Villain's Land
- Brian
- Sep 12
- 4 min read
In true Disney Villain fashion—bold, dramatic, and just a little bit wicked—Villain’s Land has officially been announced, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most daring expansions the Magic Kingdom has seen in over a decade. Rising from the shadows and claiming part of the area once home to Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America, this new land arrives in a swirl of eerie green mist and flashes of villainous purple, promising a realm unlike anything currently in the park.
With jagged cliffs, gothic architecture, glowing pools of mysterious magic, and just the right touch of sinister sparkle, Villain’s Land looks like a page torn straight from your favorite dark fairytale. It’s a richly themed world where the baddies take center stage—and honestly, it’s about time.
The ambition behind this project echoes the scale and storytelling depth we last saw with the Fantasyland expansion in 2013, and if early concepts are any indication, this land will be packed with immersive details, atmospheric thrills, and surprises lurking around every corner. In short: your imagination won’t get a moment’s rest.
Where Will It Be?
Disney has confirmed that Villains Land will rise “beyond Big Thunder Mountain,” but as for the exact location and size? That part’s still cloaked in mystery—fitting for a land ruled by dark magic and mischief. While Disney hasn’t shared official blueprints just yet, fans online have been buzzing with speculation and concept images, each offering slightly different takes on where this shadowy kingdom might unfold.
Based on what we’ve seen and heard, it’s reasonable to expect that Villains Land could rival the size of Fantasyland, or come in just a bit smaller—similar in scale to Cars Land at Disney California Adventure. But size aside, the real excitement lies in the creative potential. Whether it's cursed castles, villain-themed rides, or sinister meet-and-greets, the possibilities are endless—and they’re all poised to make Magic Kingdom feel more magical, and more mischievous, than ever before.
Rides, You Say?
Every land has to have rides! Although Disney has not confirmed all the details of the rides, what is known right now is that there will be 2 "major" new attractions. While the possibilities are endless for what could be done, judging on the renderings that have been released so far, I'm betting there will be some sort of all-inclusive villain story ride or a wild rollercoaster inside the villains' castle.
If Disney leans into the villain theme as boldly as fans hope, we could see some seriously inventive attractions. Imagine:
A Maleficent dragon coaster—a high-speed indoor/outdoor thrill ride through a cursed forest, complete with fire effects and transforming animatronics.
A descent into the Underworld with Hades, via a dark ride that mixes humor, horror, and high-tech visuals.
A multi-villain dark ride that whisks guests from one villain’s lair to another—think Ursula’s grotto, Scar’s elephant graveyard, and Jafar’s dungeon, all seamlessly connected with projection mapping and practical effects.
I'll update this page with details as they become available.
What Villains Will Be Here?
Probably all of them. The classics, like Maleficent, will probably have key landmarks, like a castle, while newer ones, such as the Villain Kids (VK's), given their popularity, will surely be represented. I'm hoping Disnye can blend the old and new in a new and fun way to re-spark the imagination of adults while drawing in kids to this dark world.
Wicked Eats and Treats
My guess is that Disney will take elements from past Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween parties to create delectable eats and treats that will be both unique and
No villain-themed land would be complete without some equally devilish dining options. Possible concepts could include:
The Queen of Hearts’ Banquet Hall – a whimsically menacing sit-down restaurant with over-the-top décor and royal-level desserts (just don’t lose your head over the bill).
Dr. Facilier’s Voodoo Lounge – a moody, jazzy quick-service spot with Cajun-inspired bites, shadowy cocktails, and some “friends on the other side.”
Poison Apple Treats – a snack stand offering twisted takes on Disney classics, like black caramel apples, “cursed” churros, and glow-in-the-dark potions.
Character Experiences
Just as with the food and drinks, it's my expectation that Disney will take hints from past Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Parties and incorporate the opportunity to meet iconic baddies on their home turf. We could see:
Rotating villain meet-and-greets, featuring fan favorites like Maleficent, the Evil Queen, Captain Hook, and Hades in immersive, story-driven settings.
A villain stage show or mini parade, maybe something akin to Fantasmic!, that lets these characters shine in their full dramatic glory.
Interactive character experiences, like a spell-casting challenge hosted by a snarky villain sidekick, or a “Which villain are you?” magical mirror experience.
But, Wait . . . What About The Train?
The Walt Disney World Railroad goes right through the planned Villain's Land. Normally, that doesn't bode well for maintaining attractions. While Disney hasn't officially announced what will happen to the railroad, my assumption is that this American classic, and a favorite of Walt Disney, will remain but be modified to go to a new Villain's station.
Ready To Villain?
So . . . I'll be at the park for opening day of Villains Land, ready to take on the evil. Will you?
