Disney's announcement of the closure date for MuppetVision 3D—set for June 7, 2025—may provide insight into the timeline for the debut of two upcoming Disney's Hollywood Studios shows: the new 'Disney Villains Unfairly Ever After' show and the updated Little Mermaid show.
While Disney has so far only described these attractions as opening in "Summer 2025," it is likely that the new shows will open slightly before MuppetVision 3D's closure. This would allow Disney to maintain park capacity and provide guests with fresh entertainment options as the Muppet attraction takes its final bow.
With the entire MuppetVision Courtyard area set to be behind construction walls on June 8, the company will want to minimize the gap in available attractions and maintain park capacity during peak summer months. Having additional shows ready to absorb guest demand will be essential, especially as the Monsters, Inc. land redevelopment progresses and construction disrupts other parts of the park.
Disney is also making strategic moves to counter the opening of Universal EPIC Universe in May 2025. The addition of new live entertainment at Hollywood Studios aligns with the company's broader efforts to maintain guest interest and increase park offerings. Alongside the Villains and Little Mermaid shows Disney is ramping up its entertainment slate, including a new nighttime parade at Magic Kingdom, to reinforce its competitive edge as Universal expands its footprint in Orlando.
Historically, Disney has also favored Memorial Day weekend for the official openings of new attractions, marking the start of the summer season at Walt Disney World. Given this pattern, it is possible that the new Villains and Little Mermaid shows could debut around late May 2025, aligning with Disney's past summer launch strategies.
'Disney Villains Unfairly Ever After': Summer 2025 Opening
'Disney Villains Unfairly Ever After,' planned to debut in the former Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy space, has been positioned as a significant addition to Disney's Hollywood Studios. This new live production promises to bring guests into the reflective world of the Magic Mirror, where Disney villains, including Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook, and Maleficent, take the stage to share their untold stories.
The Little Mermaid - A Musical Adventure: A Timely Revival
Inspired by the beloved Walt Disney Animation Studios classic The Little Mermaid, this live production will feature a fresh take on Ariel's journey to explore the human world. Guests can expect musical numbers inspired by the film, including iconic songs such as Part of Your World, Poor Unfortunate Souls, and Kiss the Girl. The show promises cutting-edge effects, imaginative set pieces, and a bold new design.
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