For decades, Disney fans have whispered about a place where the sun doesn’t shine, where “happily ever after” is a foreign concept, and where the most iconic antagonists in cinematic history finally get their due. At the 2024 D23 Expo, that dream was officially christened as Villains Land. But as the “Beyond Big Thunder” project moves from concept art to construction site, the reality of what Disney is building is shifting under our feet.
As of late February 2026, the speculative “Blue Sky” phase has been replaced by the complex reality of civil engineering. A wave of new permits filed with the South Florida Water Management District has provided the most detailed look yet at the land’s structural soul. According to a technical analysis by BlogMickey, these filings reveal a startling month-over-month shift in design. When comparing the permits from January 2026 to those filed in February 2026, one thing is clear: Disney has fundamentally redesigned the footprint of Villains Land.
While Disney remains tight-lipped about the specific characters and ride titles, the blueprints don’t lie. Here is a deep dive into the changing permits, the mysterious building footprints, and the massive rumors currently swirling around the “Mistress of All Evil” and her wicked associates.
The February Pivot: A Tale of Two Blueprints
In the theme park industry, permits are the “smoking gun.” They represent the transition from an idea to a physical structure. While Disney’s marketing team might show us a painting of a dragon, the engineers have to file a document showing exactly where the plumbing goes.
In January 2026, initial filings showed a general layout of two massive “Facility” buildings. However, the February 2026 permits represent a significant “high-definition” upgrade. The outlines have become more defined, the utility connections have moved, and—most importantly—the water management system has been completely rerouted.
These changes suggest that Disney isn’t just “tweaking” the land; they are fundamentally altering the experience. Industry insiders indicate that leadership ordered a “Great Reset” of the project late last year, demanding that Imagineers “dream bigger” to ensure the Magic Kingdom remains the gold standard amid rising competition in Central Florida.
The Footprint of Evil: What the Buildings Reveal
It is essential to clarify that the permits only show the buildings. They do not confirm ride systems or character themes. However, the physical dimensions and utility requirements provided in the February filings have created a playground for speculators.
The Massive “Facility A”: The 75,000 Sq. Ft. Powerhouse
The largest structure in the Villains Land footprint measures approximately 75,000 square feet. To put that in perspective, this is a massive show building that rivals the scale of the park’s biggest E-ticket attractions. The February permits show a refined entrance plaza for this building, suggesting it will be the “Main Street” equivalent of the land’s dark heart. The sheer volume of this space indicates a multi-level, high-capacity indoor attraction that is likely the land’s flagship experience.
Facility B: The Subterranean Mystery
The second central structure permits floor plans of approximately 50,000 square feet. Interestingly, the February filings include more complex subterranean work around this site. The inclusion of specialized drainage and electrical “sub-pits” suggests this building will house significant machinery—potentially a high-tech kitchen facility for a large-scale dining experience or a ride system requiring a vertical drop track.
The Rumor Mill: If These Foundations Could Talk
While the permits provide the bones, the “insider” reports have provided the meat. The shifts in building shapes from January to February have fueled three specific, massive rumors that are currently dominating the discourse.
1. The “Secret Lab” Coaster Swap
For a long time, the assumed headliner for Villains Land was a high-thrill, thorny roller coaster themed to Maleficent. However, the latest rumors suggest a total pivot. Speculation now indicates that the land’s coaster will be a family-friendly, high-theming experience based on Yzma’s Secret Lab from The Emperor’s New Groove.
The reason? Capacity and “The Lever.” Insiders suggest that a coaster similar to Slinky Dog Dash—but with a “Pull the lever, Kronk!” vertical drop-track moment—would be a perfect fit for a land that needs high-capacity “people eaters.” The building footprints in the February permits show a structure ideally suited for a multi-launch coaster that winds through an indoor laboratory.
2. Maleficent’s “Forbidden” Water Odyssey
If Maleficent isn’t getting the coaster, does she still rule the land? The rumors suggest an even bigger upgrade. Instead of a coaster, the “Mistress of All Evil” is now rumored to be the star of a mega-scale indoor water ride.
Speculation suggests a ride system similar to Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure at Shanghai Disneyland. By using a water-based system, Disney can use massive, state-of-the-art A-1000 animatronics in a way that is protected from Florida’s weather. The February permits’ rerouted water lines have only added fuel to this “hydro-E-ticket” fire.
3. The “Obsidian Wall”: Total Visual Isolation
One of the most impressive technical details found in the February filings is the “Topographical Rock-Work Infrastructure.” Disney is effectively building a “mountain wall” of jagged, obsidian-style rock.
The February permits show this berm is significantly taller and more jagged than the January versions. This confirms that Villains Land will be a “sink-in” environment. Once you step “Beyond Big Thunder,” the rest of Magic Kingdom—including Cinderella Castle—will be completely obscured. It is an “all-in” commitment to total immersion that ensures the “happily ever after” feeling is left at the gates.
SEO Breakdown: Planning Your Villainous Vacation
- Location: Magic Kingdom, “Beyond Big Thunder” (Expansion of Frontierland).
- Key Icons: The Forbidden Mountains and the Gates of the Underworld.
- The Technology: A-1000 Animatronics, Trackless ride systems, and Integrated Pyrotechnics.
- Anticipated Opening: While construction is moving at a “turbocharged” pace, the complexity of these permits suggests a Late 2028 or Early 2029 debut.
Conclusion: A Wicked Masterplan in Motion
While the February 2026 permits don’t explicitly depict a fire-breathing dragon or a “Secret Lab” lever, they do reveal a project in a state of rapid, ambitious evolution. The shift in building footprints and water management indicates that Disney is no longer playing it safe.
They are terraforming the Magic Kingdom to make room for a land of “incredibly twisted grand scale.” Whether you’re excited for a laboratory coaster or a subterranean underworld tavern, one thing is sure: the villains are coming, and they are bringing a level of ambition that the Magic Kingdom hasn’t seen in decades.
Which villain are you most excited to see represented in the new land? Would you prefer a Yzma coaster or a Maleficent water ride? Let us know in the comments below!
