 Source: Daveland Web
May 1960 – September 1966
LOCATION
Tomorrowland – Art of Animation was nestled within the Circarama building, at the front of Tomorrowland. To find the attraction, guests would enter from the land’s main entrance and keep to the left. The walkthrough attraction was on the left, next to the entrance to the main theater.
BACKGROUND
When the Satellite View of America closed in early 1960, Disneyland suddenly had a large space that needed an attraction. While the space was large enough for something, it wasn’t quite big enough for an e-ticket ride. So instead, Imagineers took a different route, one that Disney turns to time and again…self promotion! The Art of Animation opened just a few months later, promoting newly released and upcoming Disney animation projects.
EXPERIENCE
In its six-year run, the Art of Animation housed a number of different exhibits. The first promoted 1959’s Sleeping Beauty, at the time the studio’s most expensive project ever. Throughout the circular room, guests could walk along the walls and see detailed illustrations showing the steps of the animation process. And in the center, Disney placed seating, encouraging guests to stay in the space for as long as possible.
 Source: Cartoon Research
CLOSURE
It’s not much of a surprise that in an area surrounded by flying rockets, racing cars, and a PeopleMover, guests weren’t terribly excited about animation imagery. The Art of Animation never gained much popularity, and finally closed in the fall of 1966. After the closure, this space became a preview area for “the new Tomorrowland“, the area’s first major overhaul.
TRIVIA
Art of Animation was one of the few attractions at the resort to technically include ashtrays as part of its design. The center seating area had them, so guests could smoke while checking out the art.
The attraction’s tagline was: “The international exhibit direct from London – Paris – Tokyo”.
Walt Disney World has an Art of Animation resort, so the name lives on in Disney parks lore!
 Source: WDWNT