Credit: DisneySomething brand-new just debuted at Disney’s Hollywood Studios—and while fans are loving it, they’re also leaving with a major complaint.
Disney has finally given its iconic villains the spotlight they’ve deserved for years. The new show, Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After, is now playing at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and it’s turning heads for all the right reasons. With top-tier performances, impressive stagecraft, and a creative storyline that lets the audience decide who the most misunderstood villain is, it’s quickly become a guest favorite.
But while the show is earning rave reviews, the guest experience leading up to it has left many frustrated—and frankly, overheated.
A Stunning Show With a Creative Twist
There’s no denying that Unfairly Ever After delivers once you’re inside the theater. The production feels like a Broadway-style spectacle, with rich visuals, choreographed dance numbers, and sharp comedic timing. The show features a range of Disney villains, from fan favorites like Hades and Cruella to scene-stealers like Maleficent and Hook.
What sets it apart is its interactive element—audiences get to vote on which villain they believe is the most misunderstood, changing the outcome of each performance. That kind of engagement adds rewatch value and gives the show a unique edge. Disney’s show creators clearly poured a lot of thought and energy into making it memorable.
The Real Villain Might Be the Queue
Unfortunately, the experience outside the theater doesn’t match the quality inside. There is no shaded, covered, or indoor queue for this show. That means guests are standing in full Florida sun for up to 45 minutes just to make sure they get a seat. During the summer months, when temperatures regularly climb above 90 degrees with high humidity, that’s not just unpleasant—it’s borderline unsafe.
Unlike some of Disney’s newer attractions that have indoor queues or shade structures, this one simply ropes guests into a space that doesn’t offer any relief. And with no Lightning Lane or virtual queue available, your only option is to physically stand in line.
Guest Reactions Are Mixed
Many guests have walked away impressed by the show but disappointed by the way it’s being managed. Some have even chosen to skip it altogether—not because they don’t want to see it, but because they can’t handle standing in the sun for nearly an hour.
It’s a strange disconnect for a company that’s usually so polished in its crowd control. And while most guests understand that Disney can’t overhaul infrastructure overnight, the lack of any real heat mitigation for such a popular show is surprising.
Simple Fixes Could Go a Long Way
This isn’t a situation that requires a complete redesign. Temporary shade sails, misters, or even large fans could dramatically improve the experience. Better yet, implementing a Lightning Lane or timed-entry option would let families avoid wasting time in the heat and plan their day more efficiently.
Disney has responded to similar problems in the past, so there’s hope that change is coming. But for now, guests are left to deal with the Florida weather on their own.
If You Go, Be Prepared
If you’re planning to see Unfairly Ever After, arrive early—but not unprepared. Consider bringing a portable fan, staying hydrated, and using cooling towels or umbrellas to beat the heat. Try to catch one of the first shows of the day before the temperature peaks, and be ready to stake out your spot well before showtime.
This villains show is a bold, theatrical win for Disney. It’s fun, flashy, and interactive in all the right ways. But until the waiting experience is addressed, the biggest villain in this story might not be Hades or Cruella—it could be the Florida sun.