Walt Disney World is finally starting to peel back the curtain on what Villains Land could look like at Magic Kingdom — and if these newly reported plans hold true, this expansion is shaping up to be one of the boldest additions the park has seen in decades.
According to reports from Discussing Film and The Wrap, four major experiences are now tied to the upcoming Villains Land project. The lineup reportedly includes a family-friendly roller coaster themed to The Emperor’s New Groove(2000), a large-scale indoor water attraction centered on Maleficent, a villain-themed dinner show restaurant starring Hades along with Pain and Panic from Hercules (1997), and a third ride that could take the form of a spinner inspired by Ursula from The Little Mermaid (1989).
That’s not a small expansion. That’s an entire ecosystem.
A Kuzco Coaster Takes Shape
The most unexpected inclusion may be the Emperor’s New Groove coaster. The animated film has built a devoted following over the past two decades, and its chaotic Yzma laboratory sequence practically begs to become a theme park attraction.
Reports suggest the coaster would be family-friendly rather than extreme, meaning it could fill the same thrill tier as Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. That makes strategic sense. Magic Kingdom thrives on attractions families can experience together, and Villains Land would need something kinetic that still fits the park’s broader demographic.
From a creative standpoint, the property fits naturally. Yzma is theatrical, eccentric, and literally builds a roller coaster beneath her palace in the film. It’s one of the rare Disney movies where the ride concept already exists inside the story.
Maleficent Anchors the Land
While the Kuzco coaster may surprise fans, Maleficent appears poised to anchor the entire project. Reports describe a major indoor water-based attraction themed around the iconic villain.
If that holds true, this wouldn’t be a minor dark ride. It would likely serve as the E-ticket centerpiece of Villains Land. Maleficent carries generational recognition thanks to Sleeping Beauty (1959) and the later live-action reinterpretations. Her dragon form alone provides enormous visual potential.
An indoor water ride also offers something Magic Kingdom doesn’t currently emphasize in new development. Pirates of the Caribbean remains a guest favorite decades after opening, proving that immersive water attractions thrive in this park. A Maleficent experience could combine theatrical sets, projection effects, and large-scale show scenes to create something unforgettable.
Dining in the Underworld
Villains Land reportedly won’t stop at rides. A restaurant experience featuring Hades — joined by Pain and Panic — is also said to be part of the plan.
This wouldn’t be standard character dining. The concept points toward a dinner show experience, giving Magic Kingdom something closer to interactive entertainment than traditional table service.
Hades’ fast-talking wit and sarcastic energy would translate perfectly into a live format. The inclusion of Pain and Panic adds comedic chaos, which balances the darker tone of the land. If executed well, this could become one of the most in-demand dining reservations in the park.
Ursula Spins Into the Spotlight
The fourth experience reportedly in development is a spinner-style attraction themed to Ursula.
Spinner rides often get overlooked in announcement cycles, but they serve an important role in land design. They increase capacity, appeal to younger guests, and provide kinetic visual movement that makes an area feel alive.
An Ursula spinner could lean into glowing tentacles, swirling ocean currents, and musical elements inspired by her infamous stage presence. Even as a secondary ride, it would strengthen the overall balance of the land.
Some of the new plans for Walt Disney World’s Villains Land have been revealed:
• A family-friendly coaster themed to ‘The Emperor’s New Groove’
• A major indoor water-based Maleficent ride
• A restaurant with a dinner show experience featuring Hades, Pain and Panic
• A… pic.twitter.com/FB5v1x0Al2
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) February 26, 2026
A New Era for Magic Kingdom
Taken together, these four reported additions suggest that Villains Land is more than a novelty overlay. It’s shaping up to be a fully realized expansion with layered experiences: thrills, immersion, dining, and family accessibility.
Magic Kingdom has long celebrated heroes. Now it appears Disney is ready to give antagonists equal footing — permanently.
If these plans move from report to official confirmation, Villains Land may quickly become the most anticipated project at Walt Disney World.
This news is very disappointing! Emperors New Groove is not what one thinks of – at least not me- when I think of Villains! Where’s the Evil Queen or the evil Stepmother and stepsisters? Or Jafar? Hades is ok, but couldn’t a dinner show incorporate more villains? Disney is going backwards- first with just now trying to bring cars franchise to MK and destroying perfectly good attractions, peace and Americana; and now with the old Emperors New Groove. While most Disney fans young and old know of classics and their characters like Cinderella, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty and Ariel; many have no clue or care about Emperors New Groove or mor Cars content! There are newer IPs (Nightmare Before Christmas?) that could be developed and brought to the parks. As much as MK has always been my favorite park, I am too saddened by current constructions and closures to pay for and attend, and haven’t done so in about 3 years. I am not sure this version of Villains Land will help entice me. We were hoping for something more sinister and Villain-like! More villains like the current Studios show or House of Mouse Villains! Hopefully, I am wrong.