Olaf Draws! Opens at Hollywood Studios With In-Person Waitlist
Published September 11, 2026 · Updated October 12, 2026
According to reports, Disney opened the new Olaf Draws! experience today as a soft opening inside The Magic of Disney Animation at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. As of Friday, September 11, 2026, the attraction will reportedly use an in-person, text-based virtual waitlist to manage crowds during busy periods.
The experience is operating with a new format that replaces the previous Animation Academy. Guests learn character drawing techniques from recorded Disney Animation artists while a new Audio-Animatronics figure of Olaf sits at an animator’s desk.
Because the attraction has limited physical queue space, cast members will deploy the virtual waitlist when crowds build. Rather than joining through the My Disney Experience app, guests must walk up to the attraction and speak with a cast member to be added to the list.
What we know
- Olaf Draws! (Disney’s Hollywood Studios) — Currently in soft opening within The Magic of Disney Animation.
- The Experience — Features an Audio-Animatronics Olaf figure and runs for approximately 10 minutes per session.
- Waitlist System — Managed in-person by cast members at the attraction, not through the My Disney Experience app.
- Return Process — Guests added to the list receive a text message with their return time.
What’s not confirmed
Disney has not officially announced an end date for the soft opening phase, nor have they confirmed if the in-person waitlist will become a permanent daily procedure once the attraction fully opens.
What it means for your trip
If you want to experience Olaf Draws!, you must walk to the attraction to check its status and join the list, as you cannot monitor it remotely in My Disney Experience. If the virtual waitlist is active, secure your text-message return time first, then use your free time to grab a snack or ride other attractions instead of waiting in a physical line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I book the waitlist in My Disney Experience?
No. According to reports, you cannot join this specific waitlist through the app; you must physically check in with a cast member at the attraction.
How long does the Olaf Draws! experience last?
The drawing session takes about 10 minutes, featuring recorded lessons and the new Olaf Audio-Animatronics figure.
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SupaPark tracks live wait times and crowd forecasts, and pings you the second a hard-to-get reservation opens or a ride goes walk-on — free to start at supapark.com.