Walt Disney World in Orlando just premiered two much-anticipated stage shows at Disney’s Hollywood Studios — and they’re fresh, innovative and spectacular.
“The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” and “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After” are both now open at the park. While vastly different productions, each is filled with Disney nostalgia and immersive special effects, including the use of dazzling lighting, state-of-the-art sound design, stunning costumes, spot-on casting and more.
Our family was there for the new shows’ debut on May 27, 2025. Here’s everything you need to know about the performances and how to be among the first to see them.
What Are the New Shows at Walt Disney World ?
“The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” is a 20-minute stage production inspired by Disney’s 1989 hit animated film The Little Mermaid. The show takes audiences with Ariel as she follows her dreams of becoming human, and features high-energy songs, black light puppetry and wondrous projections.
“Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After” is a 15-minute interactive theater performance that stars Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook and Maleficent, who each make the case for why they are the most misunderstood. Audiences enter the realm of Disney’s Magic Mirror and are treated to spellbinding music and a finale that changes based on which villain the audience selects.
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Where and When to See the New Shows
The new shows are at Disney’s Hollywood Studios: a fitting spot because both are based on hit Disney movies, and Hollywood Studios celebrates the imagined worlds of cinema.
“The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” can be found in the park’s Animation Courtyard, across from the limited-time dance party “Get Animated” and near Star Wars Launch Bay.
“Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After” is on Sunset Boulevard, just steps from the fan favorite Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith.
SheBuysTravel tip: If visiting this summer, make sure to head to Animation Courtyard early to enjoy a host of dynamic “Cool Kid Summer” themed events, including ongoing character meet-and-greets, games, crafts and jump rope performances.
Are the New Shows Good for Kids? Here’s What to Expect
I attended the performances with my husband and three children (ages 5, 5 and 8). Both productions are upbeat and funny, and strike a wonderful balance of appealing to both kids and adults. Since both are based on widely seen Disney classics, everyone in our family was able to follow the storylines.
“The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” is colorful, lively and imaginative. “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After” features a few spooky moments (an onscreen dragon “breathing” fire across the stage), but the villains are presented as charming and mischievous. Both productions are fast-paced and action-filled, so there isn’t really time for either to become scary.
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The Can’t-Miss Moments That’ll Have Everyone Smiling
In “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure,” my kids went wild when iridescent bubbles filled the theater during a rousing rendition of “Under the Sea.” The puppetry is also incredible (and performed so invisibly that the show’s many illusions are never broken).
While “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After” puts the spotlight on three villains, nearly 60 other Disney antagonists are also featured on “mirrors” that surround the stage during the show. My kids loved spotting Wish’s Magnifico, Aladdin’s Jafar and Beauty and the Beast’s Gaston, among others.
SheBuysTravel tip: If traveling with young ones, keep your eyes on the show’s many “mirrors” and try to name all the other Disney villains as they appear.
Tips for Getting the Best Views Without the Crowds
While neither of the two new shows offer Lighting Lane access yet, both theaters offer continuous scheduled performances and high-capacity seating for each show. Standby lines should move quickly after an initial wait, and “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” is expected to begin offering Lightning Lane access soon.
Showtimes for “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” are currently running from 9:15 a.m. to 7 p.m., and showtimes for “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After” are scheduled from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
SheBuysTravel tip: To bypass crowds, stay at a Disney Resort Hotel (or a select Disney partner hotel) and enjoy 30-minute early entry to all four theme parks. This will allow time to ride a few rides first, then get in line for the shows.
What Did The Two New Shows at Walt Disney World Replace?
“The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” replaced the prior “Voyage of the Little Mermaid,” a show housed in the same theater from 1992 to 2020. While both shows were inspired by Disney’s 1989 film, the newest production is fully reimagined, creating an all-new theatrical experience.
“Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After” is in the space formerly occupied by the Cars-themed show Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy from 2019 to 2024. The theater has been dramatically renovated, with plush seating, a wide stage and an elaborate set. The attraction is thought to kick off the future Villains Land, a new themed area coming to the Magic Kingdom.
The Other Stage Shows You Won’t Want to Miss at Walt Disney World
There are many terrific live shows at
Two of my other favorite shows are at Disney’s Animal Kingdom: the epic larger-than-live musical show Festival of the Lion King, and the puppetry-filled extravaganza Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!
SheBuysTravel tip: For all the stage shows at
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