Take part in a museum workshop focusing on aspects of Walt’s legacy such as animation or storytelling.
All ages
Fri, Nov 16 | 12:30–12:50pm & 2:30–2:50pm
In this fun and hands-on session, learn how to make your drawings truly come to life and put your creativity in the spotlight. For artists of all ages, join us in our Learning Center where an instructor will teach you step-by-step instructions on how to draw an original cartoon character.
This...
Ages 18 & up
Sat, Nov 17 | 10:30am–noon
Les Clark, one of Walt Disney’s legendary Nine Old Men, served as an animator for countless Disney classics and was well known for his iconic work animating Mickey Mouse in the Fantasia (1940) segment “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice.” In fact, Clark extensively studied the movement of cloth and drapery in order to create a believably natural sorcerer robe for Mickey. Join us for this workshop about the foundations of drawing drapery—using charcoal and newsprint, learn about shape, form, and weight while drawing from still-life.
Ages 7‑17
Sat, Nov 17 | 1–2:30pm
Les Clark, one of Walt Disney’s legendary Nine Old Men, served as an animator for countless Disney classics and was well known for his iconic work animating Mickey Mouse in the Fantasia (1940) segment “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice.” In fact, Clark extensively studied the movement of cloth and drapery in order to create a believably natural sorcerer robe for Mickey. Join us for this workshop about the foundations of drawing drapery—using charcoal and newsprint, learn about shape, form, and weight while drawing from still-life.
Girl Scout Cadettes (Grades 6‑8)
Sun, Nov 18 | 10am—noon
Cadettes connect with animation experts from The Walt Disney Family Museum to learn how Walt encouraged his staff to experiment with special effects to make animation more interesting and realistic, and how the resulting advancements in technology enhanced his classic films. In the Learning Center, experiment in groups with a mini Multiplane Camera, explore how depth is created in animation, and create your own silent stop-motion shorts about the cause of your choice.
Ages 18 & up
Sat, Dec 1 | 10:30am–noon
John Lounsbery, one of Walt Disney’s legendary Nine Old Men, animated some of the most eccentric and temperamental Disney characters to date, including the Caterpillar from Alice in Wonderland (1951) and George Darling in Peter Pan (1953). Lounsbery used over-the-top acting and dramatic staging in his animation to truly capitalize on his character’s quirky personalities. Join us for this hands-on workshop, in which we delve into animation principles like staging, squash, stretch, and exaggeration to animate a bold personality.
Grades 9‑12 & parents
Sat, Dec 1 | 10:30am–12:30pm
Walt Disney always encouraged his animators to remain students and to continually learn and improve their craft with every project. Bring your artwork and join us for this informative workshop about how to build a well-rounded portfolio or demo-reel, and cater them to the job or internship you want.
Ages 7‑17
Sat, Dec 1 | 1–2:30pm
John Lounsbery, one of Walt Disney’s legendary Nine Old Men, animated some of the most eccentric and temperamental Disney characters to date, including the Caterpillar from Alice in Wonderland (1951) and George Darling in Peter Pan (1953). Lounsbery used over-the-top acting and dramatic staging in his animation to truly capitalize on his character’s quirky personalities. Join us for this hands-on workshop, in which we delve into animation principles like staging, squash, stretch, and exaggeration to animate a bold personality.
Ages 7 to adult
Sun, Dec 9 | 10:30am–12:30pm
Aside from creating unforgettable animated films, Walt Disney also had a deep-rooted passion for miniatures. In fact, Walt built a miniature train around his Los Angeles home in 1950. Join us this holiday season to learn how to create winter jar dioramas that can be used as decoration in your home.
Ages 16 & up
Sat, Dec 8 | 10:30am–12:30pm
In 1939, Walt Disney began production on the animated feature Bambi (1942) and enlisted artist Tyrus Wong to inspire the influential backgrounds used in the film. His minimalist style, specifically in his background concepts, revolutionized the animation art form and continues to be used today. Join...
Fri, Dec 14 | 12:30–12:50pm & 2:30–2:50pm
In this fun and hands-on session, learn how to make your drawings truly come to life and put your creativity in the spotlight. For artists of all ages, join us in our Learning Center where an instructor will teach you step-by-step instructions on how to draw an original cartoon character.
This...
Ages 18 & up
Sat, Dec 15 | 10:30am–noon
In 1954, Walt Disney began construction on a long-awaited dream, Disneyland. The project required a new team of creatives to makes his vision into a reality. Walt chose one of his Nine Old Men, animator Marc Davis, to help develop many of the theme parks characters and attraction designs. In fact, Davis became responsible for designs in Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, and updates to Jungle Cruise, to name a few. In this workshop, explore character styling by studying designs that center around theme, environment, and time period to then create a character of your own.
Ages 7‑17
Sat, Dec 15 | 1–2:30pm
In 1954, Walt Disney began construction on a long-awaited dream, Disneyland. The project required a new team of creatives to makes his vision into a reality. Walt chose one of his Nine Old Men, animator Marc Davis, to help develop many of the theme parks characters and attraction designs. In fact, Davis became responsible for designs in Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, and updates to Jungle Cruise, to name a few. In this workshop, explore character styling by studying designs that center around theme, environment, and time period to then create a character of your own.
Ages 3‑6
Daily, Dec 16–29,
except Tuesdays & Dec 19, 24, & 25 | 10am–noon
except Tuesdays & Dec 19, 24, & 25 | 10am–noon
The Art Playground is for families with children ages 3 to 6. In our Learning Center, children will learn about Walt Disney’s Mary Poppins and the simple techniques of character design. Using their imagination, they will apply their new skills to create their own felted penguin. Our studio staff...
Ages 7‑Adult
Daily, Dec 16–29,
except Tuesdays & Dec 19, 24, & 25 | 1–3pm
except Tuesdays & Dec 19, 24, & 25 | 1–3pm
The Artist Studio is geared toward adults and children ages 7 and up. Exploring the world of animation, guests can step into our Learning Center to discover aspects of stop-motion and specific techniques. Our studio staff will be present to support, encourage, and inspire students to grab some paper...
All ages
Fri, Dec 21 | 12:30–12:50pm & 2:30–2:50pm
In this fun and hands-on session, learn how to make your drawings truly come to life and put your creativity in the spotlight. For artists of all ages, join us in our Learning Center where an instructor will teach you step-by-step instructions on how to draw an original cartoon character.
This...
Ages 18 & up
Sat, Jan 12 | 10:30am–noon
Journey back in time to create your own thaumatrope and a miniature zoetrope, which exemplify—through nothing more than clever positioning and a simple spinning motion—how immobile drawings can appear to come to life.
Sat, Jan 12 | 1–2:30pm
Journey back in time to create your own thaumatrope and a miniature zoetrope, which exemplify—through nothing more than clever positioning and a simple spinning motion—how immobile drawings can appear to come to life.
Girl Scout Brownies (Grades 2–3)
Sat, Jan 13 | 10am–noon
Brownies visit The Walt Disney Family Museum to accomplish three of the five steps that are required when pursuing an Inventor Badge. Scouts will explore the museum galleries to learn about Walt Disney’s Imagineers, who worked at WED Enterprises during the 1950s and 60s and managed to imagine, invent, and build some of Disneyland’s most iconic attractions. Then, in the Learning Center, Brownies will brainstorm and apply these concepts to a problem, solving it collaboratively and creatively through design concepts.
All ages
Fri, Jan 18 | 12:30–12:50pm
In this fun, hands-on session, learn how to make your drawings come to life, while putting your creativity in the spotlight. Using a step-by-step process, an instructor will teach artists of all ages how to draw an original cartoon character.
This month’s theme is presented in conjunction with the...
All ages
Fri, Jan 18 | 2:30–2:50pm
In this fun, hands-on session, learn how to make your drawings come to life, while putting your creativity in the spotlight. Using a step-by-step process, an instructor will teach artists of all ages how to draw an original cartoon character.
This month’s theme is presented in conjunction with the...
Sat, Jan 26 | 10am–2pm
In an ode to the Imagineers who worked under Walt at WED Enterprises during the 1950s and 60s, educators are invited to engage in a hands-on workshop that explores the basics of critical thinking and design strategies. While problem-solving collaboratively, learn how to utilize the 21st century skillset students need in order to become the innovators of tomorrow.
Ages 18 & up
Sat, Jan 26 | 10:30am–noon
Join us for a workshop that focuses on this age-old trick, in which you will learn about the proper timing and spacing one needs in order to create a piece of animation that seamlessly repeats itself.
Ages 7–17
Sat, Jan 26 | 1–2:30pm
Join us for a workshop that focuses on this age-old trick, in which you will learn about the proper timing and spacing one needs in order to create a piece of animation that seamlessly repeats itself.
Ages 8 and up
Sun, Jan 27 | 10:30am–12:30pm
In this interactive workshop, become the actor and filmmaker as you create an animation that appears to break the rules of physics.
Ages 18 & up
Sat, Feb 2 | 10:30am–noon
After the 1923 bankruptcy of his first studio, Laugh-O-gram Films, Walt Disney gathered his belongings, stuffed them in a frayed suitcase, and left Kansas City for a fresh start in Hollywood. See this iconic moment in gallery 1, and then learn how perfect timing and pacing, along with solid drawing, can help you animate a character getting ready to undertake an exciting journey.
Grades 9–12 & Parents
Sat, Feb 2 | 10:30am–12:30pm
Join us for this informative workshop, which details the various types and styles of comics, the skills one requires to be a cartoonist, and the diverse paths that can lead to any number of careers in the industry.
Sat, Feb 2 | 1–2:30pm
After the 1923 bankruptcy of his first studio, Laugh-O-gram Films, Walt Disney gathered his belongings, stuffed them in a frayed suitcase, and left Kansas City for a fresh start in Hollywood. See this iconic moment in gallery 1, and then learn how perfect timing and pacing, along with solid drawing, can help you animate a character getting ready to undertake an exciting journey.
Sat, Feb 9 | 11am & 2pm
Join Antonio Pelayo, one of the uniquely talented Ink & Paint artists at The Walt Disney Studios, for an interactive workshop in which students will learn about the inking and painting of animation cels, a fading art form that was once an essential component of the animation industry. With Pelayo’s...
Ages 10 and up
Sun, Feb 10 | 10:30am–12:30pm
When you join us for this workshop, you will delve into elements of design, paper quality, and binding techniques in order to create a sketchbook of your own.
Fri, Feb 15 | 12:30–12:50pm
In this fun, hands-on session, learn how to make your drawings come to life, while putting your creativity in the spotlight. Using a step-by-step process, an instructor will teach artists of all ages how to draw their own version of our building.
This month’s theme is presented in conjunction with...
All ages
Fri, Feb 15 | 2:30–2:50pm
In this fun, hands-on session, learn how to make your drawings come to life, while putting your creativity in the spotlight. Using a step-by-step process, an instructor will teach artists of all ages how to draw their own original cartoon character.
This month’s theme is presented in conjunction...
Ages 18 & up
Sat, Feb 16 | 10:30am–noon
See these early examples of animation in gallery 1, and then learn how to exaggerate poses, facial expressions, and movements yourself in order to create an animated piece that tells a clear visual story without dialogue.
Ages 7–17
Sat, Feb 16 | 1–2:30pm
See these early examples of animation in gallery 1, and then learn how to exaggerate poses, facial expressions, and movements yourself in order to create an animated piece that tells a clear visual story without dialogue.
Ages 18 & up
Sat, Mar 2 | 10:30am–noon
In this workshop, learn more about the Alice Comedies (featured in gallery 2), and explore how the use of both live action elements and cartoon drawings can create a piece that shows just how remarkably the real world can interact with the animated world.
Ages 7–17
Sat, Mar 2 | 1–2:30pm
In this workshop, learn more about the Alice Comedies (featured in gallery 2), and explore how the use of both live action elements and cartoon drawings can create a piece that shows just how remarkably the real world can interact with the animated world.
Ages 8 and up
Sun, Mar 10 | 10:30am–12:30pm
In this workshop, learn about the Cinephone sound system, the metronome ball, and the process of creating practical sound effects. Using everyday objects, you will work collaboratively to create sounds that synchronize perfectly with a piece of animation.
All ages
Fri, Mar 15 | 12:30–12:50pm
In this fun, hands-on session, learn how to make your drawings come to life, while putting your creativity in the spotlight. Using a step-by-step process, an instructor will teach artists of all ages how to draw their own version of a biplane.
This month’s theme is presented in conjunction with...
All ages
Fri, Mar 15 | 2:30–2:50pm
In this fun, hands-on session, learn how to make your drawings come to life, while putting your creativity in the spotlight. Using a step-by-step process, an instructor will teach artists of all ages how to draw their own version of a steamboat.
This month’s theme is presented in conjunction with...
Girl Scout Juniors (Grades 4–5)
Sun, Mar 17 | 10am–noon
Juniors visit The Walt Disney Family Museum to accomplish three of the five steps that are required when pursuing a Drawing Badge. In the galleries, Scouts will learn how foundational drawing was in the creation of Walt Disney’s many animated films. Then, in the Learning Center, they will experiment with different materials and practice various visual effects, such as stippling, crosshatching, and smudging. After drafting original concept art, backgrounds, and cartoon characters, Scouts will then showcase their work for other attendees during a group critique.
Ages 18 & up
Sat, Mar 23 | 10:30am–noon
In this workshop, learn more about the famous whistle, as seen in gallery 2, as you explore the facial expressions and lip movement that are required to animate a whistling character.
Ages 7–17
Sat, Mar 23 | 1–2:30pm
In this workshop, learn more about the famous whistle, as seen in gallery 2, as you explore the facial expressions and lip movement that are required to animate a whistling character.
Grades 9–12 & Parents
Sat, Mar 30 | 10:30am–12:30pm
Join us for this informative workshop and learn about the factors that go into starting a new enterprise. Explore methods for funding, advertising, and branding, while discovering what to consider when trying to choose the right projects or overcome obstacles.
Schedule subject to change. Please check calendar or ticket desk on the day of your visit for most current schedule.