Behind the Glass at the Florida Studio
I’ve always been a big fan of learning everything I possibly can about Disney’s history, especially when it comes to the parks! From a young age I would read Since the World Began over and over, taking in every ounce of knowledge, trivia, and all around fun facts that I could find. Fast forward to 2023, the one aspect of my research that I tend to shy away from is reading physical books. I can search the web like no body’s business, consumer hours of Youtube videos and podcasts, but when it comes to physical books they continue to sit on the shelf. In this new year I’ve set the goal of reading twelve books, 10 pages of reading per day. I’m starting strictly with my personal collection of books at home, and so far so good!
When I set up this goal for myself, I knew exactly which book I would be starting off 2023 with. The Disney Animation Renaissance: Behind the Glass at the Florida Studio is a book that was sent me be a few months ago and I’d been waiting to pick it up and read it! In case you missed it, this book was written by Mary E. Lescher, an animator, museum curator, and art historian who decided to write about her time at Walt Disney Feature Animation’s Florida Studio in Disney-MGM Studios. Lescher worked as a cameraperson and scene planner for Walt Disney Feature Animation and then DisneyToon Studios from 1989-2006, so she really had a unique perspective into the journey of The Magic of Disney Animation attraction!
If you’re interested in reading Mary E. Lescher’s book, you can find it in paperback, hardcover, and e-book versions here! I’ll also continue sharing my book collection all year in this idea list.
The Florida Studio
When Disney-MGM Studios opened to the public on May 1, 1989, The Magic of Disney Animation opened right along with it. Guests would watch artists bring characters to life while also learning about Disney’s animation process along the way. The attraction boasted that guests visit every animation department – Story, Animation, Clean Up, Effects, Backgrounds, Cel Transfer, Paint Lab, Inking and Painting, Animation Camera, and Editing.
The Magic of Disney Animation was unique to the usual entertainment found in theme parks. Not only were guests getting a closer look at Disney’s animation process, but this was an actual working studio — located inside of a theme park! One aspect of this book that I really enjoyed was getting a peek into life behind the glass. Lescher shares stories of their iconic holiday parties, costume contests, and even pranks. Between her personal experiences and those of the fellow Cast Members she interviewed for her book, you get a better idea of what that attraction entailed.
The Disney Renaissance
The Magic of Disney Animation opened right before some major growth would take place at Walt Disney Feature Animation. From technological changes to box office success, the little studio that could would continue to adapt through its almost 15-year run. Most of these changes were rooted in something known as The Disney Renaissance.
What is the Disney Renaissance? This was an era of Disney Animation that took place from 1989 to 1999. During the Disney Renaissance, this rebirth of Walt Disney Feature Animation would lead to a number of critically and commercially successful animated films including The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and The Lion King. (If you want to learn even more about the History of the Disney Renaissance, check out our episode from my podcast The Carousel Project!)
CAPS
The success of films from the Disney Renaissance would lead to an increase in popularity for animation and eventually a change in animation process due to new technology, CAPS. CAPS, or Computer Animation Production System, was designed to eliminate the repetitive process of creating cells, but as time went on this technology proved to be valuable in other areas of the production process.
Lescher shares in her book that the final sequence of The Little Mermaid has the distinction of being the first scene completed by CAPS for theatrical release! CAPS would continue to be utilized for other Disney Renaissance films and after the release of Beauty and the Beast, CAPS would receive a Scientific and Engineering Award at the 64th Academy Awards.
Seeing the success of this technology would cause Disney’s Animation process to change forever. The world’s continued interest in the capabilities of programs like CAPS and eventually computer animated feature films like Toy Story would lead to the beginning of the end to traditionally animated films.
Florida Studio Feature Films
While this Florida Studio took part in some of your favorite scenes (and characters) from the Disney Renaissance, it was also responsible for producing three full-length feature films. Mulan, Lilo & Stitch, and Brother Bear were all primarily produced at The Magic of Disney Animation, and Lescher dives into the details of creating each film in this book.
It’s kind of outstanding when you think about it. While guests are enjoying Disney-MGM Studios, this team of Disney artists were bringing unique stories to life that have stood the test of time.
Unfortunately between the changes in the animation process, the rise in popularity of computer animated films, and an eventual downsizing of Walt Disney Feature Animation, the Magic of Disney Animation would close its Florida Studio in 2004. The area would remain open in an update form through July 12, 2015 where it was eventually replaced with Star Wars Launch Bay.
For someone who grew up obsessed with Walt Disney World, but especially Disney-MGM Studios, this book is now a treasured part of my Disney book shelf. The Disney Animation Renaissance: Behind the Glass at the Florida Studio really brings to life the concept of what it was like to be a part of this experimental animations studio! I also appreciated the more detailed explanation of why this seemingly educational and entertaining attraction would eventually close in a park rooted in the magic of movie making. When the details of what the Disney Animation landscape would evolve into throughout those almost fifteen years, it makes a lot of sense. Ringing true to Walt himself who reminds us to “Keep Moving Forward.”
This is the first of many books I’m diving into this year, and I can’t wait to share them with y’all along the way. (I’ve got my full list of Disney Books here.) If you’ve made it this far, I’ve got a special deal for you! If you order The Disney Animation Renaissance: Behind the Glass at the Florida Studio through the publisher’s site, you can save 30% on your copy with code “F22UIP” so what are you waiting for?
Did you know I have a D*sney-inspired jewelry brand? My company is called Spinning Carousel Company and we have necklaces inspired by all six of the US parks with plenty more magical jewelry pieces to come. If you decide to shop, use code KAIT10 to save at checkout!