Credit: Inside the MagicWith Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster transforming into a Muppets experience, new lands under construction, and reimagined attractions on the horizon, Disney World is in the midst of one of its largest expansion periods in recent history.
Among these updates, one announcement has caught the attention of Tangled fans who have waited over 15 years for their favorite film to receive dedicated representation in the parks.
A Long-Awaited Home for Rapunzel
When The Magic of Disney Animation opens later this year at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Rapunzel will finally have a permanent, dedicated meet-and-greet location. The princess will appear in a specially designed space that pays tribute to traditional animation techniques, specifically the multiplane camera that revolutionized how animated depth and dimension were achieved.
Is it the elaborate boat ride through a glowing lantern festival that fans have dreamed about? No. But after 15 years of Tangled being relegated to parade appearances and temporary character spots, having a themed, permanent location is noteworthy progress.
The encounter exists within a larger concept called “Off the Page!”—an area where different animation production departments become themed character greeting locations.
What Else Is Coming to The Magic of Disney Animation
The Magic of Disney Animation represents a substantial new addition to Hollywood Studios, designed around the concept of animated characters breaking free from the two-dimensional world and entering reality.
Six Departments, Six Characters
“Off the Page!” includes half a dozen different sections, each representing a stage of animation production:
- Story – Mulan appears amid oversized storyboards
- Layout – Rapunzel’s camera-technique-inspired environment
- Hand-Drawn Animation – Character to be revealed
- Computer Animation – Character to be revealed
- Lighting – Character to be revealed
- Effects – Character to be revealed
Each area uses exaggerated versions of actual animation tools and multi-layered artwork to create photo opportunities that celebrate the technical side of filmmaking.
For the Youngest Visitors
A separate area called “Drawn to Wonderland” targets families with small children. Taking visual cues from Mary Blair’s distinctive art style for Alice in Wonderland, this indoor play space lets kids explore an environment that feels like stepping inside a piece of concept art.
Interactive Elements Throughout
The entire experience incorporates the playful spirit of Disney’s recent short film “Once Upon a Studio.” Characters won’t just stand in designated spots—they’ll appear throughout the space, emerging from artwork, participating in activities, and creating moments of surprise.
What This Means for Tangled Fans
For Tangled specifically, this development is bittersweet. The film turned 15 in 2025 and remains enormously popular, regularly ranking among Disney’s most successful recent fairy tales. Yet unlike Frozen, which received an entire land at multiple parks, or The Little Mermaid, which has a dark ride, Tangled’s representation has been minimal.
A meet-and-greet isn’t a ride. But it is a dedicated space, a permanent fixture, and a sign that Disney recognizes the film’s enduring popularity. For fans who have been asking “why not Tangled?” every time a new attraction is announced, it’s at least an acknowledgment.
The Magic of Disney Animation opens in late summer at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, with “Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!” arriving earlier in the season.