Earlier this year, Walt Disney World revealed new details about its villains expansion for Magic Kingdom. Disney confirmed the land’s official name, an original backstory, and the first details on the two attractions that will anchor it.
The news came during Horizons: A Carousel of Progress, the Disney Experiences showcase held at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. On stage, Walt Disney Imagineering President and Chief Creative Officer Bruce Vaughn and Executive Creative Director Caroline May walked fans through the project. Disney first announced the expansion at D23 in 2024.
The expansion will be called Villains Land. The title follows the naming convention established by Fantasyland and Tomorrowland, though the mood will be much darker than anything guests find in the park today. Disney also compared the land’s scale to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. That comparison points to a major build rather than a small themed pocket. Dining, retail, and other experiences are also planned.
Aerial imagery shared by photographer Bioreconstruct recently shows how extensive the work has become. The photo captures both the Villains Land site and the transformation of the Rivers of America into Piston Peak National Park, a new area inspired by the Cars franchise.
Aerial overview of construction of Villains Land and Piston Peak National Park.
Aerial overview of construction of Villains Land and Piston Peak National Park. pic.twitter.com/OP3tNN4HPY
— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) October 19, 2026
Villains Land will not recreate scenes from the classic films. Instead, it will present an original story drawing on characters from Walt Disney Animation Studios. Guests will step into a foreboding forest and come upon a ruined Wishing Well. An unidentified figure corrupted the well by making an evil wish there. That poisoned magic has spread through the woods and drawn Disney’s villains in to claim what is left. Each villain is building a lair, ranging from imposing fortresses to elaborate palaces.
The first headliner is a roller coaster built around Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty (1959). Riders accept her invitation and race through the enchanted briars that surround her mountaintop fortress. Imagineering said the coaster will include elements the team has never tried on comparable rides.
Disney has not yet shared the coaster’s name, layout, technical specifications, or opening date.
The second attraction is a dark ride hosted by the Magic Mirror. The experience begins in the catacombs beneath the Evil Queen’s palace. Guests are then carried into the Mirror Realm, where a lineup of villains awaits. Disney plans to combine special effects with physical sets, though the full character roster and ride system have not been announced.
Villains Land now has a confirmed name, a defined story, two distinct attractions, and a footprint on the scale of Galaxy’s Edge. The project has clearly moved past the concept phase. Coaster fans will be watching Maleficent’s attraction closely, while guests who prefer immersive storytelling may lean toward the Magic Mirror ride. Ride names and opening dates are still to come, and Disney has confirmed more details will follow.
How excited are you for Villains Land? Let us know in the comments below.
