Some Disney days are all about character breakfasts and castle views. But lately at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, things are getting a little more… shall we say interesting? Thanks to the debut of two all-new stage shows, The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure and Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After, this park has become the ultimate destination for a perfectly themed day.
But here’s the question: Will your day be guided by mischief and mayhem or thingamabobs and whatzits? Welcome to the era of Mermaids and Villains.
Whether you lean into your wicked side or let your inner mermaid shine, there’s no wrong way to do it. In fact, the best way is to see both, just like panelists Eean K and Keri B. did on a recent trip to Hollywood Studios.
Start With Sass or Begin with Splash?
There are two fabulously themed ways to build your day around these shows. Let’s begin with the Villains route, or as we like to say: start with sass and end with sweetness.
Maybe you love a dramatic entrance. Maybe your closet is already full of black, purple, and green. Or perhaps, you’ve always thought Maleficent was just misunderstood. If so, this is your day to let your villain flag fly.
Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After is a theatrical treat full of bold visuals, unexpected laughs, and villain stories — it’s a little bit like Cruella was let loose on Broadway. A popular show, planDisney panelist Eean, suggests arriving at least 20 minutes before show time, but don’t worry, there’s not a bad seat in this house.
Before or after the show, own your villainous side and grab a themed treat like a Maleficent Cone or Hades Float from Hollywood Scoops. You might also want to pop into a shop for some accessories to complete your day.
Those Ursula ears might be just what you need for the plane ride home. And do not forget to snap a photo in your most devilishly stylish pose. “This is one of my favorite ways to show off my Disney side and it makes a great souvenir to take home or a great gift for any Villains fan,” explains Keri.
From PhotoPass moments to fierce souvenirs, this version of the day is all about going bold.
The Mermaid Route: Float Into the Day, Then Get a Little Fierce
Prefer to start your day flippin’ fins and singing along? The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure is a reimagined live-action show that brings the classic story to life with special effects, spectacular staging, and those songs we all know by heart. It’s charming, cool (yes air conditioning!), and ideal for all ages.
After the show, keep the undersea energy going. There’s a nearby shop full of mermaid goodies, from plushies and ears to glittery dresses and Ariel-inspired accessories. Stop for a themed latte or tea with bubbly names like Joffrey’s Under the Sea Caramel Latte, available only for Annual Passholders at Joffrey’s locations throughout Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or Bubbles of the Sea at ABC Commissary and Market, and take a few moments to just wander, sip, and sparkle.
This is your feel-good phase of the day. But once you’re recharged and ready, it might just be time to find out what’s waiting on the darker side of the stage…
One Day. Two Stories. All the Disney Magic
Here’s the real magic: You don’t have to choose. Start light and end with sass, or go villainous early and float under the sea later. Either way, these shows pair perfectly with shopping, snacking, strolling, and just the right amount of themed fun in between.
Want to take it a step further? Meet Ariel from the live-action The Little Mermaid at Prince Eric’s castle terrace in Walt Disney Presents, snag a Villains-themed souvenir cup, or treat yourself to a Fantasmic! Dining Package at The Hollywood Brown Derby to end your night with fireworks, music, and some of Disney’s most legendary characters lighting up the sky.
Whether your style is fins-first or fabulously fierce, Disney’s Hollywood Studios is ready to deliver a show-stopping day from start to finish. Looking for more personalized tips? We’ve got all the ideas (and a few thingamabobs) waiting for you at planDisney.com.
