New information about the rides & eating places rumored for Walt Disney Global’s allegedly “larger and bolder” plans for the impending Villains Land at Magic Kingdom. Right here’s a rundown about how the points of interest have reportedly modified, what’s been added, plus our observation assessing the most likely veracity and what’s excellent vs. dangerous concerning the supposedly new plans.
The most recent twist in this rumor comes by means of an unique in TheWrap via Drew Taylor. This writer has had Walt Disney Global scoops, maximum lately that the Big name Wars resort could be transformed to place of job house in addition to there being two competing places for Monstropolis following the closing D23 Expo.
Even if Taylor has a excellent monitor report and turns out well-sourced, I need to underscore (a couple of occasions!) that each one of what’s coated on this article is rumor, no longer legit information. Additionally, we’re doubtful about a large number of this, and strongly counsel taking all of it with a large pinch of salt.
Formally, little or no has been printed since Villains Land used to be first introduced. For the reason that closing D23 Expo, all we’ve realized is that Villains Land will function “Conjured Structure,” which is mainly a cursed twist on Artwork Nouveau. Disney additionally printed the 13 vintage villains who will probably be featured in Villains Land. However that’s in point of fact about it.
For reference, the unique announcement indicated that Villains Land at Magic Kingdom will probably be house to 2 primary points of interest, eating, and buying groceries on a shockingly twisted grand scale. “It’s going to be a fearless new imaginative and prescient for what a Disney revel in will also be,” Josh D’Amaro teased when saying Villains Land.
Up till two weeks or so in the past, it used to be broadly believed that Villains Land will come with an outside “tale coaster” and an indoor family-friendly darkish journey. This used to be in response to a mix of idea artwork, knowledgeable hypothesis, lets in & paperwork filed with Florida, and a splash of credible rumors.
In opposition to that backdrop, we had closing week’s rumor by means of Len Testa of Disney Dish Podcast with Jim Hill. He kicked this all off via writing that the unique plans for Villains Land have been “scrapped” and that Imagineers were instructed to dream up “larger, bolder” concepts with finances secondary. (See closing week’s article: Is Walt Disney Global Going Larger & Bolder on Villains Land?)
Within the 10 days that experience adopted, we’ve heard so much. Rebutting the ones rumors, I’ve been knowledgeable that the size and scope of the funding did alternate, however that took place kind of a 12 months in the past. And that even so, not anything substantive modified. That it used to be the similar land albeit with a bigger finances. Additionally, that the unique plans have been locked into position overdue closing 12 months.
In the meantime, others have painted an image in line with lately’s reporting in TheWrap, albeit with a ways much less specificity. My hesitation with this meant corroboration is that it’s tricky to discern simply what number of unique assets in reality exist for those rumors.
It appears like there are a number of assets, however it would simply as simply be a foul recreation of phone with one less-than-credible beginning that’s now spreading like wildfire. Ostensibly, the “scrapping” of plans would possibly appear sufficiently sourced, however that won’t in reality be the truth. It may well be one individual going round, serving as the similar supply.
I point out this as a result of it’s turning into an increasing number of unusual for the latter form of credible rumor. Submit-COVID, the standard rumor mill has in large part dried up for this sort of tale. So much has modified as in comparison to 2017-2019, when it used to be the wild west for rumors. This isn’t to mention there’s no longer nonetheless chatter early on, however it’s normally lovely imprecise.
The level within the recreation when rumors normally crystalize is when plans move out to 3rd events. When the bidding procedure begins, out of doors contractors are introduced on board–that type of factor. Intuitively, this must make sense. The extra events concerned, particularly the ones exterior to Disney, the upper the possibility of a leak. It’s additionally relatively more secure to proportion at that time, specifically with other people you believe!
In different phrases, plans that have been locked into position and able to start building would have a far upper propensity to leak than ones which can be nonetheless on the drafting board inside the halls of WDI. The latter would nearly essentially must be leaked via somebody at the undertaking workforce itself. The chance, particularly in sharing anything else explicit, could be greatly top. That is exceedingly uncommon, particularly by means of more than one assets.
Anyway, I be offering all of that as background context so you’ll assess for your self the veracity of the newest rumors from TheWrap. I’ll additionally offer my take alongside the best way after each and every rumor.
Emperor’s New Groove Circle of relatives Coaster
The curler coaster used to be at the beginning deliberate to be the large draw, however is now considered because the supporting appeal. As the idea that artwork prompt, it used to be going to be themed to Maleficent from “Napping Attractiveness.” Consistent with Taylor, it used to be supposed to be an actual thrill journey (equivalent in depth to TRON Lightcycle Run or a Common coaster), probably borrowing components from the Bald Mountain idea relationship to the Nineteen Nineties.
The brand new rumor is that it’s being revisited as a extra family-friendly coaster, alongside the strains of Slinky Canine Sprint at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, bearing in mind extra visitors because of a decrease top requirement. This may additionally, theoretically, decrease the bar to make it a Lightning Lane Multi-Move appeal.
The brand new family members coaster is rumored to be themed to “The Emperor’s New Groove.” As you’re most likely conscious, Yzma and Kronk in reality journey a rollercoaster in that movie. Construction this journey in actual existence would provide the wish-fulfillment “pull the lever” second.
I’d word right here that, in accordance with my Record of Disney Motion pictures That Must Have Rides, the overpowering reader consensus used to be that this precise appeal used to be the only I must’ve indexed. (A “mistake” that I remedied with the follow-up Disney Animated Motion pictures Deserving Darkish Rides a couple of years later.)
I will not corroborate any of those rumors, however particularly this one. It’s solely conceivable that my data is old-fashioned, however I’ve reason why to consider this can be a Maleficent “tale” coaster. With that mentioned, a couple of issues…
First, I at all times anticipated this to be a family-friendly curler coaster. My bet would’ve put this someplace between Seven Dwarfs Mine Teach and TRON Lightcycle Run on the subject of depth, and it’s honest to mention that Slinky Canine Sprint hits that mark on that. So if the unique idea in reality used to be nearer to a Common coaster (I don’t assume it used to be), perhaps they’re revisiting that.
2d, I’m skeptical that the indoor vs. outside difference (as the thing suggests) has any referring to Lightning Lane Unmarried Move vs. Multi-Move standing. That section simply doesn’t cross the odor take a look at for me, and is well rebutted via Seven Dwarfs Mine Teach. I might additionally danger a bet that Disney made a miscalculation when giving Slinky Canine Sprint LLMP, however it might be an terrible glance to ‘carry’ it to LLSP.
I absolutely be expecting 3 new Lightning Lane Unmarried Move points of interest between Villains Land and Piston Top. My expectation is that Seven Dwarfs Mine Teach will probably be downgraded to LLMP, making for a complete of four LLSP at Magic Kingdom. That’ll be two greater than every other park at Walt Disney Global when Villains Land opens, and extra on par with the Tokyo DisneySea method.
3rd, there’s going to be a lot debate about “The Emperor’s New Groove” serving as the root for a curler coaster, and whether or not it’s in style sufficient, has vending possible, and many others. My sizzling take: it doesn’t topic! A excellent appeal transcends its supply subject matter.
As for whether or not they’d construct this within the first position, glance no additional than TRON Lightcycle Run or Tiana’s Bayou Journey. It must be telling that the 2 latest rides in Magic Kingdom are in response to IPs that aren’t specifically in style, and each are doing simply nice.
The promoting for Villains Land goes to revolve across the land as a complete, versus the person points of interest or underlying IPs. Specifically, TRON Lightcycle Run proved that placing visitors into the tale of the film with a want fulfillment-esque revel in is usually a profitable transfer.
In spite of everything, although I’m lovely skeptical of this rumor…I am hoping it’s true! That is probably an unpopular opinion, however curler coasters don’t seem to be Walt Disney Global’s robust swimsuit. The most important exception is Cosmic Rewind, and so they spent a fortune on that. To each and every their very own, however I would like Disney to spend much less on curler coasters and extra on darkish rides. Someone who craves giant thrills must seek advice from Common Orlando.
Talking of the darkish journey…
Maleficent Mega E-Price ticket
Consistent with Taylor, the main indoor appeal goes to function Maleficent from “Napping Attractiveness,” and will probably be an indoor water-based appeal the usage of the journey gadget shape the Pirates of the Caribbean: Fight for the Sunken Treasure at Shanghai Disneyland.
For individuals who are unfamiliar with it, Pirates of the Caribbean: Fight for the Sunken Treasure is a superb appeal, arguably most sensible 10 in all of the global, and a large a part of this is its leading edge journey gadget. From a technological viewpoint, I will’t bring to mind many points of interest that method Shanghai Pirates. The one one with similar wow-factor at this level is Big name Wars: Upward thrust of the Resistance.
It’s in reality a disgrace that it’s taken see you later for some other appeal to make use of this journey gadget, as it’s that excellent. A superlative use of era that melds bodily display scenes with displays and will flip a leisurely boat journey into an motion collection, going from at the water to the sky or anyplace. Fight for the Sunken Treasure is the reason why to seek advice from Shanghai Disneyland.
My overview of this rumor could also be a large number of skepticism.
I’ve heard a number of rumors concerning the darkish journey for Villains Land, none of which I’d essentially deem credible. That is the primary time I’ve ever heard the Shanghai Pirates journey gadget discussed. That’s no longer why I’m skeptical, although. It makes whole sense for Imagineering to need to convey that wow-inducing journey gadget stateside! (It’s almost certainly coming to Avatar at DCA, if that land nonetheless occurs.)
The rationale I’m skeptical is as a result of the contemporary Submitting Revealing Display Construction Sizes & Places of Automobiles & Villains Lands. The development for the darkish journey is huge, however no longer that massive. That’s doubly true if, as I’ve heard, it is going to space each the darkish journey and the eating place deliberate for the land.
After all, it’s conceivable that those plans will probably be re-filed, so it’s no longer like that’s some insurmountable impediment. However TheWrap’s reporting insinuated that each one of those adjustments are conceivable inside the bounds of the ones infrastructure plans. I don’t consider it’s life like to have a Shanghai Pirates degree appeal and dinner display (see under) inside the recognized footprint of that development.
I’d additionally like to be incorrect about this! Shanghai Pirates is basically unbelievable, and the Villains Land Mega E-Price ticket the usage of that journey gadget could be a colossal win. Frankly, it might additionally make sense from my viewpoint to increase that display development the entire method at the back of “it’s a small global.” Through which case, there could be enough house for this Mega E-Price ticket and eating place multi functional.
I might even be shocked if either one of the primary points of interest are unmarried IP. Certainly one of them, certain. However I’d be expecting the opposite to function a medley of villains, a l. a. Avengers Infinity Protection at DCA.
Hades Dinner Display
In keeping with TheWrap’s rumor, Hades will rule over a dinner display that’s described as in the similar genre because the Diamond Horseshoe Revue, a (defunct) dinner display on the Magic Kingdom. Ache and Panic could be alongside for the joys, with further villains filtering in.
This reportedly could be a full-service, sit-down eating place with pre fixe eating. It could allegedly take where of a cafe themed to Madam Medusa from “The Rescuers.”
This one partially passes my odor take a look at and partially fails it spectacularly. A Hades-hosted dinner display that’s mainly “Villains This night!” with a montage medley of baddies is smart. It exams all the packing containers, from being a profitable upcharge to that includes quite a lot of characters.
It could additionally be offering an oblique alternative for Villains Unfairly Ever After at DHS in addition to (uh oh) Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular at MNSSHP. That is the primary I’ve heard of this idea, however it is smart–particularly the “monetize a level display” perspective.
The place it fails for me is first within the advice that Madam Medusa, a personality whose title I needed to Google, used to be in the past the owner or no matter for the venue. I do know I simply wrote that underlying IP doesn’t topic if the idea that is powerful sufficient, however there are limits to that. It is a crimson flag that has me doubtful.
Now not best that, however Disney in the past launched the record of 13 villains within the land, and Madam Medusa used to be no longer considered one of them. This would possibly appear nitpicky, but if dissecting rumors to resolve veracity, the satan is in the main points.
Circle of relatives Pleasant 3rd Journey
Consistent with TheWrap, there can be a 3rd journey within the land, which used to be no longer a part of the unique plans. That is anticipated to be a flat journey, most likely a Dumb-style spinner, however themed to Ursula from “The Little Mermaid.” That is supposedly a recycled pitch from DCA.
That is some other tale of partially passing the odor take a look at and partially failing it. If this rumor have been merely that the flat journey in the past deliberate for Piston Top had shifted over to Villains Land, I’d almost certainly consider it. Any such state of affairs makes very best sense, as it might give extra respiring room to the Automobiles Rally Racer E-Price ticket, and make allowance for extra placemaking in Piston Top.
That will assist give an explanation for the place the distance for the dashing river and different water options got here from which can be discovered within the A laugh Map. It could additionally make sense of the conspicuous omission of the second one Automobiles appeal in actually the entirety we’ve noticed since D23. We lately speculated that this used to be as a result of a confidential patent submitting, however howdy, perhaps it’s as a result of there’s been interior debate about whether or not that appeal must shift to Villains Land.
If I had a vote on this topic, I might recommend for that.
Piston Top Nationwide Park is a subsection of the prevailing Frontierland. When all is alleged and accomplished, it’s almost certainly going to be considered as Frontierland versus its personal distinct factor. And Frontierland already has its personal points of interest. Now not best that, however extra space for placemaking and water options is a big win.
In contrast, Villains Land being but some other new land with best 2 points of interest is much less optimum. There’s already been a large number of fan grievance about this, and whilst I don’t essentially agree (New Orleans Sq. is superb!), I am getting it. There’s without a doubt one thing to be mentioned for the Fable Springs method.
My skepticism this is the perception that Magic Kingdom goes to haven’t begun some other Dumbo genre spinner.
Extra flat rides are nice. Not like a large number of Disney lovers, I strongly consider they’ve a spot within the parks and assist spherical out journey rosters. However I query the concept Magic Kingdom is getting but some other Dumbo spinner versus one thing that’s in reality flat at the floor.
I’m no longer simply skeptical as a result of Magic Kingdom already has a number of spinners; there’s additionally the possibility that any such journey would nearly indubitably be centrally-located, and an aerial appeal like this would possibly seem to “cheapen” the land’s aesthetics and setting. Any flat journey between Piston Top and Villains Land is almost certainly going to be more straightforward to hide or mix in with the panorama.
Circle of relatives Center of attention & Inspiration
Consistent with theWrap, the “level of reference” for Villains Land has long past from Darkish Universe to Easy methods to Teach Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, each at Epic Universe. Isle of Berk received the 2026 Thea Award for Exceptional Success within the Theme Park Land class; it’s higher, comprises extra rides and eating places, products, and many others. Isle of Berk could also be brighter and extra family-friendly.
This shouldn’t come as an enormous marvel to any individual who learn our earlier observation, as I shared that Imagineers have been blown away via Monsters Unchained, however no longer Darkish Universe as a complete. That is rarely a closely-guarded secret, and is a horny commonplace response to Darkish Universe, except you’re like a goth or one thing.
I’ve shared on a number of events that Darkish Universe used to be the land I used to be maximum excited for, however the one who I discovered maximum underwhelming. Very on-line lovers would possibly hate to listen to this, however Darkish Universe does no longer resonate with mainstream audiences in the similar method as the opposite core portals at Epic Universe.
Even so, the comparability to Isle of Berk falls aside for me. It’s a perfect land, essentially the most well-rounded and whole of the ones at Epic Universe. On the identical time, it doesn’t have robust parallels to what’s described within the above rumors.
The ones make Villains Land sound extra similar to Fable Springs or a mixture of parts from Epic Universe, and in all probability closest to Tremendous Nintendo Global? (I suppose they’re going to give you the chance to monetize interactivity within the land a l. a. the Energy Up Bands.)
With that mentioned, I’m no longer in the slightest degree shocked about Villains Land being family-friendly. However as with a few of what’s mentioned above, I might’ve assumed this used to be the plan all alongside!
In truth, I’ve been shocked via one of the crucial feedback we’ve gained in accordance with Villains Land. It appears like many lovers are assuming that is going to be Halloween Horror Nights-adjacent. My assumption all alongside has been that it’d be tamer than Mickey’s Now not So Frightening Halloween Celebration.
From the start, Disney has been unsure about how Villains Land could be gained. There have been interior apprehensions about shifting ahead with Villains Land pre-D23. Considerations that it might be considered as “too darkish” or “no longer sufficiently mainstream” for Magic Kingdom, and many others.
With that mentioned, if I’ve heard this fan comments, so too has Walt Disney Global. I thus wouldn’t be shocked in the event that they’re discovering little techniques to make it much more family members buddy, similar to brightening up the colour palette. I might additionally be expecting it’s family-friendly nature to be emphasised on the 2026 D23 Expo. However I however doubt that this has long past from a HHN adult-oriented land to a family-friendly one.
Further Observation
Maximum of what follows is changed from our unique observation protecting the unique rumor of a ‘larger and bolder’ Villains Land. I’m resharing it right here as a result of, via and big, it’s what I nonetheless consider to be the case.
Even lately, Villains Land continues to be ~4 years away. It used to be ~6 years away when first introduced. It’s believable for adjustments to the plans at this level, and there may be quite a lot of previous precedent for such adjustments to happen. That is very true for the reason that Josh D’Amaro will quickly develop into CEO, and precise building has no longer but commenced, best web page prep. There was and continues to be the chance for changes or improvements to Villains Land.
There could also be the reason for making a bet larger at the growth, with the brand new CEO having the risk to make his personal mark at the corporate with giant and ambitious adjustments early throughout his tenure. There’s additionally the belief that Villains Land is D’Amaro’s child, and he’s going to nurture it accordingly.
I need to reiterate once more that I’ve heard not anything credible to indicate that the ‘meat’ of the plans for Villains Land have modified. Which is to mention that, to the most productive of my wisdom, Villains Land nonetheless is composed of a curler coaster and a gloomy journey, plus retail and a cafe. In conjunction with that, Piston Top options an E-Price ticket and a flat journey.
Clearly, TheWrap reporting conflicts with this. That plus the in the past reported rumor means that Imagineering has long past again to the drafting board and is revisiting the plans. I’m nonetheless skeptical of all of that. Individually, that is extra a question of improving present plans to unencumber their complete possible than ranging from sq. one with a clean slate.
It’s almost certainly no longer like what took place early throughout the improvement of what turned into Big name Wars: Galaxy’s Edge or Fable Springs. It’s almost certainly no longer even comparable to New Fantasyland, which had Seven Dwarfs Mine Teach added after the unique announcement. Even if I guess this is most likely the most productive comparability if we discover out {that a} 3rd journey has been added–or shifted from Piston Top.
However, my affect is that Disney has develop into an increasing number of bullish on Villains Land.
The fan reaction has been overwhelmingly sure, and it’s the undertaking for which creatives are maximum excited, as mentioned in our article about Walt Disney Imagineering’s Comeback.
Likewise, it sounds just like the undertaking for which the brand new CEO is maximum excited, as prompt via his outward enthusiasm for Villains Land throughout My Assembly with Josh D’Amaro. If any undertaking used to be going to modify from the slate on the closing D23 Expo, it’s possibly to be Villains Land–and for the easier.
On the other hand, my expectation is that Disney is pulling a “Opposite Toy Tale Land” with Villains Land. That they’re spending lavishly at the land, albeit inside the unique plan’s parameters. That it’ll have polish and element on par with Tokyo DisneySea versus a typical Walt Disney Global undertaking.
If those Villains Land plans finally end up being even modestly extra bold than sooner than, that on my own is a win. And I completely assume that’ll be true. Josh D’Amaro needs this to be a house run, Imagineering has the information and skill to ship one, and can get the finances to ship.
There’s each reason why to consider Disney goes giant and ambitious on Villains Land. Even sooner than this rumor, Imagineering President Bruce Vaughn mentioned he’s been “blown away” via the ideas for Magic Kingdom.
In the end, we will see what finally ends up taking place with Villains Land. Rumors are at all times amusing, and we experience having a pipe dream concerning the “what if?” nature of all of it. On the identical time, this one from TheWrap has a top degree of specificity that’ll make it simple to ‘grade’ in response to what in reality finally ends up being introduced when the curtain is pulled again on Villains Land.
Whether or not it occurs throughout the impending Shareholder Assembly or on the 2026 D23 Expo or someday in between, I strongly suspect we’re going to determine quickly. And although I’m skeptical of a few of these main points–I certain hope they’re proper and I’m incorrect!
Even past this, I absolutely be expecting a slate of “New Sheriff in The city” bulletins from Josh D’Amaro within the coming months that vindicate theme park lovers who’re positive concerning the new CEO and long term of Walt Disney Global. (See 11 Nice Adjustments Josh D’Amaro May just Make at Disney Global for Large Wins as New CEO.) Buckle up for lots extra information & rumors like this, as it’s almost certainly going to be a wild journey!
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YOUR THOUGHTS
What do you bring to mind the rumor of a larger, bolder and extra family-friendly Villains Land? Imagine any of this, or are you skeptical? Nonetheless in ‘wait and notice’ mode? Do you settle or disagree with our checks? Any questions we will assist you to solution? Listening to your comments–even while you disagree with us–is each fascinating to us and useful to different readers, so please proportion your ideas under within the feedback!
