New Drawing Lessons Arrive at Animation Academy
With the highly anticipated release of Toy Story 5 hitting theaters on June 19, 2026, Disney California Adventure is giving fans a hands-on way to celebrate. The Animation Academy, located inside the Disney Animation building in Hollywood Land, has officially added characters from the new film to its daily drawing rotation. This is the perfect spot for families to take a break from the sun and walk away with a personalized, hand-drawn souvenir that doesn’t cost a dime.
The newest addition to the lineup is Lilypad, the tech-savvy tablet character who serves as the primary antagonist in the new film. While drawing a high-tech device might seem different from sketching the soft curves of a plush dinosaur like Rex, the artists at the academy make the process accessible for everyone. You’ll also find fan favorites like Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie, and Bullseye appearing more frequently on the schedule to mark the movie’s debut.
How to Find the Toy Story 5 Schedule
One of the most common questions guests have is how to know which character is being taught at what time. Unlike some attractions that you can track on the Disneyland app, the Animation Academy schedule is best viewed in person. Here’s how to plan your session:
- Check the Board: Right outside the entrance to the Animation Academy theater, there is a large digital or physical board listing the character schedule for the entire day.
- Arrive Early: Classes typically run every 30 minutes. If you see a popular character like Buzz or the new Lilypad on the schedule, try to arrive at least 15 to 20 minutes before the session starts.
- Hollywood Land Hub: Since the Animation Building is centrally located in Hollywood Land, it’s easy to check the board after you’ve used your Lightning Lane Multi Pass for nearby hits like Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!
Our Take: Why This is a Must-Do
The Animation Academy is often overlooked by guests rushing to the bigger E-ticket attractions, but it’s arguably one of the most rewarding experiences in the park. In a world where Toy Story 5 explores the tension between classic analog toys and modern electronics, there’s something poetic about sitting down with a physical pencil and paper to bring these characters to life.
The addition of Lilypad is a clever move. It gives guests a chance to connect with the new story immediately. Plus, the Disney Animation building offers one of the best atmospheres on property. The giant screens in the lobby playing clips from Pixar history provide a great place for the rest of your group to relax while you’re inside perfecting your sketch.
Tips for the Perfect Pixar Sketch
Don’t worry if you aren’t an artist. The instructors are experts at breaking down complex characters into simple shapes like circles and triangles. If you’re drawing the new tablet character, focus on the symmetry of the screen. For Woody or Jessie, pay close attention to the “eye line” the instructor describes, it’s the secret to making the character look like they’re actually looking back at you. When you’re done, you can keep your drawing and even buy a protective tube nearby if you’re worried about it getting crinkled in your park bag.
Disclaimer: This information is gathered from various online sources and news outlets. While we strive for accuracy, Disney plans and policies can change rapidly. We recommend double-checking official Disney sources for the most up-to-date information before making final travel plans.