Disney: The Magic of Animation in Wellington

Every Disney character starts with a drawing. Discover how they are brought to the screen at ‘Disney: The Magic of Animation | Ngā Tāoreore Tūmatarau’. See the internationally acclaimed exhibition at Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The exhibition features artworks from classic stories and films spanning 100 years of Walt Disney Animation Studios. See more than 600 art pieces up close, from original sketches of timeless characters to modern, computer-generated wonders. Go behind the scenes to witness the artistry that goes into creating beloved on-screen characters.

Four people browse artwork on display. The walls are painted bright yellow, blue and purple. Yellow, purple and pink lanterns hang from the ceiling.

An adult and two kids look at illustrations on display at Disney: The Magic of Animation exhibition.

An adult is with a child who is sketching on a notepad while enjoying at Disney: The Magic of Animation.

A child and two adults sit at a table drawing with coloured pencils.

Disney: The Magic of Animation is curated by the team at the Walt Disney Animation Research Library. It offers a rare glimpse at the development of characters and animation techniques. See works from classics like Mickey Mouse’s first talkie ‘Steamboat Willie’ (1928) and ‘Fantasia’ (1940). Don’t miss modern favourites like ‘Frozen’ (2013) and ‘Raya and the Last Dragon’ (2021). Artwork from Disney’s latest release, ‘Moana 2’, is also included in the exhibition.

The exhibition features interactive animation stations for kids of all ages. Practice your colouring magic or enjoy costumes for the little ones. Take a spin with Belle and the Beast in the ballroom, and watch Alice forever falling through an immersive projection experience.

Kristen McCormick, Art Exhibitions & Conservation Manager of the Walt Disney Animation Research Library, helped curate the exhibition. Kristen and her team hand-selected the artworks on display from a collection of over 65 million.

This is the first time Disney: The Magic of Animation has come to New Zealand and is exclusive to Wellington.

This exhibition is proudly sponsored by Streamliner, Dulux, Novotel, OfficeMax, and Whitcoulls.

“Guests will have a rare opportunity to see how the film makers and artists develop our stories and work through different ideas and concepts as they create the films we know so well.”

Kristen McCormick, Art Exhibitions & Conservation Manager, Walt Disney Animation Research Library

Three people look at sketches at the Disney exhibition at Tākina. One of them wears Minnie Mouse ears.

Never run out of magic with a Superfan ticket

Make the magic last forever with a Superfan ticket to Disney: The Magic of Animation. Your ticket will allow unlimited exhibition entry and a range of extra perks. Enjoy a 15% discount on any events within the exhibition event programme, a 10% discount in the retail store, and a 10% discount voucher to Zephyr Café at Tākina. The ticket also includes a Disney lanyard and a Disney Magic Moment. These digital mementos allow you to recreate three classic Disney movie scenes using a green screen. Sit on Pride Rock with Simba, or join the Mad Hatter for a tea party.

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Disney: The Magic of Animation events

Magic After Hours with Disney

Thursday 29 May and 26 June 2025

Take an after-hours opportunity to explore Disney: The Magic of Animation. Meet up with friends after work or take your favourite person out for date night. The sessions are running between 5pm and 7pm on 29 May and 26 June, and you must be over 18 to attend. Tickets include entry to the exhibition plus a complimentary drink and shared grazing platters on arrival. Listen out for the playlist of your favourite Disney songs, too.

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A Bella Notte with Disney

Saturday 17 May 2025

Spend a romantic evening Disney-style at this special event. Whether you’ve been together for 30 years or three days, spoil that ‘someone special’ in your life. Start the night by exploring the exhibition, and once you’re finished, let one of the waiters show you to your table for two. Your romantic dinner includes the best spaghetti bolognese in town, just like ‘Lady and the Tramp’, followed by platters of Disney-inspired sweet treats.

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Be Our Guest — Magic Dance Party

6pm, Saturday 5 July 2025

Boogie the night away at a special Disney-inspired dance party. Revisit some of Disney’s most popular songs at this enchanted night on 5 July between 6 and 9pm. Dress up as your most beloved Disney character and be in to win some wonderful spot prizes. There will also be face painting and balloon twisters for some extra entertainment. Each ticket to this event includes entry to the exhibition. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

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The exterior of Tākina Exhibition and Conference Centre in Wellington. It is decorated pink and has Disney illustrations on it.

Visitor information for Disney: The Magic of Animation

Everything you need to know about visiting Disney: The Magic of Animation.

Mary Walsh, the managing director of the Walt Disney Animation Research Library.

Preserving the magic of Disney

Mary Walsh is the managing director of the Walt Disney Animation Research Library. It’s her job to oversee the millions of original artworks it preserves and to select the 600 works on display for Disney: The Magic of Animation.

Disney: A hunt for hidden highlights

If you’ve ever watched a Disney movie, you’ll know there’s always a beautiful detail that’s hidden in plain sight. It takes an eagle eye (or a second viewing) to spot the reference, joke or concealed element. The exhibition Disney: The Magic of Animation is no different.

On a hill the sign for Carlucci Land sits among large rocks. It is made of corrugated iron and painted in different colours.

Carlucci Land Mini Golf

Pay a visit to Carlucci Land just 10 minutes from the central city to discover why this 18-hole mini golf course has become a Wellington landmark.

An aerial view of the bustling Habourside Market in Te Aro Wellington. There are tents set up, heaps of colourful produce and many people shopping.

Harbourside Market

Head to the Wellington waterfront and enjoy the sights and flavours of the city’s oldest and most popular market.

The interior of Seashor Cabaret, a diner located on The Esplanade and Sidney Street in Petone, with four vintage arcade games, two taxidermy deer heads on the wall, two large tables with eight chairs each and three wood booths with eight customers seated.

Seashore Cabaret

Eclectic and quirky, Seashore Cabaret serves up fun and fast diner food with views across the Petone foreshore.

Little Penang

There’s a good reason Little Penang is always full. The restaurant has made ex-pat Malaysians cry at their tables, from the joy of eating such good, and authentic, food.