Recently is has been reported that Disney scrapped the current plans for the upcoming Villains Land area at the Magic Kingdom as soon-to-be CEO Josh D’Amaro wants bolder attractions.
Early concepts for this new land were announced back in 2024, along with Blue Sky concept art that didn’t really elaborate on attractions. It was more focused on the theme or feeling of the overall area. Disney fans know the early Blue Sky art isn’t what the finished project will necessarily look like.
With this one, it’s unlikely to be this dramatically themed and isolated from other areas of the Magic Kingdom.
Now, The Wrap claims to have more information on what some of the new plans could entail, including attractions themed to “Hercules” characters or “The Emperor’s New Groove.”
The new rumors
Changes to the Villains Land Coaster theme
Originally, we knew that there would be a Maleficent-themed roller coaster and some sort of family-friendly dark ride, along with shopping and dining experiences in this location, but The Wrap is saying the plans seen in the Blue Sky art have changed significantly, and now the roller coaster will be more family-friendly and themed to “The Emperor’s New Groove”, and Maleficent has been moved elsewhere in the land.
“Now, it is being converted to a more family-friendly coaster, along the lines of Slinky Dog Dash at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, this time themed to “The Emperor’s New Groove.” This makes sense, considering that antagonists Yzma and Kronk actually ride a rollercoaster in that 2000 comedy, and how many more guests you can get on the ride with a lower height requirement. (Before you ask, yes, there is a “pull the lever” moment in the ride currently.) And fret not, Maleficent will still be a major presence in the land.”
I’m not sold on this over a Maleficent coaster–if true.
That’s not all. The other indoor dark ride attraction is being themed to Sleeping Beauty and is based on Pirates of the Caribbean in Shanghai.
(So a lot of screens?)
“The major attraction is going to be themed to Maleficent from “Sleeping Beauty,” with an indoor water-based ride system that could emulate the Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure attraction at Shanghai Disneyland.”
The mysterious third attraction
Yes, there have been reports of a third attraction being added. Many have questioned a lot of this, as permits have already been filed. This one is said to not require “additional infrastructure” and sounds like a quick drop in spinner attraction with some theming like Dumbo the Flying Elephant. It will be themed to Ursula (based on her tentacles, I’m guessing).
“According to multiple sources, there will also be a third, as-yet-unannounced ride in the land. Not an attraction on the level of the Maleficent boat ride and not one that requires additional infrastructure, as the South Florida Water Management District plans have shown where the areas for the dark ride and the coaster will go, along with a new train station — but a carnival-style “flat ride.”…”
This description reminds me of the King’s Island ride. Just theme it to Ursula.
It sounds like the Walt Disney World Railroad will be getting an extended stop in Villains Land as well. It makes sense.
A big dinner show featuring characters from “Hercules” is also rumored,
“Hades will rule over a dinner show that is being described as in the same vein as the Diamond Horseshoe Revue, a dinner show at the Magic Kingdom. Pain and Panic will also be along for the fun, with additional villains filtering in. This will be a full-service, sit-down restaurant with prefix dining, taking the place of a previously envisioned restaurant themed to Madam Medusa from “The Rescuers.” The bayou vibes would have been impeccable.”
This is all according to their sources, but nothing has been confirmed.
Another thing they mentioned (which I fully believe) is that the attractions are being built to increase the opportunity for Lightning Lane upcharges.
With Disney, it’s always about the money.
Again, these changes are all rumors until confirmed.
What do you think? Comment and let us know.
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