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Disneys Animation CourtyardThe entrance to Disneys Animation Courtyard was made to look like the gate of Hollywood's Paramount Studios. The buildings in Animation Courtyard resemble sound stages. These buildings house attractions like "Voyage of the Little Mermaid" and "Playhouse Disney - Live on Stage". I was surprised to learn that the animation department at Disney's Hollywood Studios was once considered the east coast home for Disney animation.
Apparently, at one time the animation department had over 300 staff members that worked on segments of popular Disney films like "Beauty and the Beast," and "Aladdin". Other films like "Mulan" and "Lilo and Stitch" were created at the Orlando studios in their entirety.
***Update*** Rumors are circulating that Journey Into Narnia: Prince Caspian is finally disappearing in May from Disney's Animation Courtyard, after Star Tours re-opens. We were a little disappointed (after we stood in line for almost 45 minutes) to find out that this attraction is basically an advertisement for the movie. You stand in a small room that has movie screens on every wall and watch a short promotional clip about Journey into Narnia: Prince Caspian. 
In the middle of the room there is a stone tablet like the one that Aslon was killed on in the first movie. Afterwards you exit through a room that has a few props and costumes on display
***Update*** According to the Disney Parks Blog One Man's Dream located in Disney's Animation Courtyard has recently undergone a few updates and changes This is what they had to say ... The gallery at Disney’s Hollywood Studios retains its original focus, but has a new look and feel. The corridors feature an elegant color palette that brings new focus to beloved favorites, and helps to highlight some new additions.
A favorite of the project team Imagineers is the brand new look at a historic “WED Imagineering Workshop,” featuring sections of the original model for “it’s a small world”at Disneyland Park, and the actual Audio-Animatronics Abraham Lincoln figure that made its debut in the 1964/1965 New York World’s Fair. Regular guests will spot historic costumes, props and models that are new to the show, along with a glimpse of exciting new projects and a sneak peek into future adventures.
A new area entitled “The Legacy Continues” will focus on The Walt Disney Company highlights from the 1970s through today, and will debut next month. The heartwarming film tribute One Man’s Dream, hosted by Julie Andrews, remains as our finale. ......
This is a two part attraction that showcases the extraordinary life of Walt Disney. The first section is a walking tour through different exhibits. On display are movie props and posters, antique animation cameras, and models of park attractions. There is also a full size prototype of Walt's office and the Oscars that were awarded to Walt for the movie "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs". The second part of the attraction is a 15 minute film of Walt's life. The film consists of footage from his childhood, through the development of Walt Disney Studios, and to the creation of the Disney Theme Parks. The movie is a good history lesson and is extra special because it is narrated by Walt Disney himself.
The Voyage of the Little Mermaid is a 17 minute condensed version of "The Little Mermaid" movie. The show uses puppetry, clips from the animated movies and even live actors to re-create the magic of the movie. For the most part the show is upbeat and fun with popular songs from the movie like Under the Sea and Your World being preformed. To me, the music makes this attraction, just like the music was such a big part of the movie. Of course, to get to the happy ending, you have to go through the evil sea witch, Ursula. The theater turns dark, loud thunder rumbles and lightning strikes as the sea witch sings the song Poor Unfortunate Soul. These special effects are a big part of the show and might be a little frightening to younger children. But other special effects like the rain and bubbles usually make them smile and laugh. Overall, the attraction is an enjoyable experience. It is even more so if you are a fan of "The Little Mermaid" movies.
Disneys Animation Courtyard is where you can get an insider's look at how animated films are created. This attraction has three sections. First, you get to a short film called "Drawn to Animation". It shows how Disney created the wisecracking little dragon Mushu from the movie "Mulan". Next, you get a hands on drawing lesson. You can learn how to draw a Disney character at the Animation Academy. You even get to keep your sketch. The last section is the Animation Gallery. Even if you are not in the mood to buy, this is a good place to look around. The gallery has a pretty good selection of animation cels from many Disney movies. We love to take our time and look for some animation cels of our favorite characters, several of which now adorn our childrens' rooms. I love Donald Duck! His personality always seems to leap off or out of the picture. The shop also has figurines, books and limited edition art reproductions. ***Update*** Disney Junior -Live on Stage! is a new show that will replace "Playhouse Disney – Live on Stage!" at Disney's Hollywood Studios on March 4. The plot of Disney Junior- Live on Stage! Is basically the same as the Playhouse Disney version. In both shows Mickey and friends are planning a surprise birthday party for Minnie and looking to stories from the other TV shows for help. The stories of Handy Manny and the Little Einsteins are unchanged from the previous version. The new Jake and the Never Land Pirates segment revolves around Jake and his crew finding and retrieving their Team Treasure Chest from the clutches of Captain Hook and Mr. Smee. After successfully frightening off Hook by acting like a bunch tick-tocking crocodiles and getting their treasure back, hundreds of “gold doubloons” made from yellow paper fall from the sky onto the audience. Disney Junior- Live on Stage! is great for families with younger kids and the new segment with Jake and the Never Land Pirates helps keep the show current. If you are not familiar with “Jake and the Never Land Pirates” don’t feel bad. It is a new Disney brand show that aired for the first time on Disney Junior in February 2011. This new show shares the magical and adventurous world of Never Land with preschoolers. The main character Jake is an enthusiastic young boy who leads a team of kid pirates in fun adventures that encourage interactive responses from young viewers. Stories from the show will come to life in the parks with colorful puppet versions of some of the most popular Disney Junior characters, bright visuals, whimsical scenery and interactive moments. The premise provides kids and families with a fun way to learn teamwork. Thanks to YouTube you can see a video of this new show.
Preschoolers love this Animation Courtyard attraction because they get to sing and dance along with some of your favorite Playhouse Disney characters. This is a live show featuring the stars from The Little Einstein's, Handy Manny and the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. 
The only drawback to the high energy show is that there is not any seating, except for the floor. The children love it and most parents of young children are used to sitting on the floor, too.
Animation Gallery - This shop is a shop / art gallery. They sell animation cels, limited edition artwork, Disney figurines and books. It is located in the back of Disneys Animation Courtyard The Disney Studios Store - Here you will find hats, accessories and clothing, all inspired by Disney movies. In Character - This little shop is located in front of The Voyage of the Little Mermaid in Disneys Animation Courtyard and carries a pretty good selection of Disney costumes.
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Return from Disneys Animation Courtyard to Hollywood Studios
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