curios dot the buildings. For example, Sneezy,’ one of the log-shaped ride vehicles from Snow White’s Scary Adventures can be found upon entry, and so can Winky,’ a blue car from Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride.
- There is also a Screening Room, where animators previewed films they worked on in the very building—the film nerd in me would love to see inside this space.
- Displays in the main hallway show over 50 prints and sketches from Animated films like Meet the Robinsons, Alice in Wonderland, and Hercules.
- For my fellow architectural buffs, there is a large atrium that blends classic 90s architecture and retro, art deco designs that is nearly intact from when it was built, save for some cosmetic changes. It definitely reminds me of the nearby ABC Commissary. Large windows, balconies, stairs, walkways, and gathering areas create for a flexible, breathable space, that looks perfect for collaboration as well as lunch. Save for the Dumbo ride vehicle in the atrium, it sort of reminds me of the grand staircases at Hogwarts.
- The walls of every hallway and staircase are lined with animation history, making this place a veritable museum of sorts. Storyboards, character studies, original sketches, even color studies, including for the I’ll Make a Man out of you number in Mulan, can be found all around the building. There are even artifacts that inspired the creators, like Elivis’ soundtrack to Blue Hawaii.
- A large animation desk, fully lit, and the frost glass of an office area, remind you of a space not only of where animators used to create, but of where guests could explore a now defunct attraction.
- Other lesser known displays, include a wall of specialty paints used by animators, with unique colors like Disney Bengal Rose, Burnt Sienna, and Disney Cobalt Green, sit frozen in time, a relic of the days’ when hand-drawn animation was at the center of Disney features.
- And finally, where the mailroom used to be, signatures from Disney legends can be seen, including Clark Spencer, who produced Lilo and Stitch, Chris Sanders, and Roy E. Disney.
I am excited and honestly inspired with the glimpse into a place where creators did their work. I wish the animation experience was still offered as I was unable to visit when it operated. Did you get to visit during that time? If so, tell me your thoughts and memories in the comments, I would love to hear them. And what do you think about Disney showing this first look at this time—does this mean anything? Anyways, thanks for nerding out with me today! See ya real soon!
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