Animationland Exhibit at Orange County Regional History Center Celebrates Art, Storytelling, and Disney’s Florida Legacy
Orlando, FL – The Orange County Regional History Center is currently hosting “Animationland,” an immersive exhibit exploring the art and science of storytelling through animation. Running from January 17 to May 3, 2026, the exhibit offers hands-on activities and a glance at the significant contributions of Walt Disney Feature Animation Florida.
A Journey Through Imagination
“Animationland,” originally created by the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, invites visitors to explore the world of animation alongside Tracey the pencil dog and her friends – Rooth, Drop, Inky, Uno, and Kari. The exhibit features interactive stations where guests can learn storyboarding, sketching, and stop-motion filmmaking. Visitors can create their own storyboards, trace characters, or design original creations, with resulting artwork displayed as part of the exhibit. Central Florida Public Media highlights the exhibit’s focus on bringing characters to life and exploring various animation styles.
Exploring the Animation Process
Beyond drawing and sketching, “Animationland” delves into the technical aspects of animation. A stop-motion animation area allows visitors to create their own scenes, and a sound effects booth demonstrates how foley artists add sound to animated works. Guests can experiment with microphones, instruments, and props to create soundscapes for a pre-set cartoon, learning how sound enhances the animation experience.
Drawing Magic: Disney’s Florida Studio
A key component of the exhibit, “Drawing Magic: Walt Disney Feature Animation Florida,” celebrates the studio that operated at Disney-MGM Studios (now Disney’s Hollywood Studios) from 1989 to 2004. The exhibit showcases how Florida artists contributed to Disney’s animation renaissance, working on beloved films such as Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, Mulan, and Lilo & Stitch. The History Center notes that “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” from The Lion King and the townspeople’s mob scene in Beauty and the Beast were both animated in Central Florida. The display includes artifacts like an animator’s desk, maquettes of characters, and artwork, offering a glimpse into the creative process. The Orlando Sentinel details the exhibit’s presentation of the studio’s history, which began as an attraction allowing guests to observe animators at work.
Exhibit Details
- Exhibit Name: Animationland
- Dates: January 17 – May 3, 2026
- Location: Orange County Regional History Center, Orlando, FL
- Companion Exhibit: Drawing Magic: Walt Disney Feature Animation Florida
“Animationland” offers a unique blend of hands-on creativity and historical insight, celebrating the magic of animation and its local legacy in Central Florida. The exhibit is running in collaboration with Altermese Bentley: A Legacy of Preserving Black History, which runs from February 21, 2026 – May 24, 2026.