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Disney World Unveils Plans for Hollywood Studios Makeover

Disney Hollywood Studios entrance
Credit: Inside the Magic

Walt Disney World Resort has officially filed construction permits for a new show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios centered around Disney Villains.

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The permits have been filed with Whiting-Turner Contracting Company, which previously collaborated with Disney for projects in Magic Kingdom Park and EPCOT. Categorized as “general construction,” will remain valid until September 27, 2025, allowing ample time for the project to open on schedule.

Lightning McQueen in the show at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Credit: Disney

Scheduled to premiere in the summer of 2025, this new show promises to be an exciting addition to the array of offerings at Walt Disney World Resort. The Sunset Showcase theater currently houses Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy, a family-friendly attraction utilizing cutting-edge animatronic technology. This existing show is set to close on October 7, 2024, clearing the stage for the anticipated villain-themed spectacle.

Disney Villains Showcase Preview

Anticipated Show Features

Concept art featuring multiple Disney Villains and the Magic Mirror, for a show coming to Disney World.

Credit: Disney

The new Disney Villains show is poised to feature a captivating lineup of iconic characters, including Maleficent, Cruella de Vil, and Captain Hook. Disney has hinted at live production numbers complemented by stunning special effects that will undoubtedly engage audiences of all ages.

Magic Mirror Theme

Central to the show’s premise is the evocative theme of the Magic Mirror, which serves as a gateway to the dark, enchanting world of Disney Villains. This overarching theme promises to immerse audience members into a realm where the characters step out from behind the glass. The concept encourages an exploration of the complexities of these characters, often depicted solely as antagonists in their respective tales.

An animated character wearing a crown, black cape with a high collar, and dark clothing is looking menacingly out from behind a diamond-patterned stained glass window. The background features stone columns and a dimly lit interior.

Credit: Disney

With this distinctive theme, the new show will entertain and inspire conversations about good versus evil, character depth, and narrative complexity present within Disney stories. As the Magic Mirror reveals the various Disney villains, guests may find themselves questioning traditional notions of heroism and villainy through engaging storytelling and visual spectacle.

Future Prospects for Disney Parks

Introducing the villains show is just one facet of a broader strategy at Disney parks. During D23 Expo 2024, plans for a Disney Villains-themed land were revealed, slated for Magic Kingdom Park.

Cars (2006) is also scheduled to move into Magic Kingdom Park, with two new Pixar-themed attractions replacing the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island in Frontierland.

Disney cars 2

Credit: Pixar

Permits have been filed for both the Disney Villains and Cars expansions at Magic Kingdom Park, but opening dates have yet to be revealed.

Follow Disney Fanatic for updates on this and other Walt Disney World Resort construction projects.

Have you seen Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy? In the comments, share your memories of the show with Disney Fanatic.

About Jess Colopy

Jess Colopy is a Disney College Program alum and kid-at-heart. When she’s not furiously typing in a coffee shop, you can find her on the hunt for the newest Stitch pin.

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