Oscar winner Wall-E is absent at Disney World, but you can meet runner-up Bolt

February 23, 12:28 PMOrlando Theme Parks ExaminerBarbara Nefer

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Wall-E won the Best Animated Feature Oscar, but the little robot himself is absent at Disney World. Never fear, if you want to link up with Oscar celebrities, you can meet the stars of fellow nominee "Bolt" at Disney Hollywood Studio.

Bolt and his friend Rhino greet visitors throughout the day in the Animation Building at the Studio. You can also see a selection of memorabilia from the making of the film, including some early concept drawings by Chris Sanders. Sanders, of "Lilo and Stitch" fame, was removed from the Bolt project by John Lassiter, but you can see his influence in the original storyboards. The early Penny looks suspiciously like Lilo, while Bolt has an odd resemblance to Stitch.

The movie that eventually emerged from Disney is quite different from Sanders' vision, but it really works. It's the sweet story of deluded dog who is not unlike Buzz Lightyear in the original "Toy Story." Having lived his whole like on a soundstage, he believes he has super powers and must save his owner, Penny, at all costs. When he gets tossed into the real world and links up with a cynical cat and a fanboy hamster, he learns about the real world and that he can still be a hero even without his heat vision and super bark.

For a clip from "Bolt," including my favorite song, check out this YouTube video:

As you can see by the photo at top right, Mittens used to appear with Bolt and Rhino at the Studio. Unfortunately, she is missing in action, but Bolt and Rhino are still there. Their hours vary, so check the park schedule when you arrive. Their line can be quite long, but they spend quality time with each family so it's well worth the wait. There may or may not be a Photopass photographer present, so bring you own camera just in case.

There are usually several other characters in the Animation building, such as Mr. and Mrs. Incredible, Frozone, and Sorcerer Mickey. If you're lucky, some unexpected characters might show up. Last time I was there, I also met Mary Poppins and two penguins, as well as the Evil Queen from "Snow White."

Wall-E may show up someday, but in the meantime you can get your Oscar fix with Bolt and Rhino (and I'll confess, as much as I enjoyed "Wall-E," in my opinion "Bolt" was actually the better move of the two).

Want to learn how to hunt down your other favorite Disney characters? Click here. To learn how to stay safe at the theme parks, click here. To enter the smoker vs. non-smoker theme park rudeness debate, click here. For general crowd-coping strategies, click here.

Bottom artwork: Disney