Somewhere past Cinderella Castle, a wish went wrong. That is the premise Walt Disney Imagineering has chosen for Magic Kingdom’s next major land. After more than two years of waiting, guests finally have a sense of how the story will play out.
The latest details came from Horizons: A Carousel of Progress, the Disney Experiences showcase at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. Imagineering President and Chief Creative Officer Bruce Vaughn and Executive Creative Director Caroline May shared the land’s name, its storyline, and a first proper look at its two marquee attractions.
A Well Gone Wrong
Rather than lifting moments straight from the films, Imagineering is writing a new story inspired by Walt Disney Animation Studios’ characters. Visitors will wander into a foreboding forest and find a ruined Wishing Well. An unknown individual made an evil wish there, and the corrupted magic has seeped through the forest ever since. Disney’s villains have arrived to claim what remains. Each one is building a lair to suit their taste, whether that means a towering fortress or a lavish palace.
Officially Villains Land
Disney first revealed the project at D23 in 2024, and it now carries the name Villains Land. The title is in keeping with Fantasyland and Tomorrowland, even if the atmosphere will be far more menacing than its neighbors.
Disney said the land will be on par with Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in scale, so this is a full-sized addition. Restaurants, shops, and other experiences are expected too.
For a sense of how much ground is being reshaped, photographer Bioreconstruct recently captured an aerial image of the site. It also shows work on Piston Peak National Park, the Cars-inspired area replacing the Rivers of America.
Aerial photo 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
Into the Briars With Maleficent
The thrill option belongs to Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty (1959). Her roller coaster invites riders to accept her summons and speed through the enchanted briars ringing her mountaintop fortress. Imagineering hinted at features it has never attempted on a ride of this kind. Disney has not yet revealed the coaster’s name, track layout, technical specifications, or opening date.
Through the Looking Glass
For families and story lovers, the Magic Mirror will host a dark ride. It starts in the catacombs beneath the Evil Queen’s palace, then pulls guests into the Mirror Realm to meet a parade of villains. Guests can expect a mix of special effects and physical sets. Disney is keeping the complete character list and ride system to itself for now.
Planning Ahead
Villains Land is no longer a sketch on a whiteboard. It has a story, two clearly defined attractions, and a footprint to match. Coaster lovers have Maleficent to look forward to, while the Magic Mirror ride may be the pick for anyone who prefers immersive storytelling. Names and opening dates are still pending, but Disney has promised to share more soon.
Which Villains Land attraction are you most eager to try? Share your thoughts in the comments.
