Disney Files Construction Permit for New Villains Show at Hollywood Studios, Set for Summer 2025

Oct 01, 2024 in "Disney Villains Unfairly Ever After"

Gallery / 3 Photos
Villains Show concept art

Posted: Tuesday October 1, 2024 2:45pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Disney has filed a construction permit for work on the new Villains-themed live entertainment show set to debut at Disney's Hollywood Studios in the summer of 2025.

The permit for "General Construction" is assigned to the long-term Disney construction partner, Whiting-Turner Contracting Company, valid through September 27, 2025.

Villains Show concept art

This new show will take over the Sunset Showcase on Sunset Boulevard, replacing the current Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy, which is set to close on October 7, 2024. Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy, which opened in March 2019, features a life-sized animatronic Lightning McQueen and high-energy racing sequences from the Cars franchise.

Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy is scheduled to close on October 7, 2024

The upcoming villains-themed show is set in the Magic Mirror's mysterious realm, where iconic Disney villains will break through the glass and come to life on stage. Characters such as Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook, and Maleficent are already confirmed to make appearances, with live production numbers and immersive special effects promising to bring these notorious figures to life.

Villains Show concept art

Sunset Showcase, which first opened in 2015, has previously hosted a variety of entertainment experiences, including the short-lived Club Disney and special events like Club Villain, a cabaret-style show featuring Disney villains.

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Karakasa14 days ago

That's what I'm trying to figure out. I can't imagine them needing to do rehearsals longer than a month or so. Even Broadway shows rarely go beyond 2 months. I'd say the safest time to try to 1) avoid the heat and crowds, 2) catch this and the parade, and 3) still have a chance to experience Muppets and Dinosaur one last time would probably be early June. But I'm no insider, I'm just guesstimating. May not be a horrible idea to wait and see before booking anything. Next day edit: Something else to consider: There are no planned Disney After Hours for Magic Kingdom after May 19th, even while other parks have several dates through the Summer. Presumably, with a new nighttime parade, they'd want to make sure people don't clog up the parade route who are just there for the event, leaving day guests out cold. So I do think, if you need to make your bookings now, the first two weeks of June are probably the best "balance" for chances of getting the Villains and Little Mermaid, the nighttime parade, and Muppets and Dinosaur still being open. Again, no insider, not an expert, but based on my research, it seems likely. Still, I don't think it'd hurt to wait to get exact plans.

jrhwdw16 days ago

So Rehearsals and Performances, got it! Thanks! :)

ToTBellHop16 days ago

365 day contract I’m assuming.

jrhwdw16 days ago

Odd Month to End a Show...

DisneyRZ16 days ago

Anyone have any idea whether any of these new "summer" releases would be expected to be open Memorial Day weekend? Or is it more likely they release mid-June & July? Planned a trip in early June for new experiences but they consistently move back timelines. Thanks!

StringBeanDream16 days ago

And rehearsal beginning in March 2025

StringBeanDream16 days ago

According to audition postings, this is running through late Feb 2026.

nursejackie16 days ago

I hope so

The Leader of the Club16 days ago

Beauty and the Beast outlives us all

MrPromey16 days ago

Nailed it. Of course it will. That show will turn off the lights to the park the day water levels rise to the point we all have to abandon Florida.

Bocabear17 days ago

but will BATB still be around then? lol If ever a show needed retiring......I would rather watch Dick Tracy in Diamond Double Cross...lol

The Leader of the Club17 days ago

I’ll take a shot at it… 1. Launch Bay quietly closes one day because Disney doesn’t want to pay CMs to staff it anymore. The building sits empty until they finally announce an Animation Courtyard project at D23 in 2030 (2028 if we’re lucky) 2. Villains closes around 5 years after the MK land opens. It’s replaced by a lightly Muppet themed restaurant. 3. Frozen lasts another 20 years and, by the time Disney replaces it, people on this forum complain that they’re getting rid of a classic show.