Two stage shows will debut at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on May 27. 

One will be “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After,” which is taking over the Sunset Showcase space last occupied by Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy after the latter’s closure in October.

Concept art for “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After” (Disney)

Here’s how Disney described the villain-filled show on the official Disney Parks Blog:

“In this new show, the villains we love to loathe take center stage. To figure out who has been the most misunderstood, the Magic Mirror summons you (yes, you!) to help him decide who’s been the most unfairly treated. The likes of Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook, and Maleficent step into the spotlight to make their case about why they’ve been treated the most unfairly over the years. Step into this mysterious realm, where Disney’s most infamous baddies finally get their chance to share their side of the story.”

The second addition will be “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure.” While Disney is calling this a “fully reimagined show,” it is taking over the space used for the “Voyage of the Little Mermaid” show that operated from 1992 until 2020. 

At least some of the puppetry, props, and scenery from the old show will remain, according to Disney, along with new “digital puppetry” and two songs that weren’t included in the original version: “Daughters of Triton” and “Kiss the Girl.”

Those two stage shows had been previously announced and are two of the few additions coming to Disney World in 2025. The other reveal from Disney on Wednesday was something brand new: major updates to Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin at the Magic Kingdom.

Changes will include adding a new character to the beginning of the attraction, a robot named Buddy. Disney said Buddy “makes sure departing Space Rangers are fully prepared for their mission, enthusiastically providing encouragement, final system checks on their Star Cruisers and a chance to hone their blaster aim.” 

Where you’ll be aiming will also change, as the ride is getting newly interactive targets. 


The ride’s vehicles and blasters will be replaced, with the latter being changed to handheld versions rather than being embedded in the ride vehicle’s front console. The blaster upgrade will also change how you can score points on the ride. Disney said “these enhanced blasters will now include an always-on laser and come in two different colors per star cruiser, in addition to new lighting, sound and vibration effects, so players know where they’re aiming throughout the mission.”  

Space Ranger Spin will temporarily close in August to allow the updates to be installed and will reopen sometime in 2026.