Something’s happening at Hollywood Studios, and it’s not just your typical summer crowds. The park has seen a noticeable uptick in regulars—especially the kind of guests who know exactly where the popcorn bucket refills are and can quote full show scripts from memory. Yep, the Disney Adults are out in full force.
And if you’re wondering why there’s suddenly a long line to get into a theater instead of a roller coaster, or why villain-themed outfits are all over Sunset Boulevard, it’s because of two major entertainment shifts that dropped just in time for summer.
New Shows Mean New Priorities
Disney just debuted two brand-new live stage shows at Hollywood Studios, and they’re not just appealing to kids. The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure and Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After are perfectly crafted for those who grew up with these stories and are now paying their own way into the parks. These aren’t quick, filler-style performances. They’re full productions with effects, music, staging, and a whole lot of fan service.
The Little Mermaid brings the classic songs to life with impressive visuals and a theatrical twist, while Unfairly Ever After turns the spotlight on the villains we love to root for. Maleficent, Hook, and Cruella get their moment—and the Magic Mirror even lets the audience help decide who’s been the most unfairly treated.
You can imagine how fast that kind of premise spread across Disney Adult social feeds.
A Farewell to the Muppets
But that’s not all. Muppet*Vision 3-D quietly took its final bow earlier this month, and Disney Adults weren’t going to miss it. The show may have been a “walk-on” for years, but in its final week, it was standing-room only. Fans packed the theater to pay their respects, reliving the jokes and effects one last time before the doors closed for good.
It was an emotional farewell for a certain generation of fans—and it helped draw even more Disney Adults into the park during an already busy stretch.
What’s Next?
The frenzy probably won’t last all summer. Once the initial hype around the new shows settles down, and the last round of Muppet nostalgia fades from Instagram feeds, the crowd levels may balance out. But make no mistake: Hollywood Studios is having a moment with Disney Adults.
Whether it’s nostalgia, curiosity, or the sheer thrill of seeing something first, these superfans are keeping the theaters full and the gift shops buzzing. For now, the park isn’t just about thrill rides—it’s the epicenter of Disney Adult energy.
