The ink is barely dry on the press release naming Josh D’Amaro as the next CEO of The Walt Disney Company, but the “D’Amaro Era” has officially begun with a lightning bolt. In a move that has sent shockwaves through the Imagineering community and Disney fandom alike, reports are surfacing that the first major executive order from the incoming chief—who officially takes the helm on March 18, 2026—is a total pivot on the most anticipated project in Magic Kingdom history: Villains Land.
According to a viral analysis and circulating rumors, the original blueprints for the “Beyond Big Thunder” expansion have been sent back to the drawing board. D’Amaro isn’t just tweaking the edges; he is reportedly “scrapping” the initial concepts to demand something bigger, darker, and more technologically ambitious.
Here is the deep dive into why the original Villains Land plans weren’t enough, what the new “D’Amaro Vision” entails, and what this means for the future of Walt Disney World.
1. The “Blue Sky” Problem: Why “Safe” Was No Longer an Option
When Villains Land was first teased at the 2024 D23 Expo, it was a collection of brooding concept art and atmospheric promises of an “incredibly twisted grand scale.” However, as the project moved into the early stages of site preparation (internally known as Project SNK), the new executive leadership reportedly provided blunt feedback: the original plan was too conservative.
The initial concepts leaned heavily on atmosphere and a single high-capacity boat ride, paired with a small-scale family coaster. While “spooky,” it reportedly lacked the “E-Ticket” punch required to compete with Universal’s Dark Universe at the newly opened Epic Universe.
By scrapping the current plans, D’Amaro—the quintessential “Parks Guy”—is signaling that “good enough” is no longer the standard. The new CEO is reportedly tasking Imagineers to “dream bigger” with the directive that budget is secondary to the quality of the guest experience. He wants a land that isn’t just a sub-section of Frontierland, but a “Third Gate-level” immersive experience.
2. The D’Amaro Touch: More Thrills, Less “Fluff”
Josh D’Amaro’s tenure as Chairman of Disney Experiences was defined by a willingness to listen to the “screams” of the fans—and the loudest demand has always been for more sophisticated, high-thrill attractions.
The Rumored New Anchors
The revamped Villains Land is now rumored to move away from the traditional “village” layout toward a more aggressive, multi-level design:
- The Maleficent Mega-Coaster: While a coaster was always in the cards, the new mandate reportedly calls for a record-breaking launch system that weaves through a massive, practical dragon animatronic—moving away from the “screen-heavy” designs that dominated the late 2010s.
- Trackless Chaos: Instead of a simple dark ride, Imagineering is now looking at trackless vehicles that can “panic” and change routes based on which villain “controls” the room.
- The “Lair” Verticality: D’Amaro is reportedly pushing for the land’s centerpiece—a “Fortress of Evil”—to be a multi-story structure featuring high-end immersive dining (think: Be Our Guest for bad guys) and a theater show with a scale that rivals Festival of the Lion King.
3. The SEO Impact: Why “Project SNK” is Trending
From an SEO perspective, “Villains Land Disney World” has been a goldmine keyword for years. However, the search volume for “Josh D’Amaro CEO first move” and “Disney Villains Land scrapped” has skyrocketed in the last 48 hours.
By making this his first major move, D’Amaro is effectively “resetting the clock” on expectations. For Disney, this is a strategic PR win. It shifts the conversation from “When will it open?” to “How incredible will it be?” This narrative shift allows Disney to justify its massive $60 billion investment plan by showing that it is willing to pivot to deliver a creative masterpiece.
4. The Timeline: Does This Redesign Mean a Massive Delay?
The million-dollar question for fans is: Does scrapping the plans mean we have to wait until 2035?
In the short term, the answer is a complicated yes. Recent aerial photography from @bioreconstruct shows that while land clearing behind Big Thunder Mountain and the Haunted Mansion is complete, vertical construction on show buildings has not yet begun.
If the foundational footprints (revealed in early 2026 wastewater permits) need to be modified to support heavier ride systems or larger show buildings, the opening date—previously estimated for 2029—could easily slide into 2030 or 2031.
However, insiders suggest D’Amaro has ordered a “turbo-charged” construction schedule to compensate. By potentially moving to 24-hour construction shifts once the new designs are finalized, Disney hopes to keep the opening within the 2029 window, albeit at a significantly higher price.
5. Why This Move Defines D’Amaro’s Leadership
For years, Bob Iger was seen as the “Architect of Acquisitions.” Josh D’Amaro wants to be remembered as the “Architect of the Experience.”
By rejecting the original, more conservative Villains Land plans, D’Amaro is telling Imagineering that he is their biggest advocate—and their toughest critic. He understands that in the 2026 theme park landscape, where immersion is the only currency that matters, a “pretty good” land is a failure.
This move also draws a sharp line between him and his predecessors. While Bob Chapek was often criticized for “value engineering” projects, D’Amaro is starting his tenure by saying, “Spend more, build bigger, and make it fearless.
6. What to Watch for Next
As we move toward the March 18 official handover, keep your eyes on the “Beyond Big Thunder” site:
- New Permit Filings: Look for modifications to the “Project SNK” wastewater permits. If the building footprints expand or change shape, we’ll know the redesign is in full effect.
- The “Mandalorian” Effect: D’Amaro recently pushed for an update to Smugglers Run because “guests like it, but they don’t love it.” Expect him to apply that same “experience intelligence” to every square inch of Villains Land.
Conclusion: The Darkest Kingdom is Getting Bigger
The “scrapping” of the original Villains Land plans isn’t a sign of trouble; it’s a sign of ambition. Under Josh D’Amaro’s leadership, Disney isn’t just building a new land—they are attempting to build the definitive theme park experience of the 21st century.
The villains are known for their grand, over-the-top schemes. It seems only fitting that their new home at the Magic Kingdom is being redesigned to be just as legendary as they are.
Would you rather have a smaller Villains Land sooner (2028), or wait for the “D’Amaro Mega-Vision” in 2030? Let us know in the comments!
