Disney is going big with its upcoming Villains Land at Magic Kingdom—but not in the way most people thought.
While Maleficent, the Evil Queen, and Hades were obvious shoo-ins, recent details reveal that Disney might be dipping deep into its animated vault for inspiration.
A new guest survey is giving us a peek behind the curtain. Alongside the usual big names, it lists some villains many guests haven’t seen in decades: Yzma from The Emperor’s New Groove, Ratigan from The Great Mouse Detective, Madam Mim from The Sword in the Stone, Stromboli from Pinocchio, and even the Horned King from The Black Cauldron.
Why go with characters that casual fans might not instantly recognize? Disney seems to be aiming for a balance. By mixing icons with unexpected additions, the land could appeal to a wide range of visitors—from those who grew up on the classics to those who love discovering the “hidden gems” of Disney’s villain roster.
This approach also opens creative doors. Lesser-known villains can be used in unique ways without the pressure of meeting high fan expectations. Imagine an attraction themed around the Horned King’s shadowy fortress or a whimsical Yzma’s lab show where her experiments keep going hilariously wrong.
The land itself, inspired by the gothic style of Maleficent’s castle, is still in the early build stage. Two major attractions are confirmed, along with immersive dining and shopping experiences. And while Disney hasn’t locked in the final villain lineup, the mix of names floating around already has fans buzzing.
For many, the real excitement lies in the possibility of meeting characters they never thought they’d see in the parks—especially ones who have never had a dedicated presence before. Villains land isn’t just shaping up to be a celebration of the bad guys we all know. It could be a tribute to the underdogs—or under-villains—of Disney history.
If the final version of the land delivers on this promise, fans might find themselves rooting for characters they barely remembered… and loving every wicked minute of it.
