Disney fans were thrilled yesterday when an official update seemed to confirm the length of the upcoming Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After stage show at Walt Disney World. However, that excitement was short-lived, as Disney quickly backtracked and removed the information.
The new production, set to replace Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, has been described as a “fiendishly funny and fantastical stage show” where Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook, and Maleficent make their cases with “wicked wisdom and wisecracks.”
When Disney briefly listed the show’s runtime as 40 minutes, fans saw it as a win for the park, which currently struggles with crowd flow and lengthy ride waits.
“Really helps smooth out wait times for rides in HS,” one X, formerly known as Twitter, user wrote. “This is a W for once.”
Another added, “Yipeee!!! There is nothing to do at Hollywood Studios! This will be a huge addition!!!”
A longer runtime would not only provide more seating and air-conditioned relief but also allow for deeper storytelling. However, Disney quickly removed the 40-minute listing and confirmed to several outlets that it was an error. The company did not clarify what the actual length will be.
While its exact premiere date is still unknown, Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After is set to debut at some point this summer. Magic Kingdom Park’s new nighttime parade, Disney Starlight, is slated to debut around the same time, with many putting some time after Memorial Day Weekend as its due date.
Other additions heading to Hollywood Studios over the next few years include a land inspired by Monsters, Inc. (2001). While the concept has proven popular, its location has not. The land will replace Muppet*Vision 3D after a glorious 34-year run at the park.
While The Muppets are set to relocate to Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, which will lose its Aerosmith theming, the move has still angered many fans who feel like Disney has neglected The Muppets’ legacy since purchasing the IP.
For now, Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After’s true runtime remains a mystery. But given the positive reaction to a longer stage production, Disney may take note that fans are open to more substantial entertainment offerings in the future.
Would you have wanted a 40-minute Disney Villains show?
