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Animation Academy

4.8 (89 reviews)
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Channy M.

One of my new favorite discoveries at DCA! I have been an Annual Passport holder for a little over a year and recently discovered Animation Academy. When you're not an Annual Passport holder and are going only for the day, most of things everyone wants to accomplish are the rides. Now that I am an Annual Passport Holder, it allows me to enjoy the simple things like Animation Academy. If you need a break from all the walking, screaming, or eating this is the place to go. I haven't drawn pictures in ages, then again I was never good at it. I would call my stick figures a master piece. At Animation Academy you will have the opportunity to draw different Disney characters and you are guided through a Disney artist. The lessons are 15-20 minutes, but you are having so much fun that you lose your sense for time. Then again who keeps track of time at Disneyland! It's set up like a college class, with the teacher (Disney Artist) in front with their own drawing table and tools and plenty of seating facing them. The seating is set up like a sports arena so you are able to see clearly and no one is blocking you. You get to sit wherever you want and you are given a big white clipboard, one sheet of paper, and a pencil (without an eraser). They give simple instructions, and walk you through each step. The Disney artist is drawing with you and their drawing is projected onto a big screen. Once you're done, you can keep your picture of throw it away. It's rare that I ever get to draw, so when I go to the Animation Academy I feel like a kid all over again. If you haven't checked this out, it's definitely a must. Check out the schedule in front in case you have a particular favorite Disney character. This is something you can do by yourself or with a group of friends. You can compare your drawing with your friends afterwards and see who has the artsy gene. Enjoy! :)

Looks close enough to me! It's the Cheshire Cat if  the drawing is terrible.
Kim L.

If they can teach this non artistic person how to draw something that's recognized by a 2 year old as a Disney character... The instructors are that good! Been a Disney AP since 1997 and just went inside this place this year. I honestly didn't think I could draw. Now I'm hooked. The instructions are simple and in less than 30 mins you have an awesome souvenir to bring home. I check the schedule for new characters every time I go now.

Lyna V.

I didn't know this place existed until a few days ago when my friend and I went to Disney California Adventure and he suggested we go to the Animation Academy. The academy is an attraction at DCA that teaches you how to draw different Disney characters. SO FRICKEN COOOL! I got to draw Piglet that night and it didn't come out too bad considering I have no artistic abilities whatsoever. The lessons happen every 30 minutes and usually the lesson takes about 10-15 minutes depending on the difficultly I'm guessing, and it's a different character every lesson. Definitely coming back next time to learn to draw from more characters!

Olaf!
Nicole S.

If you are ever in a need to just take a break in California Adventure and want to cool down for a bit and do something fun for the kids and yourself but don't need to stand in long lines in the hot sun, then going to the Animation Academy is the perfect place. Every 30 minutes, their is a well known disney character (the traditional Mickey/Minnie to most recent ones) that you can get the chance to learn to draw! There is always a cast member who will teach you how to draw a character within 15 minutes using very simple shapes and lines that are very understandable and easy for parents and kids to grasp and do! Don't feel hesitant if your drawing abilities are only known to be stick figures, after one or two classes at the animation academy and you will feel like such a pro! For all you Frozen fan's they're currently having drawing classes for Olaf, the fun sun loving snow man! So if you're ever in Disneyland California Adventures and your kid asks "Do you want to build a snowman?" you know just where to take them right now!

Chip!
Andrea P.

One of my favorite parts of California Adventures! This is a great spot to go on a hot day if you need a little *break* from the madness outside! Not only do you get to relax a little bit, you also get to learn how to draw a Disney character! The Disney artist walks you through every little step and makes the class easy and enjoyable for all ages. I have seen them put a list outside with the schedeule of who they are drawing at what times. I believe there are drawings ever hour or possibly more frequently. There is always someone standing outside so they are available for any questions you have. I only wish they would add more characters for us to draw... maybe throw in some Disney princesses :P Remember: NO erasers! And makes a great (free!) souvenir!

The Original Angry Bird
Brianne F.

Love taking the animation academy classes. I've visited this attraction at Hollywood Studios countless times, but recently experienced the CA version on my first ever trip to the Disneyland Resort. Although the attractions are similar in both locations, there are a few notable differences. Advantages: The CA version features a much larger space, so the waits to draw are not nearly as long as they are at HS. I also really like that the schedule of characters is posted ahead of time. At HS, you don't know who you're drawing until you get in, so you may end up drawing the same character multiple times. Disadvantages: I felt a lot more rushed at the CA attraction, as compared to HS. The HS class felt longer, and we are given more time to complete a step before the animator has moved on. Also, the CA version uses lap desks, whereas the HS version allows participants to use actual light up desks. Either way, this is definitely a must do for anyone. You really don't need talent - the point isn't to have a perfect drawing - just have fun with it! It's also a great break from the heat.

Come for the cartoons stay cut it's fun.

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Review Highlights - Animation Academy

The animation academy artists takes you step by step in drawing your favorite Disney characters.

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Our family absolutely loves this art studio! Our three kids have been taking classes here for the…read morepast two years, and what started as something just for them quickly turned into something for all of us. We loved the experience so much that my husband and I decided to start taking classes too--and it's been one of the best decisions we've made. I definitely did not come into the classes feeling like an artist but have gained confidence and skills. One of the things that stands out most is the incredible team of teachers. We've worked with several of them, and every single one is extremely knowledgeable, supportive, and talented at making art accessible for any level. Whether teaching kids or adults, they have a unique ability to meet you where you are and help you grow. As a family, we've explored so many different mediums--colored pencils, oil pastels, watercolors, acrylics--and we're excited to be starting oil painting soon. It's been amazing to not only try new techniques but to see real improvement in our skills over time. Sara, the studio owner, has been especially wonderful. She's incredibly generous with her time and has worked closely with us as adults to create a personalized plan aligned with our goal of making artwork for our home. That level of care and attention is truly special. Another highlight is the art shows they host, which give students the chance to showcase their work. It's such a fun and encouraging environment where you can meet other artists and celebrate everyone's creativity. We feel so lucky to have found this studio. It's become a meaningful part of our family life, and we highly recommend it to anyone looking to explore or grow their artistic side!

My granddaughter loved this. I signed her up for a 1 week class and she can't wait for it. She did…read moreamazing on her 1st free class and loved it. She is 7 years old

Art Rebel Studio

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Sherman Oaks

The owner of Art Rebel is an amazing artist named ponti. He has an incredible business in Art Rebel…read morebut beyond that he himself is a iconic artist I had set decorated a 20th century fox show called Empire and I had reached out to him to give him the color, palette and size and had him do several custom paintings for Terrance Howard's office and other sets. He collaborated with me in regards to the colors that I needed and also some different styles. He has a amazing inventory of iconic art that I would urge anyone to ask him to see for purchase. Also, upon commission like I did with him for a show any Set Decorator or designer or person that loves art would love him. This particular character was Terrence Howard, who was a hip-hop Mogul in the story so the hip-hop vibe that is very much alive in pontia work was perfect. I can't say enough about his business Art Rebel because it is from adult fun to kids but extremely unique compared to a typical art business for corporations or birthday parties as it has an edge to it and is very hip and unique in the style that they present to the customer in Art Rebel! So much fun and you forget about your problems and very healing for me.

I threw my 31st birthday party at Art Rebel recently and it was an absolutely amazing experience. I…read morecame across the website randomly when looking for a local venue and once we checked it out in person I knew it was going to be perfect. Ponti helped execute my vision for the party and he and his staff were so helpful and pleasant the entire night. They brought such great energy! My guests were wowed by the space and had a blast looking at all the artwork and details under the blacklights. We converted one of the rooms into a designated dance floor for swing dancing (though we ended up dancing in the main room as well!) and had activity stations that included spin art, neon playdough, and a graffiti wall to doodle and write birthday messages, which were all so fun. The speakers were integrated in every room and with the volume turned up, it was such a VIBE. There are blacklights in all rooms except one, which we used as the designated eating area with plenty of room to set up food and utilize the bar. We were a group of about 40 people (including the staff) and honestly could have crammed about twice as many people in there if we wanted! It's a lot more spacious than it looks in photos. In the end, I was more than happy with the group size since there was enough space to dance and play without feeling crowded. I couldn't recommend Art Rebel Studio enough for events, it was a total blast. Huge THANK YOU to Ponti & Team for such a memorable night!!

Los Angeles Career College

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I completed the IV Therapy & Blood Withdrawal Certification course at Los Angeles Career College,…read moreand I have to say--this place runs smoother than most hospital floors I've worked on. The staff was organized, check-in was easy, and the hybrid format made the whole process painless (unlike some IV attempts I've witnessed in real life). What really impressed me was how efficient everything was. Once I passed my exam, they handed me my certificate the same day--no waiting, no chasing emails, no mysterious "processing time." Just boom. Certified. I wish everything in healthcare worked that fast. Now for the real highlight: Instructor Steele Erickson. Steele is the kind of nursing instructor you secretly hope for but never expect to get. He breaks down IV therapy and blood withdrawal with such clarity and patience that even tricky techniques suddenly feel manageable. He teaches with a calm, supportive energy that makes everyone relax. He's incredibly knowledgeable, genuinely invested in every student, and somehow keeps the class both educational and entertaining. As someone with 25+ years in healthcare, I can confidently say instructors like Steele do not grow on trees. If you're considering getting your IV Certification, go to Los Angeles Career College and hope you get Steele Erickson as your instructor. You'll walk away confident, competent, and wondering why every nursing class can't be this smooth. Highly recommended!

Here's the same version with favoritism added:…read more I am writing anonymously as a recent CNA student and state skills test candidate at Los Angeles Career College. My California CNA skills exam was confirmed in the official TMU/Headmaster system, but days before the test the school emailed and told me it was cancelled and that it "would not take place" if I showed up. TMU told me my exam was still scheduled and even had to call the school to remind them they were required to test me. On test day there were other students testing at the site, even though the administrator had told me there was no exam and that exams would no longer be offered there, which left me feeling singled out and misled. Throughout the program, it often felt like some students received more support and opportunities than others, which gave me the impression of favoritism rather than equal treatment. The school promotes itself as professional and student‑focused, but the way my exam was handled did not feel fair or transparent. I recommend future students closely monitor their TMU account, save all confirmations, and be ready to advocate for themselves.

Animation Academy - artschools - Updated May 2026

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