Big changes are coming to Walt Disney World Resort, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios is at the center of it all. The third Disney park to open in Central Florida is currently undergoing a massive transformation, and it looks like the updates are just getting started. Crews have officially covered up two of the park’s theaters as Disney prepares to launch not one but two brand-new shows this summer.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios is no stranger to transformations. In the 2010s, the park saw significant changes, including the removal of the Studio Backlot Tour and Streets of America to make way for immersive lands like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land. The park’s iconic Chinese Theatre also got a new lease on life when it was reimagined as the home of Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway.
In 2024, Walt Disney World Resort confirmed even more changes are on the horizon for the former Disney-MGM Studios. Starting in May, the Grand Avenue area will begin a phased closure. Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano will serve its final guests on May 10, while Muppet*Vision 3D and PizzeRizzo will close on June 7. The area is expected to be wholly transformed into a brand-new Monsters, Inc. (2001) land, complete with the long-rumored door coaster.
Fans of the Muppets don’t have to worry, though. Disney has confirmed that while Muppet*Vision 3D is closing in its current location, the beloved characters will return to the park in an exciting new way.
Rock’ n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith will soon undergo a major retheme, bringing Jim Henson’s creations back in full force. Although Disney hasn’t announced an official closing date for the popular coaster, guests can expect to see the Muppets take over sometime soon.
Unfortunately, Disney Parks fans will need to exercise some patience, as neither the rethemed Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster nor the Monsters, Inc. land have set opening dates. But there is good news! Two new shows will debut at Disney’s Hollywood Studios next month, offering guests a taste of the park’s exciting future.
One of these exciting additions is “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure,” which will take over the space previously home to “Voyage of the Little Mermaid.” This marks a significant change for the park, as the long-running musical based on the beloved 1989 animated film had become a staple attraction for many Disney Parks fans, especially families.
The Sunset Showcase Theater, formerly home to Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy, is being transformed into the stage for “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After.” According to The Laughing Place, crews have already made visible progress at the site. Old signage has been removed from the building, and rolling planters and ropes have appeared, blocking guests from the theater’s entrance.
Similar changes are happening over in the Animation Courtyard, where “Voyage of the Little Mermaid” once enchanted audiences. Rolling planters now block the entrance to the former attraction, while some aquatic decor still lingers in the queue. Most of the original signage has already been removed.
When it opens, “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” will retell the classic story of Ariel using cutting-edge technology, live performers, and enchanting puppetry. Meanwhile, “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After” promises to celebrate the characters we love to hate with best-in-class special effects, songs, and dancing.
Both shows are set to debut at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on May 27, 2025, just in time for a magical summer at Walt Disney World Resort.
Which addition to Disney’s Hollywood Studios are you most excited for? Disney Fanatic would love to hear from you in the comments!
