Change is stirring in Frontierland, and with it comes a dynamic mix of classic charm and daring new adventures. Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom is currently undergoing a sweeping reimagining of this iconic land, and the transformation is shaping up to be the most expansive in its history.
Much of the excitement surrounds the enigmatic “Beyond Big Thunder” project—a long-speculated Villains-themed land. Though Disney has not yet revealed full details, its presence looms large. In August, the Disney Parks Blog shared this intriguing preview during the D23 Expo Experiences showcase:
“…this new land will be home to the Disney Villains we know and loathe from our favorite Walt Disney Animation Studios classic films — Which means happily ever after may feel like just a distant dream,” the Mouse House said. “The evil ambition of all these Villains means that the possibilities are endless for the stories that can be told — and visitors to the dark and thorny land should be prepared for whatever chaos might come their way.”
New photos from Kenny the Pirate show the area already being cleared, with uprooted trees and heavy machinery beginning to shape the foundation. Fans are eager to see if this new realm will feature thrilling encounters like a Hades-themed water ride or the long theorized Maleficent Mountain.
Disney has officially referred to the Villains project as its “largest land expansion ever.” While no timeline has been announced, the pace of change suggests big reveals may be just over the horizon.
Helping to make room for this dramatic shift is the temporary closure of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, which ceased operations on January 6, 2025. The refurbishment includes removing the maintenance shed and potentially creating a transition space into the darker realms beyond. Disney has promised that the beloved attraction will return in 2026 with “a little bit of new magic.”
Simultaneously, a completely different kind of thrill is racing toward the park. Frontierland will soon feature a Cars-themed area, set to replace Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America. While the move has stirred passionate reactions, Disney is moving forward with plans for two attractions: a high-speed rally adventure and a gentler family ride for younger visitors.
Elsewhere in the land, more upgrades have already rolled out. In July 2024, the Country Bear Jamboree welcomed guests back with updated musical numbers and refreshed storytelling. And over in the southern bayous, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure has officially opened its doors, inviting guests into an all-new journey that picks up after the events of The Princess and the Frog. The experience combines original music with richly detailed scenes inspired by New Orleans culture.
While the full layout of the Villains-themed expansion remains under wraps, Disney has teased that “the space will be home to two major attractions, dining, and shopping on an incredibly twisted grand scale…”
As the Magic Kingdom ushers in this bold new era, Frontierland is becoming a stage for innovation, nostalgia, and storytelling like never before. Whether you’re ready to rev up for a race or descend into the lair of a Disney villain, there’s no doubt that the next chapter is well underway.
Let us know in the comments how you feel about Villains Land becoming Magic Kingdom’s largest expansion ever—we want to hear from you!
