Walt Disney World Resort has officially set the stage for one of its most exciting expansions in recent memory. After years of anticipation, construction is underway to add a new Disney Villains land to Magic Kingdom Park, making it bigger than ever.
As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance the Magic Kingdom, Imagineers made a big promise: the Disney Villains land will expand the park’s footprint without removing any existing attractions. The area will offer an exciting mix of attractions, dining, and entertainment, bringing some of Disney’s most nefarious characters to life in an entirely new way.
However, this expansion will noticeably change the landscape outside Magic Kingdom Park. Earlier this year, Imagineering filed early construction permits for the Disney Villains land and another area, Piston Peak National Park, which will replace the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island in Frontierland.
In June, crews cleared hundreds, if not thousands, of trees around the Frontierland area to make space for staging and construction. Public documents reveal a gravel equipment staging lot and a trailer office complex will occupy the newly cleared area. This space will serve as a base for the ongoing construction projects and could potentially become a cast member area once the Villains land is fully realized.
As of August 2025, Walt Disney World Resort is finally clearing land specifically for the Villains expansion. According to Attractions Magazine, crews have once again bulldozed hundreds, if not thousands, of trees behind Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. X (formerly known as Twitter) user @Bioreconstruct also shared a photo of the construction site:
Aerial photo of the newest land clearing, West of Magic Kingdom.
While Disney has remained tight-lipped about most details, Imagineers have teased some exciting prospects for the Villains land. Early concept art features a Maleficent-themed area and hints at a potential roller coaster.
Walt Disney World Resort hasn’t shared a grand opening date for any of the ongoing developments at Magic Kingdom Park. Stay tuned to Disney Fanatic for updates!
Has construction impacted your visit to Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park? Share your story with Disney Fanatic in the comments!
