Get ready to embrace the wicked fun—Disney has officially announced that its brand-new villains-themed destination at Walt Disney World Resort is opening sooner than you think!
It was just last year that Disney shared news of the permanent closure of Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. In its place, an all-new experience would rise—one dedicated to the most infamous foes from Disney’s storied history. Later, the name was revealed: Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After.
Now, the wait is nearly over! While fans knew this thrilling new offering was slated for 2025, the official opening date had remained a mystery—until now.
“You don’t need to wait for a cursed spindle, a litter of puppies, or your motley pirate crew for this wickedness coming soon. Just announced, Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After will cast a spell over Hollywood Studios this Summer, starting on May 27, 2025,” Disney Parks Blog confirmed on March 26, 2025.
This all-new theatrical spectacle invites guests into a world where Disney’s most iconic villains finally get to tell their side of the story. Unfairly Ever After puts the spotlight on characters like Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook, and Maleficent, as the Magic Mirror summons the audience to help determine who among them has been the most misunderstood.
“In this new show, the villains we love to loathe take center stage. To figure out who has been the most misunderstood, the Magic Mirror summons you (yes, you!) to help him decide who’s been the most unfairly treated,” the blog post added. “The likes of Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook, and Maleficent step into the spotlight to make their case about why they’ve been treated the most unfairly over the years. Step into this mysterious realm, where Disney’s most infamous baddies finally get their chance to share their side of the story.”
With multiple showtimes scheduled daily, guests will have plenty of opportunities to experience this spellbinding adventure. Disney also shared a fresh look at the show’s elaborate stage, which has been in development for over two years by a dedicated team of Imagineers and entertainment experts.
The excitement doesn’t stop there! Hollywood Studios is set for a spectacular summer, as The Little Mermaid: A Musical Adventure—a reimagined stage show inspired by the beloved animated classic—will also debut on May 27, 2025.
Looking further ahead, even more transformations are on the horizon. The Grand Avenue area of Hollywood Studios will soon become part of Monstropolis, with Monsters, Inc. taking over locations such as Muppet*Vision 3D and PizzeRizzo. Meanwhile, the Muppets are set to bring their unique brand of fun to Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith.
And for those who can’t get enough of Disney’s villains, there’s even more magic in the works! Over the next decade, Magic Kingdom will undergo one of its most significant expansions ever, featuring a dedicated villains-themed land in the area known as “Beyond Big Thunder.” While details remain under wraps, Disney has teased that this will be one of the most ambitious additions to its flagship park.
What are you most excited to experience first? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
