After years of fan speculation and internet mythology, Walt Disney World's Villains Land stepped fully out of the shadows at the 2026 D23 Disney Experiences Showcase. The new Magic Kingdom expansion — officially named Villains Land — will feature two confirmed attractions, themed dining and shopping, and character encounters with some of the most beloved antagonists across Disney's century-plus of animated history.
The first confirmed ride is a Maleficent-themed roller coaster that sends guests racing through a twisted briar thicket and around the sorceress's mountaintop fortress. Disney says the coaster will include elements its Imagineers have "never attempted before" on a Disney attraction. The second is an indoor dark ride set inside the Evil Queen's palace from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, where the Magic Mirror guides guests through the catacombs and into a mysterious Mirror Realm. That ride will also feature villain cameos from Cruella de Vil, Ursula, Jafar, Scar, and Dr. Facilier — a rare gathering of characters typically scattered across the resort.
The land's overarching story centers on a corrupted wishing well whose dark magic draws villains to the surrounding forest, where each establishes an elaborate personal lair. Concept art shown at D23 depicted poisonously green waters, crumbling castles, and tangled brambles evoking films like Sleeping Beauty, The Lion King, and The Little Mermaid. Atmospheric touches like "guardian trees" are among the props Imagineers are crafting to bring the world to life.
One of the showcase's most talked-about moments came when Glenn Close appeared in character as Cruella de Vil — reprising her role from the live-action 101 Dalmatians films — to hint that Cruella could headline her own attraction within the land. Disney has not confirmed that as a separate ride, so it remains a tantalizing tease for now. Other rumored concepts, including a Hades dinner show and a Madame Medusa restaurant, were not part of the official announcement. Notably, an opening date for Villains Land has not yet been revealed. Plan your Walt Disney World visit and keep an eye out for future updates as the project moves forward.
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This story was reported by TheTravel.
