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Leaked Data Gives Look at Villains Selection for New Magic Kingdom Land

Magic Kingdom is about to take a walk on the wild side—and we’re not talking about a single ride or seasonal event. We’re talking about a land dedicated entirely to Disney’s most notorious troublemakers.

When Disney revealed the Villains Land concept at D23, fans lit up with excitement. A place where Maleficent, the Evil Queen, and other famous foes roam freely? Yes, please. From day one, Disney promised big things: two major attractions, immersive shopping, themed dining, and a setting inspired by the ominous beauty of Maleficent’s castle. Think crooked towers, shadowy corridors, and a constant sense that something deliciously bad might happen at any moment.

Concept art of the new Villains Land coming to Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom
Credit: Disney

But up until now, the biggest mystery was which villains would make the cut. That’s where the new “leaked” information comes in.

Guest Surveys and Hidden Hints

In recent weeks, Disney has been quietly circulating a guest survey, asking visitors to rate their familiarity with and feelings toward a surprisingly long list of villains. On the surface, it’s just market research. But for theme park fans who know how Disney works, surveys like this often provide a roadmap for what’s coming.

The obvious heavy hitters are there—Maleficent, Jafar, Hades, and the Evil Queen are all essentially confirmed. But dig deeper and you’ll find some unexpected names:

  • Yzma (The Emperor’s New Groove)

  • The Horned King (The Black Cauldron)

  • Stromboli (Pinocchio)

  • Ratigan (The Great Mouse Detective)

  • Madam Mim (The Sword in the Stone)

An animated character with pale skin, a black horned headpiece, and a purple collar holds a staff with a glowing orb. A black bird perches on the character's shoulder. They appear to be in a grand hall filled with people.
Credit: Disney

These aren’t just casual additions. Including lesser-known villains could give the land a fresh feel, appealing to die-hard Disney fans while still giving casual visitors the big names they expect.

Star Power Meets Cult Favorites

It’s unlikely every villain mentioned will get a starring role. Disney’s strategy here seems to be balance—mixing the fan-favorite “must-haves” with a few deep cuts to keep things interesting. Some characters, like Scar or Shere Khan, might not work well for live meet-and-greets but could easily inspire attractions, stage shows, or shop designs.

For example, imagine a dark ride through the Horned King’s lair, a comedic stage show led by Yzma, or a Stromboli puppet workshop tucked into a side alley. Disney’s Imagineers have a knack for weaving characters into experiences in ways that go beyond the obvious.

Building the Dark Side

Even though the land is still in early development—no official opening date yet—construction work has already begun behind the scenes. The concept art shows towering stonework, gothic spires, and winding pathways that lead to who-knows-where. Disney is clearly positioning this as the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom history.

And while it’s not unusual for a new land to evolve as it gets closer to opening, Villains land offers something rare: built-in flexibility. Since the theme centers around chaos and ever-changing schemes, it would be easy for Disney to rotate characters or storylines over time without it feeling out of place.

The Evil Queen from Snow White
Credit: Disney

A Playground for the Dark at Heart

Whether you’re drawn to the theatrical flair of Hades, the cold cunning of the Evil Queen, or the comedic blunders of Yzma, this land promises to be unlike anything else in Magic Kingdom. It’s an acknowledgment of something fans have known for decades—sometimes, the bad guys are just more fun.

When the gates to Villains land finally open, expect a fully immersive experience where every corner holds a new scheme, spell, or sinister surprise. Until then, the speculation will keep fans talking… and Disney listening.

Andrew Boardwine

A frequent visitor of Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort, Andrew will likely be found freefalling on Twilight Zone Tower of Terror or enjoying Pirates of the Caribbean. Over at Universal, he'll be taking in the thrills of the Jurassic World Velocicoaster and Revenge of the Mummy

One Comment

  1. Well, even if some characters like Scar and Shere Khan cannot meet and greet guests due to them being animals, i’d say they could deserve to have a chance in the new Villains themed area in the form of attractions, shows, shops and dining.

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