We’re just one month out from August 23, the night a record number of Disney villains – more than 50 in all – will invade Disney’s Hollywood Studios as part of the park’s new, separately ticketed event, “Villains Unleashed.” While some of the surprises being planned for this one-night-only party remain hidden under a cloak of mystery, other tantalizing details are beginning to emerge, and it’s shaping up to be one fiendishly fun evening!
- Hades Hangout – The party kicks off at 8 p.m. at the main event stage, where hosts Hades, Megara, Pain and Panic are killing ‘em with comedy. They’re joined throughout the night by the Underworld Dancers, DJ Igg Nite, live music from Bernie Briquette and Brimstone, and a rogues gallery of roaming rottens, from the Queen of Hearts and Sheriff of Nottingham to the Big Bad Wolf and Captain Hook.
- Villains Dominion – For this one special night, the Streets of America area of the park will be swarming with baddies. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to meet favorites like Cruella De Vil, Jafar, Dr. Facilier and Gaston, along with more rarely seen baddies such as Shan Yu from “Mulan,” Bowler Hat Guy from “Meet the Robinsons,” or Captain Gantu and Dr. Hämsterviel from “Lilo & Stitch: The Series.” In addition to these dedicated villain encounters, you may spot even more wandering evildoers in the area. Look for Judge Claude Frollo, Lady Tremaine, Anastasia, Drizella, and more!
- The Dark Side – During “Villains Unleashed,” the area around Star Tours – The Adventures Continue becomes a wretched hive of scum and villainy, the place to find nefarious bounty hunter Boba Fett, Sith apprentice Darth Maul, and the ultimate villain – Darth Vader! And that’s not all! Wandering the area, you’ll stumble upon more malcontents from that galaxy far, far away: Zam Wessel, Aurra Sing, Asajj Ventress, Jango Fett, Greedo, Jawas, and others.
- Villainous Encounters – Visit Stage 4 (where The Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow attraction is seen during the day), and you can “Parlay” with the one and only Hector Barbossa. And just around the corner in the Animation Courtyard is where you’ll discover a bit of the Moors, where you can have an audience with the mistress of all evil, Maleficent!
- Oogie Boogie’s Freaky Funhouse Show – Over on Sunset Boulevard, Theater of the Stars presents a production of extreme performances, hosted by the original master of scare-monies, Oogie Boogie. It’s an all-new show that’s sure to thrill!
- Fantasmic! – Strolling up Sunset Boulevard, a gang of villainous henchmen, known as the Night Crawlers, tempt you to join them for a special pre-show to the evening’s performance of Fantasmic!, itself a celebration of the power and intrigue of some of the greatest Disney villains.
- “Villainy in the Sky” Fireworks – Ultimately, Hades summons Maleficent to the main event stage to close things out with a devilishly dazzling display of pyrotechnics!
And there’s more! You can get a Villains ExScream Makeover with complimentary face painting at stations around Echo Lake, join in on one of the dance parties taking place in the park, and enjoy a wicked cabaret atmosphere – not to mention some delectable, small-plate menu items – at Club Evil in the Hollywood Brown Derby.
For fans of Disney’s darker characters, “Villains Unleashed” promises to be a nightmare come true! It’s all happening one night only, August 23, 2014, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. You won’t want to miss it, so get your tickets now, before they all disappear!
Comments
With the exception of Maleficent and Barbossa (whose meets start at 8:30), what time will all of the other meets begin and end?
Will a time guide be released soon?
Can we have dinner in the park before the 5pm entrance time?
It has been a week and still no answers to my questions. Is this site still active?
Will we be able to wear costumes at the early entry time (5pm)?
I know sometimes they restrict costumes at MNSSHP before official start time.
Thanks!!
What is the suggested age range for attendees? Will this event be okay for younger children (6-8 yoa) or more for the older crowd?
We’re REALLY looking forward to this event! We have three questions though. First, when we bought our tickets we were told we could enter the park at 7:00 pm. Twice in this blog it says we can enter the park at 5:00 pm. Which is it? Second…what time will the face painting begin at Echo Lake? And last, what rides and attractions will be closed during the event, which will be open, and will Fast Passes be available? This sounds like a fantastic evening, and we really can’t wait!
Just got our tickets! Looking forward
We have plans to go to another park that day? We did NOT buy a hopper pass. If we buy tickets, does that count as hopping???
Ronald – Your Villains Unleashed event ticket is not a park-hopper, but will grant you admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios starting as early as 5 p.m. on August 23, even if you’ve already spent the first part of the day in another park using a separate ticket.
I hope you bring back Angelica, from Pirates of the Caribbean….I missed here when she was at Magic Kingdom 3 years ago. 🙁
Hi – can’t wait for the event – looks awesome – is there enough room for everybody to see Fantasmic or is it recommended to get there really early
David – The Hollywood Hills Amphitheater holds quite a lot of people, but not the full number of Guests who will be attending the event. If you want to be sure to get in, you’ll want to get there ahead of showtime. Besides, our exclusive Villains Unleashed pre-show starts 25 minutes before the start of Fantasmic! You won’t want to miss that!
Does the price include entry into Hollywood Studios? Thanks.
Nicholas – Yes. A ticket to “Villains Unleashed” includes park admission after 5 p.m. on August 23.
Also, will the waiting areas to meet each villain that isn’t simply roaming around be clearly labeled? That was an issue with Limited Time Magic last year… one line for all three villain stages and no guarantee the character you wanted would be there since they rotated in and out. My #1 priority is to get a shot with Maleficent since I missed out last year in the out-of-control crowds of last year.
Ashley – We’re always looking for ways to improve our Guests’ experience. The team received all the feedback from last year’s Limited Time Magic event and has worked to resolve those concerns in the planning and production of “Villains Unleashed.”
I know you mentioned that merchandise will be available. Are they going to hold the merchandise until the park closes for the day so only ticketed guests have first access? I attended the Limited Time Magic version of this event last year and they put everything out during the day so it all sold out before that event started.
Really hoping that Yzma and Kronk will make it on to the guest list… two of my all time favourite characters!
Can’t wait for the event- so delighted to have something special to attend during our holiday in August! 😀
Is that how Maleficent will appear going forward? My husband and I are planning to attend MNSSHP in the fall and I’m wondering if it will be the “real” Maleficent or the newer version.
Molly – Maleficent does use her magic to change her appearance from time to time. She will only appear this way, however, during special events such as “Villains Unleashed.”
Wouldn’t it be awesome if the flying dragon from the New Fantasyland opening made an appearance?
Can guests join in the fun with tasteful costumes?
Kevin – Yes, ticketed party guests may dress up and show their Disney Villain side as part of the event! Of course, all costumes must adhere to any guidelines as determined solely by Disney. Please choose costumes that are not obstructive, offensive, or violent. Guests’ eyes must be visible at all times.
I got my ticket the last day of pre-sales for annual passes…and I thought I was going to be too late and it would be sold out. I’m a little shocked there are still tickets. So…I have to ask what the limit of tickets are? I hope it’s not so packed and wall-to-wall guests that you can’t move!
Christopher – We definitely wanted to give Passholders the first opportunity at tickets. Although sales are continuing, rest assured there is a pre-determined limit that will keep the event comfortable and enjoyable for everyone.
Does anyone know if the villains will be posing for autographs or signing (or both)? I’ve never been to an event like this, so I’m totally lost.
Karen – There will be dedicated photo locations in the Villains Dominion and Dark Side areas, where you can queue up to get a picture with some favorite baddies. Many of the villains roaming the park during the event may also pause for photos. As for autographs, the team is working on a plan for autograph cards, similar to what was offered during our Limited Time Magic events last year, so everyone will get some fun take-aways from the night.
We are so excited for this event. In the case of rain or bad weather, is there a rain contingency plan for the character meet and greets?
Mandy – The team is working out the details of their rain plan, so you’ll still get to see your favorite villains, even if the weather turns wicked.
I am so excited for this event! Will there be some villainous merchandise as well?
Sarah – Yes, the Merchandise team is working on several event-specific items, which will be available on that night.
Still, what’s with that “50 different villains” thing from the earlier announcements? We’ve been trying to do the math for a month now!
Think Gantu and Hamster are from the overseas parks (where more “obscure” TV and supporting characters show up) but that’s new.
Eric – The team promises 50 different villains for the event. In an earlier post here on Disney Parks Blog, Jennifer Fickley-Baker offered a sneak peek at the “Guest List,” previewing 25 baddies expected to attend. In this post, I mention another 11. That leaves 14 more for you to discover. We have to leave some surprises for the big night, right?!
We are guessing this is going to be a HUGE success and that possibly you may eventually expand on it, similar to the Star Wars weekends, for Villains?! Or maybe a new ride in the future? 🙂
James – It’s hard to predict what the future may bring, but at Disney we’re always looking for ways to create wonderful new experiences for our guests!
I am so excited about attending this event! Especially meeting Captain Gantu! Will a full schedule be released in advance so we can plan the evening? Is the pre show the only difference to Fantasmic, or will there be extra villains throughout the show? Is it green Maleficent or live action Maleficent doing the meet and greets?
Can’t wait to attend….costume is sorted! I hope we manage to squeeze everything in, it’s all so exciting!
Jason – It’s going to be a thrilling night, for sure! We’ll have more details on show and event times soon. The Fantasmic! pre-show will begin about 25 minutes before the scheduled start of Fantasmic! That will be followed by a regular performance of Fantasmic! in all its glory! As for Maleficent, she’ll be appearing at this event just as you see her pictured here. 😉
Thanks Shawn, it is looking to be a Frightful night!
Im a little confused on the times though. Will there be a hard close to DHS that night with the park being cleared, or will it be a mix in like MNSSHP?
Thanks
George – Yes, it will function as a mix-in, similar to the parties held at Magic Kingdom Park. Disney’s Hollywood Studios closes at 7 p.m. on August 23. Guests holding tickets for “Villains Unleashed” will be able to arrive as early as 5 p.m. (btw, it’s recommended that if you’re driving, you come in through the main auto plaza entrance at the southern end of the park, just off World Drive). The villainous festivities begin at 8 p.m. and continue until 1 a.m.
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