Walt Disney World Resort is wasting no time as it charges full speed ahead with the transformation of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and now, fans are catching the very first glimpse of what’s to come. Construction crews have officially begun to bring an all-new Disney Villains experience to life, and signs of progress are already visible inside the third Central Florida Disney park.
The Sunset Showcase Theater, which previously hosted Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy before it closed last October, is now at the center of the action. According to The Laughing Place, old signage is gone from the building. Rolling planters and ropes block guests from peeking at any exterior construction. Disney isn’t wasting any time hiding what’s happening behind the scenes as they prepare for the debut of “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After.”
This brand-new show will celebrate some of Disney’s most famous baddies, transforming the theater space with breathtaking special effects, thrilling music, and live performances that will bring these iconic villains to life. Guests can look forward to an unforgettable showcase of the animated characters fans love to hate.
But that’s not the only update taking shape at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Across the park in the Animation Courtyard, Disney is also working to prepare the former home of “Voyage of the Little Mermaid” for its exciting replacement, “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure.” Rolling planters have been set up in front of the theater to block the view, while hints of the past remain. Some decorative fish details are still visible in the queue, though most of the attraction’s original signage has already been taken down.
When it debuts, “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” will offer guests a fresh retelling of Ariel’s undersea journey, complete with innovative puppetry, live performers, and modern technology that promises to dazzle audiences.
Both shows are part of a broader transformation underway at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. In recent years, the park has shifted its focus toward immersive lands and fresh experiences, bidding farewell to classics like the Studio Backlot Tour, The Great Movie Ride, and Streets of America to make room for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Toy Story Land, and Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway inside the park’s reimagined Chinese Theatre.
The changes don’t stop there. Walt Disney World Resort has announced that the Grand Avenue area will close in phases starting May 2024. Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano will serve its final meals on May 10, followed by the closures of Muppet*Vision 3D and PizzeRizzo on June 7. This space will eventually become a brand-new Monsters, Inc. (2001) land, featuring the long-rumored door coaster.
The Muppets, however, won’t be gone for good. Although Disney has yet to announce an exact closure date, Rock’ n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith will soon undergo a Muppets-themed makeover. When it reopens, Jim Henson’s beloved characters will return to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in an exciting new way.
While fans eagerly await news on the opening dates for the Monsters, Inc. land and the reimagined coaster, they won’t have to wait long to enjoy new entertainment at the park. “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After” and “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” are both set to debut at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on May 27, 2025, bringing fresh excitement to the park just in time for summer.
With so many thrilling experiences on the horizon, there’s never been a better time to plan a visit to Disney’s Hollywood Studios!
Which Disney Villains do you hope to see in the “Unfairly Ever After” show? Share your ideas with us in the comments!
