Hey Disney Vacationers! If you’re the kind of Disney Parks fan who always roots for the bad guys (or thinks the villains had a point), then get ready—Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After is coming to Hollywood Studios starting May 27, 2025, and we finally have a first video look.
Disney just released the first b-roll footage of the upcoming show, and it’s packed with details: stage effects, a high-tech video wall, and the three stars of the show—Maleficent, Cruella De Vil, and Captain Hook. Yep, these three are stepping into the spotlight and finally telling their side of the story.
Let’s break down everything you need to know before the curtain rises.
What Is Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After?
This isn’t your typical Disney stage show. It’s a bold, villain-forward production with one big question driving the entire story: Which Disney villain has been treated the most unfairly?
The setup is part game show, part roast, and part therapy session. The Magic Mirror—yes, the same one from Snow White—serves as your host, guiding the audience through each villain’s case. It’s funny, fast-paced, and definitely not your average fairy tale.
The show promises clever storytelling, immersive visuals, and a tone that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Think of it as a little self-aware, a little chaotic, and a lot of fun.
Who Are the Confirmed Villains?
The b-roll footage confirmed three classic Disney villains as the stars of the show:
- Maleficent (Sleeping Beauty)
- Cruella De Vil (101 Dalmatians)
- Captain Hook (Peter Pan)
Each villain gets a chance to make their case to the Magic Mirror—and to the audience—about why they’ve been misunderstood, misrepresented, or just plain wronged.
Where Is the Show?
You’ll find Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After inside the Sunset Showcase Theater at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. If that sounds familiar, it’s because this was the former home of Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy, which opened on March 31, 2019 as part of the park’s 30th Anniversary Celebration.
Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy featured original voice talent from the Cars franchise—including Owen Wilson (Lightning), Larry the Cable Guy (Mater), Bonnie Hunt (Sally), Cristela Alonzo (Cruz), John Ratzenberger (Mack), and Tony Shalhoub (Luigi). While that attraction had its fans, it was ultimately a short-form show geared toward younger guests.
But the Sunset Showcase building actually has a much deeper history than just Cars. Originally built as a “flex space,” it’s been home to several different offerings over the years:
- Club Disney opened in December 2015, offering a dance party with characters, Radio Disney hits, and video walls. It closed just a few months later in February 2016, though it returned seasonally at times.
- Club Villain debuted in January 2016 as a ticketed villain-themed dining and dance event hosted by Dr. Facilier from The Princess and the Frog. Guests could interact with characters like Cruella and Maleficent. It ran into mid-2016 and came back briefly for Halloween seasons.
- The space was also used for PhotoPass Meet & Greets before Racing Academy took over in 2019.
Now, it’s full circle. The villains are back—and this time, they’re here to stay.
When Does It Start?
The show officially debuts on May 27, 2025. Here are the initial showtimes for opening week:
Morning
- 10:00 AM
- 11:00 AM
Afternoon
- 12:00 PM
- 12:30 PM
- 1:00 PM
- 1:30 PM
- 2:00 PM
- 2:30 PM
- 3:00 PM
- 3:30 PM
- 4:00 PM
- 4:30 PM
Evening
- 5:00 PM
- 6:00 PM
- 7:00 PM
The runtime is 18 minutes, which makes it easy to fit into your day between rides or meals.
Is There Lightning Lane Access?
Not at this time. For now, Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After will be standby only. There are no Lightning Lane or reserved seating options announced yet.
The upside? With multiple showtimes throughout the day and relatively short runtime, the line should move quickly.
Final Thoughts
This show has the potential to become a guest favorite—especially for those of us who think the villains never got a fair shot. It’s quick, clever, and different from anything else currently playing at the park.
The first video preview shows high production value, detailed character performances, and just enough bite to make it feel fresh. And with a permanent home in a building that’s hosted everything from Cars to Club Villain, it feels like the perfect evolution of the Sunset Showcase space.
So if you’re visiting Hollywood Studios this summer—or anytime after May 27—make some time for Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After. Trust me, you don’t want to miss what these three have to say when they finally get their moment.
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Meet the Author: Nate Bishop
I’m a die-hard Disney fan with 38 years of visits under my belt, having stepped into Disney World 120+ times. Proud to be a Disney Annual Passholder, a Vacation Club member since ’92, a Castaway Club Member, and a runDisney enthusiast. Oh, and I’ve graduated from the Disney College of Knowledge. Need Disney insights or planning tips? I’m your guy!
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