During this challenging time of staying at home and physical distancing because of the COVID-19 pandemic, some of us are searching for interesting activities to keep us busy. Are you a fan of Disney animation? Have you ever taken a character drawing class at one of Disney’s theme parks? Well, we have a great suggestion for you: experience Animation Academy classes at home! We’re sharing videos of some favorite character lessons as well as information about the classes at the parks. Let’s go draw!
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—60+ Drawing Class Videos at the End of this Post!—
Where can I find animation classes at the theme parks?
Sadly, the Animation Academy at Hollywood Studios in Orlando closed down permanently a few years ago as did the drawing location at DisneyQuest. Moving forward, drawing classes can be found at Walt Disney World at Animal Kingdom’s Conservation Station and the Art of Animation Resort. At Disneyland in California, you’ll find drawing lessons at California Adventure (in a very classroom-like setting!). We go draw characters every chance we get.
- Walt Disney World– The Animation Experience at Conservation Station in Animal Kingdom
- Walt Disney World– Drawing classes at Art of Animation Resort (You do not have to be a guest at the resort to participate.)
- Disneyland– Disney’s California Adventure- Animation Academy in Hollywood Land
- Disneyland Paris– Walt Disney Studios Park- Animation Academy in the Animation Courtyard
- Hong Kong Disneyland– Animation Academy on Main Street USA
- Shanghai Disneyland– Marvel Comic Academy in the Gardens of Imagination
Why would I want to spend park time drawing a character?
I have always taken art classes and was a studio art major in college, so I naturally want to go draw something fun when I can! I didn’t expect Mark to enjoy the classes, but he always suggests that we go in and draw if we’re near an upcoming demonstration. This is because the instructors are AMAZING.
The instructions are incredibly easy to follow, so everyone will leave with an instantly recognizable Disney character masterpiece; no previous drawing experience required. Plus, you leave with a new understanding and appreciation for Disney’s artists. It definitely feels like an exclusive, behind-the-scenes type educational experience.
Pro Tip: Get the characters you draw to autograph your art as you meet them in the parks!
Did I mention that the classes are led by actual Disney artists?
Yes, you’re taking drawing lessons from real Disney pros. You’ll notice the artist in the photo above is the artist in many of the drawing class videos at the end of this post. We’ve never had a bad teacher. They’re friendly, personable, encouraging, and genuinely want all of their students to have fun, enjoy the drawing process, and be proud of their creations.
Your drawing is a free souvenir!
The classes are complimentary, so we think attending Animation Academy is a fantastic use of your time if you’re interested in the animation process or meeting an actual Disney artist. At every class we’ve attended on Disney property, our paper sports the corresponding park logo. Paper and pencils are provided (though you must leave the pencils behind for the next class).
Take your drawing of Mickey or Stitch or Pooh (or whoever you draw; the possibilities seem to be endless!) and have it framed or start a scrapbook of your drawings through the years.
Pro Tip: Pack a cardboard tube to store your drawings and keep them safe until you get home!
What characters can I learn to draw at the parks?
We’ve been surprised through the years at the characters we’ve been able to draw. I assumed we’d draw one of the Fab Five (Mickey and friends), but we’ve been able to sketch Baymax, Jack Skellington, Donald as Darth Maul, Flynn Rider, and more!
Now, this could always change in the future. For example, we’ve heard that the selection at Animal Kingdom’s Conservation Station consists of animals only (think Simba, Kaa, or Thumper). Let us know your experience and which character you got to create!
Let’s Draw Disney Characters at Home!
Whether you’re between Disney trips, you’ve never been to the parks before, or you’re staying at home because of the current COVID-19 outbreak (we thank you for social distancing!), you can experience learning from a Disney artist and creating your own Disney character masterpiece from home! Be sure to tag #justchasingrabbits on social media so we can see your beautiful creations!
Pro Tip: Feel more official with your own set of drawing pencils. This recreates the “no eraser” rule from the Animation Academy classes!
The Fab Five
Other Classic Characters
Modern Disney Animation Studio Faves
Pixar Favorites
Pro Tip: If you or someone you love enjoys drawing these characters, several Disney drawing books are available on Amazon, including: Favorite Disney/Pixar Characters, Mickey & Friends, Disney’s Classic Animated Movies, Disney Celebrated Characters Collection, Learn to Draw Princesses, and Learn to Draw Disney Villains.
We hope you enjoyed this collection of Disney drawing classes as much as I have! I urge you to plan on visiting one of the animation locations at the parks during your next visit to get a first-hand lesson from one of the talented Disney artists. If you come across any other official Disney drawing videos, feel free to let us know so that we can add it to this post. If you love Disney DIY, check out our Disney pin display board post.
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links with no change in price for you.
Which Disney character is your favorite? Did you try to draw any of the characters above? How did it go? Have you attended any of the drawing lessons at the theme parks? What did you think? Will you be adding the Animation Academy to your next Disney park itinerary? Let us know in the comments below!
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