Take part in a museum workshop focusing on aspects of Walt’s legacy such as animation or storytelling.
Fri, Oct 12 | 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.
Grades K‑4
Sat, Oct 20 | 1–3pm
Designing a character is more than the internal, it is also about representing the character’s personality through costume. In Walt Disney’s TV series Zorro (1957), the lead character Don Diego de la Vega’s iconic mask plays a crucial role to visually represent his metamorphosis into his alter-ego swordsman. Join us for this workshop, in which author, illustrator, and paper engineer Matthew Reinhart will show you how to design a pop-up Halloween mask. Follow along step-by-step as you learn how to use colors and shapes to create a unique mask of your own.
Ages 10 and up
Sat, Oct 20 | 3:30–5:30pm
Just in time for the holiday season, learn how to create your own 3-D pop-up greeting card with Disney Editions pop-up artist Matthew Reinhart. Follow along with Reinhart as he teaches the craft of paper engineering. Participants will have the opportunity to leave with their own unique greeting card, plus the skills to make more at home.
All ages
Fri, Oct 26 | 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.
Sat, Oct 27 | 10am–2pm
Taking a cue from ekphrasis, the Greek word for “description,” tour the core galleries in search of artworks that will be used as the inspiration for an imaginative activity focused on writing and storytelling. In the Learning Center, consider the “action” observed in your chosen art object to write a short poem or description of the piece—a textual exploration that will ultimately amplify the original work’s meaning.
Ages 18 & up
Sat, Oct 27 | 10:30am–noon
Frank Thomas, one of Walt Disney’s Nine Old Men, was a brilliant animator when it came to conveying the inner emotions of a character. He masterfully harnessed the snobbish personalities and complex mood swings of various Disney villains like Lady Tremaine from Cinderella (1950), the Queen of Hearts in Alice in Wonderland (1951) and Captain Hook from Peter Pan (1953). Thomas dramatized each character’s personality by combining a variety of small gestures and grandeur movements. Join us in this workshop, in which you will create your own villain and incorporate design fundamentals like shape language, posture, and silhouette.
Ages 7‑17
Sat, Oct 27 | 1–2:30pm
Frank Thomas, one of Walt Disney’s Nine Old Men, was a brilliant animator when it came to conveying the inner emotions of a character. He masterfully harnessed the snobbish personalities and complex mood swings of various Disney villains like Lady Tremaine from Cinderella (1950), the Queen of Hearts in Alice in Wonderland (1951) and Captain Hook from Peter Pan (1953). Thomas dramatized each character’s personality by combining a variety of small gestures and grandeur movements. Join us in this workshop, in which you will create your own villain and incorporate design fundamentals like shape language, posture, and silhouette.
Ages 18 & up
Sat, Nov 3 | 10:30am–noon
Ollie Johnston, one of Walt Disney’s legendary Nine Old Men, animated and helped shape many iconic supporting characters, including Mr. Smee from Peter Pan (1953), the King of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland(1951), and the Stepsisters from Cinderella (1950). In the early stages of a production, Johnston treated “sidekicks” with the upmost respect and identified with the character he was working on. He felt these characters’ emotions would influence how the character would look and move, and by knowing them, he could carefully incorporate these traits into their design. Join us for this hands-on workshop, in which you will learn about proportions, shape, gesture and attitude to create an original sidekick character of your own.
Ages 7‑17
Sat, Nov 3 | 1–2:30pm
Ollie Johnston, one of Walt Disney’s legendary Nine Old Men, animated and helped shape many iconic supporting characters, including Mr. Smee from Peter Pan (1953), the King of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland (1951), and the Stepsisters from Cinderella (1950). In the early stages of a production, Johnston treated “sidekicks” with the upmost respect and identified with the character he was working on. He felt these characters’ emotions would influence how the character would look and move, and by knowing them, he could carefully incorporate these traits into their design. Join us for this hands-on workshop, in which you will learn about proportions, shape, gesture and attitude to create an original sidekick character of your own.
Fri, Nov 9 | 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.
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...
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 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.
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 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, Sep 29 | 10:30am–noon
When production began on Alice in Wonderland (1951) in 1946, Walt instantly knew he needed to capture the eccentric lunacy of Wonderland and its residents. He quickly enlisted one of his Nine Old Men, Ward Kimball, for the project. With Ward’s ability to effortlessly make the unreal real, he animated a range of quirky characters, whose bizarre mannerisms added to their unique personalities.
September 29 | 1–2:30pm
When production began on Alice in Wonderland (1951) in 1946, Walt instantly knew he needed to capture the eccentric lunacy of Wonderland and its residents. He quickly enlisted one of his Nine Old Men, Ward Kimball, for the project. With Ward’s ability to effortlessly make the unreal real, he animated a range of quirky characters, whose bizarre mannerisms added to their unique personalities.
Ages 12 to adult
Sun, Sep 30 | 10:30am–12:30pm
Inktober is a special time of the year for artists, where every day during the month of October participants create and post original artwork onto social media using only ink as their medium. This class will have you create your own Inktober piece, provide helpful lessons about committing to your initial designs and creative instincts, and allow you to experiment with various drawing tools.
Ages 7 to adult
Sun, Oct 7 | 10:30am–12:30pm
After the success of Mickey Mouse, Walt Disney wanted to diversify his art form and create an experimental animated series called Silly Symphonies. The first of these animation shorts was The Skeleton Dance (1929), in which skeletons joyfully dance throughout a graveyard. This month, celebrate skeletons and Dia de Los Muertos by learning about the history behind the traditional Mexican holiday and then make a festive Day of the Dead wreath.
Girl Scout Juniors (Grades 4‑5)
Sun, Oct 21 | 10am–noon
Girl Scout Juniors visit The Walt Disney Family Museum to accomplish three of the five steps toward earning a Drawing Badge. In the galleries, observe how drawing was the foundation to Walt Disney’s many animated films from the early 1920s to the late 1960s. In the Learning Center, experiment with different materials to practice various visual effects such as stippling, crosshatching, and smudging. Making your own concept art, backgrounds, and cartoon characters, then showcase your work for other attendees during a concluding group critique.
Ages 10 to adult
Sun, Nov 11 | 10:30am–12:30pm
Over the years, Disneyland has released guidebooks in various styles and fashion to better acclimate guests to the park’s unique layout and environment. Like these and other theme park guidebooks, certain areas and attractions were highlighted on the pages to help guests plan their visits. Join us...
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.
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 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...
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.
Schedule subject to change. Please check calendar or ticket desk on the day of your visit for most current schedule.