Lights, Camera... Toons!

At the other end of Production Courtyard from the action-packed Backlot is the largest area of Walt Disney Studios Park, Toon Studio. This is the place where Disney animated films are brought to life and your favorite characters can be found on the lot, shooting iconic scenes from the movies or just greeting their fans.

One of the original attractions here is the Art of Disney Animation, a Streamline Moderne-styled building capped off with a giant Sorcerer's Hat. Visitors to Walt Disney World might recognize the golden statues of Peter Pan, Wendy Darling and Tinker Bell flying around the hat. They graced the turrets of Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom during the "Happiest Celebration on Earth" event in 2005 and were moved here afterward.

Other statuary nearby pays homage to Disney animated creations both classic and contemporary, from Fantasia's Bacchus and Jacchus (1940) to the title character of 1999's Tarzan.

Inside, the Art of Disney Animation experience is similar to the interactive exhibits found at Disney California Adventure and Disney's Hollywood Studios. There's even an Animation Academy (using assets from the now-defunct Chicago DisneyQuest location), where Guests can learn how to draw a favorite character.

Across the plaza from Art of Disney Animation is the Studio 3 Theatre, home to the live entertainment spectacle "Animagique." The "Animagique" show opens with Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck working in an animation studio. Mickey warns Donald (and us) not to open a door at the far end of the studio. As soon as Mickey steps out, though, guess what happens. Donald finds himself sucked into the Disney film vault for wild, musical encounters with characters and "black light" sequences from The Jungle Book, The Lion King, Dumbo and The Little Mermaid, all before Mickey returns to save the day.

Outside Studio 3, we find a bit of a set from the Disney-Pixar film Monsters, Inc. Mike Wazowski is standing alongside Boo's door, ready for his close-up. From time to time, even big blue James P. Sullivan stops by for some photos and hugs. What's great, though, is there are so many fun details and things to see in this little corner, Guests are entertained even when the characters aren't around.

This security gate is where toons from Hollywood or nearby Toontown check in to go to work on the lot. It also marks something of a delineation between the production facilities of Toon Studio and the Toon Backlot area, where outdoor sets can be found from films like Cars and Toy Story.

There are several films in production at Toon Studio at the moment. We'll be taking an in-depth look at them next week, so be sure to check back.

Hints of Fantasia

As part of its renovation in the 1990s, Disney's Contemporary Resort shifted thematically from a look reminiscent of the American Southwest to a style inspired by modern art. At the time, there was also a desire to bring more of a "Disney" feel to the resort, so designers turned to the studio's most artistic endeavor, Fantasia. Elements from Fantasia were introduced throughout the property, many of which (such as the Sorcerer Mickey topiary above) are still around today.

The influence began as soon as guests entered the resort, where they were greeted by this bronze statue of Mickey Mouse shaking hands with Conductor Leopold Stokowski. Inspired by the scene at the conclusion of "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" sequence in the film, the statue stood inside the lobby of the Contemporary Resort for more than a decade. When the resort was next renovated in 2005, the statue moved for a time to the exhibit gallery at The Magic of Disney Animation at Disney's Hollywood Studios (where the photo below was taken).

Disney's Contemporary Resort has always been a convention hotel for Walt Disney World. The original meeting and event facilities on the second floor still bear names from the resort's earlier era: Ballroom of the Americas, Grand Republic Ballroom, Atlantic and Pacific. The convention center expansion of 1991, however, brought a new series of room names: Fantasia, Nutcracker and Pastoral.

Fantasia and Disney's Contemporary Resort continue to fit well with one another, and the influence of the film has extended even to recent projects like the Fantasia Shop on the Grand Canyon Concourse.

Built into the previously unused space between the existing series of stores (one of which was converted into a new arcade), the Fantasia Shop incorporates fun details which pay homage to Disney's classic film, from the whimsical sorcerer's hat portals to marching brooms and dancing thistles.

Drawn to Animation

The Disney Animation attraction in Hollywood Pictures Backlot is an underrated gem of Disney California Adventure, packed with things to discover and explore. Before even entering the building, take a moment to appreciate the artistry of the Streamline Moderne-inspired facade. It's bursting with images of Disney characters over the years. Try to see how many you can spot: Mickey Mouse, Dumbo, Hercules, Pinocchio, Genie, Fairy Godmother, Belle and Beast, just to name a few. Of course, based on when the park opened (Feb. 2001), the most "current" images are those from the newest films at the time: Yzma from The Emperor's New Groove and Milo Thatch from Atlantis: The Lost Empire.

Just as the posters at the entrance to Disneyland offer previews of some of the attractions inside, this lineup gives a sneak peek at a few of the things there are to do at Disney Animation. It's actually several attractions in one. There's the Sorcerer's Workshop, Character Close-Up, Toy Story Zoetrope, Turtle Talk with Crush and the Animation Academy where guests can try their hand at drawing a favorite character.

Not an "attraction" per se, but captivating nonetheless, is the grand lobby of Disney Animation, known as the Animation Courtyard. Here, visitors are surrounded by a collage of large screens that come to life with animated clips and concept art in a way that's hard to describe and immeasurably beautiful.

The gallery at Character Close-Up offers a look at development art used in the creation of some favorite Disney personalities, some of whom even appear here from time to time for pictures and autographs.

One of the newer pieces in this space is the Toy Story Zoetrope. Zoetropes were an early form of animation, predating film. This 21st century version gives the ancient technique a three-dimensional twist. If you've never seen it, check out this video of the Toy Story Zoetrope in action. Wait for the spinning, and when the strobes turn on... it's magical!

The Sorcerer's Workshop inside Disney Animation may appear to just be a diversion, but the experience is so much deeper than it looks on the surface. It begins in a mysterious room filled with ancient treasures of animation. Here, you can get hands on with centuries-old animation techniques and even create a little animation magic of your own.

On the back wall of the workshop is the Magic Mirror from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Stand before it long enough, and the spirit in the mirror will appear. You may also notice the figures of the Zodiac along the mirror's edge. In a departure from the film, these depictions are of appropriate Disney characters (Simba for Leo, Cleo for Pisces, Sebastian for Cancer, etc.).

Moving past the workshop, we find ourselves in the Beast's library from Beauty and the Beast. Here, enchanted books reveal what character we are most like. There's also magic in this room, as it periodically transforms from dark and dusty to fresh and new. Pay attention to the falling rose petals under the jar on the mantel and the portrait of the young prince, which is ripped by claws and then mends itself.

The final realm is that of Ursula's Grotto, where the sea witch "steals your voice" only to put it into scenes of classic Disney animation. It's almost as if this space were inside the belly of a whale. Take note of the poor, unfortunate souls and the bone cage holding up the ceiling.

There's something else tucked away in the Sorcerer's Workshop, too: this portrait of Walt Disney. It's fitting, as he could be considered the ultimate sorcerer. Have you spotted it?

Weekend Trivia: 50 Films, 50 Questions

On Twitter this evening, we played a fun game of 50 questions. That is, I posed one trivia question for each of Disney's 50 full-length animated feature films, from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to Tangled. For those who don't engage in Twitter, or those of you who may have missed it, I've decided to include the full list of questions here. Do your best, and come back to this post tomorrow night to find the answers in the comments.

1) Which of the Seven Dwarfs in Snow White doesn't sport a beard?

2) Pinocchio was based on a story by whom?

3) What are the names of the wine-drinking god and his mount in Fantasia?

4) In what state does the story of Dumbo take place?

5) Over whom does Bambi become twitterpated?

6) What is the name of the mail plane featured in a segment of Saludos Amigos?

7) Name the Three Caballeros & what country they are each from?

8) Which Disney feature includes the animated Peter and the Wolf?

9) Fun & Fancy Free was "hosted" by Jiminy Cricket and what live action personalities?

10) According to the segment in Melody Time, who was responsible for creating the Rio Grande?

11) Who were the celebrity narrators of each segment in The Adventures of Ichabod & Mr. Toad?

12) What job does the Fairy Godmother ask Major to do for Cinderella's trip to the ball?

13) What does the Mad Hatter determine is wrong with the pocket watch in a sequence from Alice in Wonderland?

14) The actor who played Bill, the lizard with a ladder, in Alice in Wonderland provided the voice for what character in Peter Pan?

15) To what name does Tramp answer when he pays a visit to Tony's Restaurant in Lady and the Tramp?

16) What is the signature color of each of the good fairies in Sleeping Beauty?

17) What are the first names of Cruella's henchmen, the Baduns, in 101 Dalmatians?

18) During the Wizards' Duel in The Sword in the Stone, what do the rules say are "off limits?"

19) In The Jungle Book, what does King Louie describe as "man's red flower?"

20) What is the name of the little mouse voiced by Sterling Holloway in The AristoCats?

21) What character narrates the tale of Robin Hood?

22) The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh was compiled from three featurettes with what individual titles?

23) In The Rescuers, the character of Mr. Snoops was inspired by what real Disney author and historian?

24) What had been the working title of the film The Great Mouse Detective?

25) What is Taran's occupation in The Black Cauldron?

26) Since I've been asking the questions in chronological order of each film's original release date, #26 is actually The Great Mouse Detective, so... What film should have been the subject of question #24?

27) Who wrote the song "Once Upon a Time in New York City" for the opening of Oliver & Co?

28) What actor from The Love Bug provided a voice for a character in The Little Mermaid?

29) Music from The Rescuers Down Under is prominently featured in what Walt Disney World theme park?

30) According to production notes, what is the name of the prince in Beauty and the Beast?

31) What character from an earlier film is seen in the tower of toys the Sultan is building in a scene from Aladdin?

32) What is the name of Simba's mother in The Lion King?

33) What two characters in Pocahontas were voiced by David Ogden Stiers?

34) What are the names of the three gargoyles who serve as Quasimodo's companions in The Hunchback of Notre Dame?

35) What character in Hercules is voiced by Paul Shaffer from the David Letterman show?

36) What male pseudonym does Mulan adopt when she joins the army?

37) What does Tarzan mistakenly associate with the word "Clayton?"

38) What images accompany the music of "Pines of Rome" in Fantasia 2000?

39) What creatures were cast as the antagonists in Dinosaur?

40) The Emperor's New Groove was originally conceived as a different story under what title?

41) What sci-fi legend portrayed Kida's father in Atlantis: The Lost Empire?

42) What is Lilo & Nani's surname in Lilo & Stitch?

43) Where do Jim and the crew ultimately find the treasure in Treasure Planet?

44) What totem was chosen for Kenai's brother, Sitka, in Brother Bear?

45) According to the lyrics of a song from Home on the Range, Alameda Slim wears what size chaps & underpants?

46) Why did the aliens come to Earth in Chicken Little?

47) What school does Lewis attend in Meet the Robinsons?

48) What substance does Bolt blame for sapping his powers?

49) What is the name of the band with which Louis plays at the conclusion of The Princess and the Frog?

50) Byron Howard, Co-Director of Tangled, started his Disney career in the early '90s with what theme park role?

Okay, there you have it. That's a lot of questions. Some easy. Some hard. Good luck, and remember to check back here tomorrow night for the answers. I'll post them in the comments below.

Meet Lotso

At The Magic of Disney Animation, once Guests have seen just how Disney's characters and films are created, they have the chance to step into the spotlight with some of the newest animated stars. This summer, you can meet Lotso from Toy Story 3. He appears on the set of Sunnyside Daycare with some of the other toys from the film: Rex, Sparks, Stretch and a handful of LGMs and Green Army Men. Notice the blocks, spelling out TS3 for Toy Story 3. Even the floor is comprised of the sort of rubber mats you might find on the floor of a play area in a daycare center.

Unlike previous character greetings in this location, your visit to Sunnyside starts back in the queue area. The entire set has been dressed as a room from the daycare center, complete with fun posters, child hand prints on the walls (made by the kids of Entertainment production team members), and "windows" looking out on the parking lot and playground.

One of the boards in the room features class pictures of the Sunnyside kids. They're computer-generated images, based on kids of some of the folks who work at Pixar. Look closely to appreciate some of the finer details: kids with their eyes closed or not looking at the camera, the little girl who is completely distracted by something on the ground, the boy with the skull T-shirt who doesn't look happy to be there. Great stuff... and very true to life.

There are other boards in the space, too, displaying some the artwork created by the children. It's obvious that the toys are their favorite subject. There's real affection here for the likes of "new toys" Buzz, Woody, Slinky, Potato Head and Hamm, along with Sunnyside regulars Dolly, Trixie, Buttercup and Mr. Pricklepants.

But the Lots-O-Huggin' Bear is the toy we're here to play with today. Step around the corner from the Sunnyside set, and you'll find yourself shrunk to toy size for a big bear hug from Lotso himself.

The Magic of Pixar Animation

Inside The Magic of Disney Animation at Disney's Hollywood Studios, Guests may enjoy a number of experiences that demonstrate how animated films are brought to life. Drawn to Animation explains character creation and development. Animation Academy gives you a chance to draw a favorite character, and interactive stations allow you to step into the role of Ink & Paint Artist or Voice Actor.

Disney Animation also includes a series of ever-changing exhibits that provide a window into the artistic and story development of the latest animated film. Currently, they feature art from Toy Story 3.

Just outside the Drawn to Animation theater, the Production Gallery is filled with artwork from all three Toy Story films, including early designs for the characters that would become Buzz Lightyear and Woody Pride. Reviewing art from the first two films was important in the creation of the third, for while Pixar's technological prowess and artistic style have become more sophisticated over the years, Toy Story 3 still had to look like it took place in the same animated world created in the original films back in the 90s.

The other side of this exhibit shows some of the artistic development that went into Toy Story 3. In this new adventure, Andy has outgrown his childhood toys and is preparing to head off for college. A lot of work went into creating the right look for an 18-year-old Andy, so he would feel like the same character we knew before. Of course, this was also helped along by the casting of John Morris, the same actor who provided the voice of Andy in the first two films.

Buzz, Woody and the gang find themselves at Sunnyside Daycare, in the company of a host of other toys. In the Production Gallery we can see some of those designs, too, including early concepts for Lotso that rendered him more like a Care Bear. You'll see that the pre-production work on the film even went so far as to detail the specific layout of every room and playground at the daycare center.

Down the hall from the Production Gallery is the Story Room, where a film's Directors, Writers and Story Artists work out all the scenes and individual beats of the story using storyboards, before the time-consuming process of real animation is started.

The Story Room exhibit includes the storyboards from the sequence early in Toy Story 3, when Andy is trying to decide what to do with all his old toys. The white board on the wall reminds everyone of the schedule for Dailies, regular screenings of the previous day's work after which notes can be given and adjustments made. It also looks like there's a story review with John L. on Monday (that would be John Lasseter, of course, Director of the first two Toy Story films and Creative Director for Disney and Pixar Animation Studios).

The room is packed with inspiration for the story team. Everything is here, from conceptual artwork to toys of the characters, and the oversize blocks not-so-subtly spell out the span of the Toy Story saga from 1995 (the release of the first Toy Story) to 2010 (the debut of Toy Story 3).

Always Something New at Animation

The Magic of Disney Animation attraction at Disney's Hollywood Studios was originally a tour of a working animation production facility. When Disney's animation operations were consolidated in 2003, bringing everything back home to the Burbank studio, the attraction went through a transition. Today, it has become the place to go to learn about the latest animated feature films, try your hand at being an artist, admire animation artwork, and meet some of Disney's newest character stars.

The main stage at the heart of the attraction changes with each film release. The first to be featured here was The Incredibles back in 2004. Due to their "incredible" popularity, they continued to greet Guests long after the movie left theaters. Bob and Helen Parr spent some time in Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom, but can currently be seen on the upper level inside the Animation building.

Not all the characters featured here have stuck around that long, however. Chicken Little and Abby Mallard spent the winter of 2005-06 in the park, but the sky soon fell, sending them back to Oakey Oaks only to make occasional special appearances.

The big film release for the summer of 2006 was Cars. In keeping with the design intent of the attraction, the main stage area was updated for the new movie, but the characters from Cars just wouldn't fit inside the building. Instead, an oversize Radiator Springs postcard was created as a fun photo opportunity for Guests in the traditional character greeting spot, while Lightning McQueen and Mater toured the streets of Disney's Hollywood Studios to meet their fans in person.

Meet the Robinsons followed in the spring of 2007. Lewis, Wilbur and the Bowler Hat Guy were soon sent back to the future, though, replaced by Remy and Emile just three months later when Ratatouille opened in theaters.

The summer of 2008 brought WALL-E and an ambitious plan to bring the little robot to full Animatronic life for real-time Guest interaction. The idea turned out to be a little ahead of its time. The Research & Development Team at Walt Disney Imagineering field tested WALL-E a handful of times (see the YouTube video embedded below), but he was never quite ready for the demands of an all day every day appearance schedule, so a stand-in took his place in the photo op.

Bolt, Mittens and Rhino from Disney's Bolt took their turn in the spotlight from November 2008 to May 2009, before finally deciding to retire from show businesses and live a normal life with Penny.

Their departure made way for one of the most elaborate sets to date, Paradise Falls from Disney-Pixar's Up. Carl Fredrickson, Dug and Russell meet young Wilderness Explorers in the shadow of Carl's flying house... and with an occasional surprise visit from Kevin.

When the decision was made that characters from The Princess and the Frog would appear exclusively at the Magic Kingdom, Carl & Co. got an extended lease at the Animation building, but they can't stay forever. Although details have yet to be finalized, the gang from Up will likely see more adventures in the Disney Parks once they leave here. After all, Up has become one of the most successful animated features of all time.

So what's next? Well, the next animated event comes June 18 with the release of Toy Story 3. The characters from the other Toy Story films are already well represented elsewhere, so look for The Magic of Disney Animation attraction to introduce us to one of the biggest new stars from this newest adventure. Meet Lotso, the Lots-o-Huggin Bear from Sunnyside Day Care. The exact date of his first appearance this summer hasn't been announced, but until then you can check him out in the recently released preview trailer of Toy Story 3.