Roaming Characters Continue at Animation Courtyard

Published September 13, 2026

According to reports, Disney will keep the roaming character interactions in the Animation Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios when The Magic of Disney Animation opens on September 14, 2026. As of Sunday, September 13, 2026, the outdoor playtime will continue even as a dedicated meet-and-greet space launches inside the new building.

The outdoor plaza, which was refreshed earlier this year to resemble The Walt Disney Studios headquarters in Burbank, has been hosting spontaneous, play-based character encounters instead of standard photo lines. The new indoor attraction will house a drawing class, a short film, and Off the Page!, a traditional photo and autograph location featuring the same group of characters. Disney Live Entertainment reportedly confirmed that characters will still roam and play with guests outside in addition to the indoor greetings.

What we know

• The Magic of Disney Animation — opens September 14, 2026, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
• Off the Page! — new indoor meet-and-greet area offering traditional photo and autograph sessions.
• Participating characters — Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Goofy, Pluto, Chip, Dale, Mulan, Stitch, and Rapunzel will appear.
• Outdoor character play — will continue spontaneously in the Animation Courtyard.

What it means for your trip

You won’t have to choose between a guaranteed photo and a spontaneous interaction; both will be available in the same area of the park. If your priority is filling an autograph book or getting a posed picture, plan to head inside to Off the Page! once it opens. If your kids prefer unstructured time, playing games, or interacting without a line, hang out on the astroturf in the outdoor Animation Courtyard.

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