21/100 I didn't know what to expect when walking into the Animation Academy, but after a half hour lesson in how to draw a Disney character, I walked out with a pretty good rendition of Tigger drawn by my own, two little hands. I'm not an artist, but the instructor made drawing so easy that anyone can do it. They take you through step by step, using basic shapes and strokes like triangles and circles, and make it all so easy. I can't wait to go back again to see who I get to draw next. read more

I wish I knew about the Animation Academy earlier! It is literally a hidden gem for all the wannabe artists out there like me. I came across this place on my most recent visit to Disneyland/California Adventure over Thanksgiving break. Since the lines for all the rides were horrendous, my boyfriend and I tried some new things in the parks that were not rides. The Animation Academy was the highlight of the trip. There are "shows" every half hour where you sit inside a mini lecture hall and learn to draw Disney characters. There is a Disney animator who walks you through each step so that you come out with a picture that actually looks pretty good! Things move pretty fast so make sure you keep up with the animator and pay attention. Things can go from simple circles to eyelashes really quickly so here are a few things to keep in mind so that you don't seem so flustered during your first visit to the Academy. 1. Get there at least 10 minutes early so that you are guaranteed a seat. People start to line up. 2. When you choose your row, move down all the way to the end of the row and don't leave spaces between you and the next party. They don't have cooties. But most of all, don't be annoying and stop in the middle so that people have to climb over you. You can see everything from the right or left sides, trust me. 3. Follow along with the animator and don't freak if you make a mistake. Erasers are not allowed. If you come to the Animation Academy and follow along, you will honestly surprise yourself with what you can create! We went three times and drew Tigger, Mickey, and Dale. You can ask the guy at the front to see which characters are coming up so that you can plan your visits around their lesson plans! It is basically a free drawing lesson that can be just as fun for adults as it is for the kids. Actually maybe even more fun for adults. read more

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I love love LOVE this attraction!!!!! It is inside of the Animation Pavilion (where you can also find the Toy Store Zoetrope, whee!) on your left when you enter. Like the other two attractions in this pavilion, you stand inside of a small waiting area for the show to start. The shows are every half hour on the hour and the half; how early it opens depends on the park's hours for that day. So, let me just say, I have art phobia. MAJOR art phobia. I hate organic chemistry classes because half of what you do is draw structures. So I was a little hesitant to try this, but a friend said it was neat so I did. Not only was she right, but it was so much fun I went in and did it again!!!! They do a different character each time, so you can go in two or three times in a row and come out with a different drawing each time. (See my pics). I got to draw Donald Duck and Minnie Mouse (who's real name is Minerva, apparently) and they actually look pretty good!!! They break each character down into small parts that are easily manageable. They also help you with rough sketching lightly, then going back and darkening what you want to keep. The overall effect is magnificent, and I am so proud of my drawings that they are now on my fridge. I am such a dork. Tips: If you want to keep your drawing, do this at a time when you will either be going to the car/hotel for a nap, or as you leave the park. The sheet of paper is not small and you may not want to fold it. If you don't want to keep your drawing, you can recycle the paper! Ask the cast member up front what the character is; they may even know the schedule for the whole day so that you can draw your favorite. During the week this area is not busy at all, so don't worry about getting there early and waiting; get there 5 minutes before the show and save yourself some line time. Great for kids and adults! I think the adults had the most fun though. The length of the show is about 22 minutes, so you get 22 minutes to sit and relax in the air conditioning if you need a break. Also....I love these guys; I dropped basically ALL of my stuff (cell phone, car key, credit cards) and they found it and saved it for me. Thanks Animation Dudes!! Disney, if you're listening...these are some of your best employees. read more

Animation Academy - My Donald Duck drawing from the Animation Academy at Disney's California Adventure - Art Schools Near Me - Burbank, California

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One of my new favorite discoveries at DCA! I have been an Annual Passport holder for a little over a year and recently discovered Animation Academy. When you're not an Annual Passport holder and are going only for the day, most of things everyone wants to accomplish are the rides. Now that I am an Annual Passport Holder, it allows me to enjoy the simple things like Animation Academy. If you need a break from all the walking, screaming, or eating this is the place to go. I haven't drawn pictures in ages, then again I was never good at it. I would call my stick figures a master piece. At Animation Academy you will have the opportunity to draw different Disney characters and you are guided through a Disney artist. The lessons are 15-20 minutes, but you are having so much fun that you lose your sense for time. Then again who keeps track of time at Disneyland! It's set up like a college class, with the teacher (Disney Artist) in front with their own drawing table and tools and plenty of seating facing them. The seating is set up like a sports arena so you are able to see clearly and no one is blocking you. You get to sit wherever you want and you are given a big white clipboard, one sheet of paper, and a pencil (without an eraser). They give simple instructions, and walk you through each step. The Disney artist is drawing with you and their drawing is projected onto a big screen. Once you're done, you can keep your picture of throw it away. It's rare that I ever get to draw, so when I go to the Animation Academy I feel like a kid all over again. If you haven't checked this out, it's definitely a must. Check out the schedule in front in case you have a particular favorite Disney character. This is something you can do by yourself or with a group of friends. You can compare your drawing with your friends afterwards and see who has the artsy gene. Enjoy! :) read more

Animation Academy - Art Schools Near Me - Burbank, California

Wow! This place has five stars! But I know why! It's excellent! Every thirty minutes, you can learn how to draw a character. They post the schedule outside by the entrance to the Animation building. They do begin to draw the same characters after a while, and you always draw just the face. I've drawn Steamboat Willie, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck, Tigger, Olaf, and more! This is a great place for children that like to draw. Also, its a great place to get out of the sun or the rain! If you want to do more than one lesson, you'll have to leave and go back around to the Animation Academy entrance. They won't let you sit and wait. I guess, they reset the place afterwards. read more

If they can teach this non artistic person how to draw something that's recognized by a 2 year old as a Disney character... The instructors are that good! Been a Disney AP since 1997 and just went inside this place this year. I honestly didn't think I could draw. Now I'm hooked. The instructions are simple and in less than 30 mins you have an awesome souvenir to bring home. I check the schedule for new characters every time I go now. read more

Animation Academy - Looks close enough to me! It's the Cheshire Cat if the drawing is terrible. - Art Schools Near Me - Burbank, California

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I didn't know this place existed until a few days ago when my friend and I went to Disney California Adventure and he suggested we go to the Animation Academy. The academy is an attraction at DCA that teaches you how to draw different Disney characters. SO FRICKEN COOOL! I got to draw Piglet that night and it didn't come out too bad considering I have no artistic abilities whatsoever. The lessons happen every 30 minutes and usually the lesson takes about 10-15 minutes depending on the difficultly I'm guessing, and it's a different character every lesson. Definitely coming back next time to learn to draw from more characters! read more

Animation Academy - Art Schools Near Me - Burbank, California

I am NOT an artist. When I draw birds, they're long "m"s. When I draw trees, they're two sticks with a cloud on top. When I draw people, they're stick figures. I can't even draw a straight line with a ruler. So when I told my husband that I wanted to take part in the Animation Academy session, I think he must have thought I was crazy. But, he played along and we settled into our seats, boards on our laps, pencils in hand. I was right. Even with a step-by-step, demonstrated walk-through, I'm still not an artist. Our drawing that day was Minnie Mouse. The animator made it look and sound so easy. He drew light circles and ovals, then connected everything together to create a beautiful representation of that lovely she-mouse. Me? My "light guide lines" were way too heavy to ignore. My ovals were circles, my circles were ovals. On my page, poor Minnie looked like she'd been served a vicious right hook to the face, forever altering the direction of her nose. And one of her eyes. And making her bow lopsided. Alas. None of this has to do with the academy, or the animator. The problem is ME. Despite my shortcomings as an artist, I had a blast in this workshop. It was fun to look around and see how *everybody* else created a better Minnie Mouse than I did. Even that 2 year old kid! He couldn't even write his name, but he drew a better mouse than I did! It can feel a bit rushed, especially if you were waiting outside for a while, but it's worth it. read more

This was a lot of fun! In the entrance of the studio, you can check out what particular character will be featured for the drawing (every 30 minutes until the park closes). A Disney animator walks you through on how to draw a Disney cartoon character on a projector screen. The directions are very simple and you get to see the animator's work stroke by stroke. They make it quite easy for you to follow and you get to keep your masterpiece at the end of the workshop. The whole thing takes no more than 30 minutes. Can't wait to try this again! read more

If you are ever in a need to just take a break in California Adventure and want to cool down for a bit and do something fun for the kids and yourself but don't need to stand in long lines in the hot sun, then going to the Animation Academy is the perfect place. Every 30 minutes, their is a well known disney character (the traditional Mickey/Minnie to most recent ones) that you can get the chance to learn to draw! There is always a cast member who will teach you how to draw a character within 15 minutes using very simple shapes and lines that are very understandable and easy for parents and kids to grasp and do! Don't feel hesitant if your drawing abilities are only known to be stick figures, after one or two classes at the animation academy and you will feel like such a pro! For all you Frozen fan's they're currently having drawing classes for Olaf, the fun sun loving snow man! So if you're ever in Disneyland California Adventures and your kid asks "Do you want to build a snowman?" you know just where to take them right now! read more

Animation Academy - Olaf! - Art Schools Near Me - Burbank, California

Learn how to draw classic Disney characters. Usually just their head and shoulders. Great for ALL ages. The instructors use simple instructions - "draw an orange, draw a backwards letter C, draw a rainbow" etc. Any seat is a good seat. Don't be discouraged by a huge line! There are PLENTY of seats. New character being drawn every 30 minutes! My bf and I take a picture of the schedule (you can't miss it- it's at the entrance) whenever we go to CA Adventure so we know who's coming up next. The class lasts approximately 15 minutes. We've drawn 12 characters so far and Tigger came out the worst! Bring an eraser! Just kidding! read more

One of my favorite parts of California Adventures! This is a great spot to go on a hot day if you need a little *break* from the madness outside! Not only do you get to relax a little bit, you also get to learn how to draw a Disney character! The Disney artist walks you through every little step and makes the class easy and enjoyable for all ages. I have seen them put a list outside with the schedeule of who they are drawing at what times. I believe there are drawings ever hour or possibly more frequently. There is always someone standing outside so they are available for any questions you have. I only wish they would add more characters for us to draw... maybe throw in some Disney princesses :P Remember: NO erasers! And makes a great (free!) souvenir! read more

Animation Academy - Chip! - Art Schools Near Me - Burbank, California

This exhibit is awesome! A great place to go when you want to get out of the heat and out of a line. They have some interactive things to see and do and ample space to spread out if you're sick of the crowd. The drawing thing was fun but I felt the instructor went a bit fast. It was hard to keep up, I can imagine how hard it could be for kids. The 3d animation wheel of toy story is by far the coolest thing there. Honorable mention goes to the turtle thing from finding nemo. read more

Love taking the animation academy classes. I've visited this attraction at Hollywood Studios countless times, but recently experienced the CA version on my first ever trip to the Disneyland Resort. Although the attractions are similar in both locations, there are a few notable differences. Advantages: The CA version features a much larger space, so the waits to draw are not nearly as long as they are at HS. I also really like that the schedule of characters is posted ahead of time. At HS, you don't know who you're drawing until you get in, so you may end up drawing the same character multiple times. Disadvantages: I felt a lot more rushed at the CA attraction, as compared to HS. The HS class felt longer, and we are given more time to complete a step before the animator has moved on. Also, the CA version uses lap desks, whereas the HS version allows participants to use actual light up desks. Either way, this is definitely a must do for anyone. You really don't need talent - the point isn't to have a perfect drawing - just have fun with it! It's also a great break from the heat. read more

Animation Academy - The Original Angry Bird - Art Schools Near Me - Burbank, California

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The Animation Academy is awesome! Visitors get the opportunity to learn how to draw different Disney characters from a Disney artist. My last visit, we drew Pooh Bear, and mine came out great! The artist who was teaching us this particular character was nice, funny, and easy to follow. The Animation Academy is offered almost every 30 minutes for most of the day, which makes it an attractive place to go. read more

Make sure you know what character you will be drawing but it's a fun activity for a group to enjoy. Anything that takes me inside the Animation building is a good time. When you exit the Academy there is one of the coolest experiences well, anywhere. There is a Giant Zoetrop This has all the Toy Story Characters - A lot of fun to stay and watch. This room also has classic representations of Disney Animation as well as there are often animation of upcoming movies as well. read more

Animation Academy - Come for the cartoons stay cut it's fun. - Art Schools Near Me - Burbank, California

I'm very unhappy with the Long Distance Learning for the Animation Academy. I paid a fair amount to take lessons. When timing got a little rough, I sent a question asking what their refund policies were. I've been ghosted by the instructor. I reached out several times. 3 or 4 to be exact and have not received a response. Even if there is no refund policy, the professional thing to do would be to contact me back or to work out a schedule in the future because I still paid for lessons. No response makes it feel like 1) the program is a sham 2) my money was taken from me. Since I have not received a response, I'm going to take this as a loss. Posting up an honest Yelp review is the only thing I can do. read more

This place is super fun!! I never thought of myself of a cartoonist, but this place makes it possible! It's located in the Hollywood Land area, inside Disney Animation. Disney Animation is amazing as it guides you through all the different aspects of making a movie, including how to draw the characters. Animation Academy does just that! They have classes about every 15-30 minutes. You walk into a classroom and have a real life artist guide you step by step of how to draw different famous Disney characters. In the end, you sign your masterpiece and save it to frame! ;) This is a great getaway from the craziness that is Disney and a few minutes to relax in airconditioning during the summer heat. read more

I've been to d-land so many times that I've eaten churros from every churro carts in the park, drank from every frozen lemonade stands in the park, rode every ride in the park... and even learned how to master drawing Mickey Mouse right here at Animation Academy in "Disney Animation" building located in the Hollywood Pictures Backlot in Disney's California Adventures. I had so much fun! Instructions are very easy, and you draw Mickey as if you're a Disney animator yourself! The instructor even teaches you how to make Mickey's face proportionate by having you draw a circle (Mickey's head) and split it in fourths for quadrants so you don't end up making my most favoritest Disney character look not so much like Mickey. You walk out of this academy with a souvenir: your Disney character drawing! The instructors will teach you different characters in different sessions, so definitely hit up these mini drawing sessions if you have all the time in the world at d-land :] P.S. Good excuse for air condition and resting your bums. read more

My girlfriend and I joke about spending an entire Disneyland/California Adventure day at the Animation Academy. Tucked in the Hollywood Pictures Backlot, its a nice alternate from waiting in lines for rides. OK, who goes to the Happiest Place on Earth to go to a "CLASS". I DO! Did you ever dream you'd be an animator for Disney? Or at least want to draw cool Disney characters! Well, this is a great place to start. They have classes every 15 minutes and each class teaches you how to draw a different Disney character. We've been taught how to draw Winnie the Pooh and Jack Skellington so far, and we plan to learn all of them! aha. They don't give erasers, meaning that your version of that character is an ORIGINAL, and sometimes you see children with better drawings. But hey, run back in 'cus practice makes perfect Disney characters! This also gives me a reason to use my season pass even during my "still fresh" knee surgery. There's something for everyone to do at Disneyland Resort! read more

It's nice to take a break indoors from all the hustle and bustle of rides and mindless low brow dizzying fun, to learn from a professional on how to sketch your favorite Disney characters. Each workshop is about 30 mins in length, and all you need are basically a pencil, a piece of paper and a drawing board to hold the paper down (all of which they provide). It's ok to make mistakes, and they encourage you not to use the eraser. So despite my best efforts I sketched Winnie the Pooh according to the instructions...or at least tried by hardest and he ended up looking more like Scooby Doo.....WTF I wasn't high like Shaggy or anything. read more

One of those random gems in the park that I feel those who don't have an annual pass really can't enjoy. Sure it's a nice place to cool off during the summer months, but having an annual pass definitely let's you truly enjoy this place. The animation academy, where you can see figures come to life, turtle talk with crush, learn how to draw, and be the voice of a cartoon character. Honestly, when I was a kid, one of my dreams was to be the voice of a cartoon character. So animation academy gives me a little shot at my childhood dream. They also have a class where you can learn how to draw the various Disney characters. If a horrible artist like me can draw a decent Cheshire Cat, I think you can too. Definitely a place to check out if you have the time. That's the only thing, it takes time. And although it's definitely a great place, for non annual pass holders, it may get passed up by the many rides offered in the park. read more

This is literally one of the coolest attractions at the entire Walt Disney resort. Everyone should go to this, even if you think you're the worst at drawing, as my husband and I did. I believe the classes are every 30 minutes, led by a real Walt Disney Artist. At this class we got to draw Jack Skellington, from the Nightmare Before Christmas. I was extremely pleased, being a huge Tim Burton fan that saw the film on opening night at the El Capitan Theater in Hollywood. My drawing actually looked like him, but my bat bowtie could have been better. My husband's bat bowtie looked much more animated and fluid, so much that I might have to work on my drawing again. I wish they would have had this attraction when I was a kid, as it would have gotten me much more interested in art and drawing than I was. read more

Anaheim, CA Review reminder to visit this place this lifetime. ;P Seems like one of those hidden places you gotta do more than bookmark on Yelp. Goooooo visit!! Now...how do I get to this place from the east coast...most inexpensively! Lol read more

Located in the Hollywood Pictures Backlot- One of my favorite non-ride attractions in DCA! :) Every half hour you get to learn how to draw a different Disney character. And the instructor breaks it down so easily that everyone can do it! You'll feel like a real animator with the clipboard, paper, and pencil. I've had the pleasure of drawing Jake Skellington, Mickey, Goofy, and Winnie the Pooh! Great to get away from the crowds and relax for a bit! Plus you get to keep your own drawing but I never do since I take a picture :P read more

This was such a cool experience! I go to an art college where a ton of my friends are animation majors. It was a treat to see some of their tools in the background of the stage; being an artist myself, it was interesting to see how the 'artists' described the steps to the audience with letters and shapes. It's true that artists see/learn differently. If you go back throughout the day, you'll get to draw up to 17 (I think) various characters. I hope this helps people gain more respect for the ridiculous amount of effort and time that animators put into animation! *If you sit in the front, the 'artist' will give his or her drawing to a family (with a young one most likely). :) It's a nice souvenir! read more

There is not really an option to check into the Yes! program at Disneyland, but that is how we came to the Animation Academy. The Yes! program is a Disney program that the Girl Scouts can utilize to get discount tickets and a wonderful three hour learning session with a Disney employee. The girls in our group were very excited to draw Olaf. We learned that animation is truly a matter of drawing shapes. Working on shapes together provide the other all drawing. The girls had a blast and got to level with a drawing that they completed during the academy. read more

Disney does it again! This attraction is hidden in the Animation building and gives the whole family a break from the sun and sweat. You are seated in this "academy" class that faces towards the stage where a Disney artist walks you through each step to draw a featured Disney character. They do an amazing job of keeping it simple and showing you how to give those characters their unique look! It allows parents to rest a little, kids to feel empowered and those who lack drawing skills to have some fun with it! The coolest part is towards the end they have your entire group hold up their drawings and you able to glance briefly at the creativity of others in the room. The session is about 15 minutes long, held every 30 minutes if you have the time to spare. I've seen a schedule of characters that they will be featuring and there's no shame in attending back to back! Here for a day? I think it's worth the wait and you get a free souvenir! Here for the year? Come back again and again for new characters! read more

A girlfriend of mine showed me the Animation Academy one day. I had no idea something like this existed at California Adventure. Now this has become one of my favorite things to do whenever I'm in the park. Even though there is no eraser on the back of the pencil and I am a terrible artist, my lopsided disproportionate Disney characters still comes out semi-decent (for the most part). The class is only about 15 minutes in length. It's a nice change of pace from waiting in line for a ride. Plus it's cool to see how some of your favorite Disney characters are drawn! read more

One of my favorite things to do in DCA! Out front of the Animation Center is a sign of which characters and at what time they'll be drawing each one that day. Usually they'll repeat characters, so if you miss a class, chances are there'll be another class for that character later in the day. The class itself is enjoyable, so many fun characters! My sister and I actually went to several classes in a visit - there's a class every thirty minutes. The animators are so nice and make the directions easy to follow. The paper they give you is pretty high quality and you can take it home with you - perfect souvenir from the day. read more

I LOVE THIS PLACE! If I could sit here just to draw all day, I would! [+] cast members teach you, step-by-step, how to draw Disney characters [+] different character every 30 minutes, ALL DAY! [+] there is (now) a sign outside that tells you what characters are being drawn at what times [+] cute studio setup [+] nice way to chill and rest your feet from walking all day but still be interactive w/ the park This place is a hidden gem. Every time I bring a friend or family member to DCA, I ask if they've been here. And if the answer is no, they're about to find a wonderful new discovery! read more

I'm a horrible artist. By horrible I mean that I cannot draw anything that even slightly resembles anything that I'm trying to draw. But HEY, you know what? Somehow, after I exit the classroom with my drawing, it actually looks like the character we drew for the class! The Disney artists are great, and they give you really simple steps to follow, and they explain every line they draw as they're drawing it. It was so cool, seeing my character slowly appear on the page. If you have a small child and you're sitting in the front, chances are, the Disney artist will give your child his drawing of the character! Classes take place every 30 minutes for most of the day. You can see what characters are drawn at what time if you check out the sign placed next to the entrance of the building. All in all, a wonderful place to rest your feet and get away from the crowds and the weather outside. At the end, you can learn how to draw and get a free souvenir! read more

Located in the Hollywood area in California Adventure, which is the left-side of the park when you walk in through the entrance. Right behind Off the Page (note: the Off the Page store is where Animation Academy exits from). I'm pretty sure that if the bf and I ever get annual passes for Disneyland/California Adventure, and we're in a fight or something, I'd probably drive over to Anaheim just to sit in the Animation Academy and mope. That is how comforting and awe-inspiring this place is. That is how creative, beautiful, and awesome this place is. It's able to put you into a perspective on how small your problems really are, and how everyone has a story and everyone has problems, but they still get through it. It's also so pretty! The first time I ever went into Animation Academy was when I was around 14. Was hanging out with a good friend at the time, and we stumbled into this place. Over a decade later, it's still one of the places I drag my bf to, because I think he enjoys it too (we do animated music videos as a hobby). And, there are times when the bf drags me in here because he knows how much I love this place. There are at least 14 screens on the walls all around you when you walk in. It's a huge cavern, with, of course, perfect music, perfect colors, perfect videos. It's mad skills like these that I understand why Disney charges so much for admission, or how prices may feel a little high for some souvenirs. But, truly, Disney will definitely put their money into quality experiences that is unforgettable and, honestly, truly a happy memory. I think that's one of the reasons why so many adults will still go to Disneyland, and why kids will go to Disneyland even when they are much older and mom and dad may not be around. So, to ramble on, the music video compilation involves all the screens, the concepts to a specific movie, and then transitions to another movie. Pinocchio, Little Mermaid, Up, Finding Nemo...nothing is really ever left out. And they do update the animation, so you may come in another day, and it's completely different. I think I've stayed at Animation Academy before for a full 2 hours, and they didn't repeat anything. There are benches around the area so that you can sit down and enjoy the show. Otherwise, I've seen small families just plop down in the middle of the area, and let their babies just crawl around while the videos are playing. While I completely enjoy the videos playing in Animation Academy when you walk in, they also do have smaller rooms, where they'll show you on how certain characters are drawn, or how certain characters are made to be able to interact. It's a really cool experience, and the show times are typically somewhere near the front. If they somehow ever get rid of this place, I'm going to be super super sad. This is just one of those rare rooms where everyone is actually just quiet and enjoying the peace of the building, instead of the screaming and running around to get to the next stop. It's definitely a good place to just sit down, relax a bit, and enjoy the scenery. read more

This is a wonderful place to hide from the sun, but still have a great time and be entertained! From the classes, to just walking around, it's a great little nook that's usually skipped over. read more

One of my favorite things to do at DCA (after World of Color, Mad T Party and eating Boudin Bakery breadbowls), the Animation Academy is a small part of the Disney Animation building (which includes some interesting glances into the art of animation, tributes to some great Disney movies, and Turtle talk with Crush.) Here, a Disney animator teaches you how to sketch characters and even someone with zero amount of talent when it comes to drawing (me) has produced some pretty awesome sketches of Disney characters. It's an excellent place to go and rest for a little bit and at the same time, you feel extra pleased with yourself because you managed to create a little bit of Disney Magic too. read more

I didn't know this existed in the Disneyland/Grand California Aventure park. I can not draw, but the short, fun training was great. My sketch and my daughters' sketches were the best souvenirs I've taken home so far. This was a great break between rides and shows. read more

The Art of Animation Building is my family's favorite place to take a quick break in the whole park. -Great place for moms to breastfeed or feed baby. -It's quite contained in the main area & kids love to run free in the open airconditioned area where they show clips from Disney flicks. -The Toy Story display is quite impressive. -Great photo op at the entrance "Once upon a time....& the exit "......& they lived happily ever after" read more

The Animation Building is one of my favorite attractions at Disney's California Adventure Park because it is unlike any other attraction at the Disneyland Resort. For 15 minutes, a cast member teaches a group class instructing a room full of guests how to illustrate a well known Disney character (such as Mickey, Goofy, Chip 'n Dale, Dopey, Winnie the Poo, etc.). The instructions are done step by step, starting from a simple geometric armature and building up, and even the creations of small children and (less-than-talented) adults alike are good likenesses of the desired character. It is cartooning made easy, and it is a treat! (Plus a free souvenir in the artwork each guest makes!) read more

Animation Academy - Dale (of Chip 'n Dale) - Art Schools Near Me - Burbank, California

It's beautiful in here. It's often passed up because it's not a ride (I came here for the first time the last time I cam even though I've been to Disneyland like 20 times), but definitely don't miss out! I didn't get to go into any of the workshops because of timing, but just the inside atrium area is a great place to relax and watch how they draw up characters and backdrops. I watched this 3-D version of a flip book with Toy Story characters. They were clay models on a spinning wheel and when they spun the wheel and flashed a strobe light, it looked like the clay models were moving. It was pretty trippy. Also - the entrance and the exit to this attraction are great photo ops! read more

Went here yesterday and got to draw Piglet..then we came right back for the next session and got to draw Daisy Duck.... Would tried to do it a third time but by then there was a huge line. Perfect for all ages. Simple instructions. You get to keep your artwork if you want. They provide the paper and pencils and such. read more