Animation Academy - Do they post what you'll be drawing ahead of time?

[Gypsybear]

I agree that it's worth a try even with doing your own guidelines.

Having the "class" do their own guidelines also allows them to do a broader range of characters as not all characters start with a simple "plus sign" and circle. I have definitely done classes there where they had you set guidelines with the horizontal line very low on the vertical one or make the vertical line extra tall and where the head shape they instructed you to do more of an oval or slightly flattened circle. Still super easy and their instructions are great.

This!! Each character is different, and each person's drawing styles are each unique....so being able to add your own guidelines makes it that much more tailorable to each individual.

We love this experience, and plan on doing multiple visits during our trips. In fact, we purchased a shipping tube at the office supply store, to put them in once we're finished, for transportation purposes. It also keeps them from being torn accidentally, etc. When we get home, we mat and frame them. We have quite a collection.

At WDW, the little kiosk/shop outside the building sells the shipping tubes for like $5. They don't sell any at DL.

At WDW, I was told that the character is determined by the animator at the time of the event. At DCA, they do have a daily board. It usually remains the same, unless it's a special event/time of year, then they change it up a bit.

Definitely give it a try. No one is going to see your drawing except you, and your traveling companion(s).

 

[3TinksAndAnEeyore]

I think you should give it a try even without gridlines. These are drawings that my husband and (at the time) ten and seven year old daughters drew. It’s one of my all time favorite souvenirs.

 

[Dug720]

This!! Each character is different, and each person's drawing styles are each unique....so being able to add your own guidelines makes it that much more tailorable to each individual.

We love this experience, and plan on doing multiple visits during our trips. In fact, we purchased a shipping tube at the office supply store, to put them in once we're finished, for transportation purposes. It also keeps them from being torn accidentally, etc. When we get home, we mat and frame them. We have quite a collection.

At WDW, the little kiosk/shop outside the building sells the shipping tubes for like $5. They don't sell any at DL.

At WDW, I was told that the character is determined by the animator at the time of the event. At DCA, they do have a daily board. It usually remains the same, unless it's a special event/time of year, then they change it up a bit.

Definitely give it a try. No one is going to see your drawing except you, and your traveling companion(s).

I usually take paper towel tubes or cut wrapping paper tubes. Much cheaper.

 

[Gypsybear]

I usually take paper towel tubes or cut wrapping paper tubes. Much cheaper.

Yeah, we get our tubes at office supply when we can't find them elsewhere.....the Dollar stores are a good place....never thought to use the paper towel rolls though....

 

[Dug720]

Yeah, we get our tubes at office supply when we can't find them elsewhere.....the Dollar stores are a good place....never thought to use the paper towel rolls though....

Granted they are slightly less sturdy than the mailing tubes, but for not having to fold the drawing it works. I think I picked that tip up on a DCL thread.

 

[gelatoni fan]

I don't like having a tube stick out of my backpack because it can make the zipper come undone and my backpack is already super full as it is. I fold the paper in three sections.

I wish they used A3 or even 11x17 paper instead because the 13.5in side makes it too long to comfortably put into a standard backpack without getting wrinkled.

 

[LizzyS]

I've been wanting to do this for forever, but generally can't talk my husband into it. Maybe I'll try again on this trip...

 

[lvdis]

My daughter and I take extra hair ties to wrap around the rolled up drawings. Then I carry them in my sling bag. That has worked pretty good for us.

 

[DisneylandFan22]

I've been wanting to do this for forever, but generally can't talk my husband into it. Maybe I'll try again on this trip...

We had never done it before but last trip finally decided to do it and ended up doing 2 in a row. It is only about 20 minutes and actually really fun. The animators are great and it is a great experience. You also get to keep your drawing so it feels like one of the last ways you can get a souvenir for free (besides maps or buttons). Personally I kind of regret waiting so long and missing out on passed trips.

 

[pinnypanny]

Animation Academy is one of my favorite things. We did it at WDW this past November, but I actually prefer the blank canvas. I also prefer the seating in DL. And of course I just love going into that building for a nice break and watching the drawings for a bit.