Character Close-Up

Explore a fascinating exhibition filled with original Disney artwork and see how designs progress from concept sketch to three-dimensional models to their final animated form. At Character Close-Up, you'll discover first-hand how Disney artists created some of your favorite characters.

It is impossible to miss the mesmerizing Toy Story Zoetrope dramatically spinning in the center of the room. Instead of using traditional, one-dimensional drawings, the Toy Story Zoetrope features three-dimensional sculptures of characters from the Disney•Pixar film Toy Story 2. As large disks whirl under a flashing strobe light, the Toy Story characters appear to come to life right before your eyes.

It is unfortunate that the Animation Building is so overlooked by park guests, as it is a real delight (not to mention a great escape on a hot day). The lobby inside the building is just a waiting area for four exhibits and shows. Don't just move through, though. Surrounding the room are projections and songs from various animated films. The coordination of the various screens is entertainment in its own right and is on a 30-minute loop. The shows include "Animation Academy," in which a host teaches the class how to draw a Disney character; "Character Closeup" serves as a displays a spectacular Pixar zoetrope demonstrating the principals of animation; "Turtle Talk with Crush" in which the audience can interact with the computerized turtle from Finding Nemo; and the Sorcerer's Workshop in which various interactive elements are presented, including a quiz to determine which Disney character you are most like.

Touring Tips

• There is never a wait to entre the building and even if you don't go into any of the presentations many will enjoy simply doing that. Sorcerer's Workshop and Character Close-Up are both self-guided areas. It may be necessary to wait for some of the terminals in Sorcerer's Workshop but not generally more than a few minutes. Animation Academy and Turtle Talk with Crush are both continuously running shows so it may be necessary to wait more than one show, but this is rare.
• Expect to spend 20 minutes in the Sorcerer's Workshop if there is any crowding and you do everything. 10 minutes should be enough for character close-up, unless there is a character in the room. Both Animation Academy and Turtle Talk with Crush run about 20 minutes.

Facts

• Character Close-Up is only one part of the Disney Animation building, where you can learn all about the art and history of Disney animation, in a fun, interactive, hands-on environment.

History

The room that is now Character Closeup has always been an exhibit space for Disney's animated films, showing artifacts from classic and modern films. Eventually the name was changed to Character Closeup and they added a character meet-and-greet element to the room (queuing up being an excuse to look at the exhibit). In October 2007, a fantastic zoetrope, created originally for a traveling Pixar exhibit, was installed. Art of Animation Sorcerer's Workshop