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?