The Animation Experience At Conservation Station

Between you and me, I have a deep, burning desire to be a Disney Imagineer. Or a Jungle Cruise skipper. Or to live in the Haunted Mansion. I’d also love to be a Disney animator. I’m still figuring out the logistics of moving into the Haunted Mansion full time, and every time I try to captain a Jungle Cruise boat I am politely reminded by park security that I am not an employee. However, I can at least get a taste of what it’s like to be a Disney animator by visiting The Animation Experience at Conservation Station in Animal Kingdom.

In July, Rafiki’s Planet Watch re-opened and brought with it The Animation Experience, which taught Guests how live animals inspired some of Disney’s most iconic film characters. In addition to hearing fascinating facts about the animals, Guests could learn how to illustrate some of their favorite characters, including Simba, Timon, Pumbaa, Zazu, Ed, and Scar from The Lion King.

Now, as we enter the spooky season, new characters are being added to the experience. Beginning October 18, you can learn how to draw some of Disney’s most notorious animal villains. Along with Ed and Scar, instructors will offer lessons on drawing Bruce from Finding Nemo, Hopper from A Bug’s Life, Shere Khan from The Jungle Book, and Tic Toc from Peter Pan.

There are multiple showtimes every day, and you can guarantee your spot in the class with a FastPass.

One of my favorite aspects of Walt Disney World is the opportunity to step into the fantastic worlds found in my favorite Disney films. Now, through The Animation Experience, I can get just a small sense of what it’s like to create those worlds too.