Does anyone here animate, whether professional or as a hobby?

Animation is my first love when it comes to movies. I grew up on Pixar and Disney, and Pixar's WALL-E and UP were the first movies I watched when I became an adult and became interested in filmmaking. I love anime, My Little Pony and other animated TV, and I live on Disney--I had a FROZEN-themed wedding, okay. So ultimately, animation is what I want to get into. "When I grow up" I want to be producing, directing, and writing for animated movies.

With that in mind, going into 2017 I want to start pursuing animation studies so I can better learn the art. In addition to, of course, watching ALL THE ANIMATED MOVIES and studying them extensively, I will be doing a lot of reading and will start taking animation courses.

So, I'm curious--who here animates? What program did you use? Are you self-taught or did you go to school? Any programs, books, websites, or courses you'd recommend I research?

From what I've heard, Disney animators worked directly from filmed movement for Cinderella (WHY is there a 'Cinder' in front of her name, anyway?), and other animated films of that period.

Are you considering two-dimensional animation or three-dimensional? They are two completely different beasts.

I love both, but would probably focus first on 3D because I see that as a better long-term investment based on where the animation industry is going as a whole. However, depending on what software and courses I could find, I would consider doing 2D (in the style of Bob's Burgers or My Little Pony) to start out with the intent of making shorts for YouTube as practice. I have not looked into software yet, so it largely depends on what I can get entry-level for free to start out with, or what I can afford by way of more professional programs and courses.