Disney has confirmed that the biggest Magic Kingdom expansion in history will include a Disney Villains land.
Disney Villains Land
Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro announced during Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event that a new Magic Kingdom land will be home to the Disney Villains we know and loathe from our favorite Walt Disney Animation Studios classic films — “Which means happily ever after may feel like just a distant dream.”
Disney Parks Blog described the land as a “place where poison apples are aplenty and magic potions can ruin your whole day.”
“The evil ambition of all these Villains means that the possibilities are endless for the stories that can be told — and visitors to the dark and thorny land should be prepared for whatever chaos might come their way.”
The new land will include two major attractions, dining, and shopping on an incredibly twisted grand scale.
“Be prepared, you poor unfortunate souls,” D’Amaro teased. “It’s going to be a fearless new vision for what a Disney experience can be.”
Preparation is already underway on the Disney Villains land, which will be the first new Magic Kingdom land since Mickey’s Birthdayland (later renamed Mickey’s Toontown) opened in 1988.
This is likely the final version of the “Beyond Big Thunder” blue sky concept first announced at D23 Expo 2022. At the time, concept art seemed to include areas inspired by “Coco,” “Encanto,” and Disney Villains. Imagineering later referenced the project, confirming it was still in development, at Destination D23 2023. The announcement of the Tropical Americas land including “Encanto” for Disney’s Animal Kingdom indicated that IP was no longer slated for Magic Kingdom.
Two “Cars” rides were also announced for Frontierland during D23.
Disney began filing permits for the area earlier this year and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad may close for an extended refurbishment. The Rivers of America, Liberty Square Riverboat, and Tom Sawyer Island may close permanently to make way for the expansion.
Frontierland has already seen some updates this year with the opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and Country Bear Musical Jamboree.
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