Excitement spread quickly among fans yesterday when an update on the upcoming Hollywood Studios Disney Villains show suggested it would be one of the longest live productions at Walt Disney World. But that enthusiasm was short-lived, as Disney quietly removed the information and later confirmed the listed runtime was an error.
As part of Disney’s massive $60 billion investment into its theme parks, nearly every corner of Walt Disney World Resort is set for change.
Magic Kingdom is receiving a significant expansion, including a brand-new Cars land—reportedly different from the version at Disney California Adventure—along with a Disney Villains area and the Disney Starlight nighttime parade.
Over at Animal Kingdom, DinoLand U.S.A. (RIP) is making way for Tropical Americas, which takes inspiration from Encanto (2021) and the Indiana Jones franchise. Meanwhile, Hollywood Studios is getting a divisive Monsters, Inc. (2001)-inspired land, which will replace the fan-favorite Muppet*Vision 3D (hence the reason why it’s so divisive).
Among the first of these changes to debut will be Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After, a new stage show opening this summer at Hollywood Studios. Taking over the former Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy space, the production promises a wickedly entertaining experience, bringing Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook, and Maleficent to the stage.
Yesterday, Disney appeared to confirm that the show would run for 40 minutes—longer than many existing live performances in the park, including its nighttime spectacular, Fantasmic!
The news was met with excitement, with fans praising the potential for more in-depth storytelling and increased seating capacity.“
Really helps smooth out wait times for rides in HS,” one X (formerly known as Twitter) user said. “This is a W for once.”
Another added, “Yipeee!!! There is nothing to do at Hollywood Studios! This will be a huge addition!!!”
However, the excitement quickly faded when Disney removed the runtime from its website and later confirmed the 40-minute listing was incorrect.
No updated duration was provided, leaving fans wondering how substantial the show will actually be.
While a 40-minute production may have been a long shot, the overwhelmingly positive response suggests that audiences are eager for more expansive entertainment offerings at Hollywood Studios. Whether Disney takes this as a sign to invest in longer shows remains to be seen.
Would you have wanted Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After to be a full 40 minutes?
