Stories from Disney’s Animation Renaissance

Take a trip back in time to a fantastic era of Disney animation! Author Michael Lyons presents “Stories from Disney’s Animation Renaissance,” the story of the studio's comeback with their hit animated films in the 1990s.

Join Michael on a chronological journey of how a group of Disney artists, trained by legends who had worked on the studio’s classic films, believed in the power of storytelling and the hallmarks of Disney and transformed animation at the studio in a re-birth the likes of which had never been seen.

Among the films discussed will be The Little Mermaid and how music was a watershed moment for that film, how The Nightmare Before Christmas went from a forgotten project to a scary success, how the blockbuster The Lion Kingwas an actual “Circle of Life” moment for the studio, how a partnership with Pixar for Toy Story took animation “To infinity and beyond!” and more!

Michael Lyons is a freelance writer specializing in film, television, and pop culture. He has contributed articles to such publications as Cinefantastique, Disney Magazine, ReMIND, and the websites animationworldnetwork.com and cartoonresearch.com.

From 2000-2020, Michael continued to write while working full-time at The Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. Here, he held several leadership positions in the operation and with Disney’s training organization. Michael worked at all four of Walt Disney World’s theme parks, Disney’s retail and dining center, Disney Springs, and off-site company locations at Orlando International Airport.

Additionally, Michael served as a leader with many major company initiatives, such as those focused on guest service and the introduction of new technology. He was also part of the teams that re-imagined Disney’s flagship retail location, The World of Disney, and the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

Michael is the author of two books, Drawn to Greatness: Disney’s Animation Renaissance and Magic Moments: Stories, Lessons, and Memories from a Twenty-Year Career at Walt Disney World.

Seating is unreserved, and tickets sales are final and non-refundable. This event is expected to sell out. Michael's presentation will be held in the museum meeting room. Walking up a short set of steps is required to reach the meeting room in the 109 year old depot.