Disney villains have spent decades trying to take over the Magic Kingdom.
Apparently, they’re finally getting their chance.
Disney has revealed new details about Villains Land, the massive new area coming to Magic Kingdom—and this isn’t just a land with some wickedly themed merchandise and a Maleficent meet-and-greet.
Disney is planning two major attractions.
And yes, things are about to get delightfully dark.
Welcome to the Dark Side of Magic Kingdom
Villains Land will be located beyond Frontierland and will bring some of Disney’s most infamous villains together in one new environment.
Disney describes the land as a place where villains have gathered after being pushed out of their own stories.
Which seems like a perfectly reasonable excuse for them to build an entire neighborhood.
Because if there’s one thing Disney villains know how to do, it’s make an entrance.
Two New Attractions Are Coming
Disney has confirmed that Villains Land will feature two major attractions.
The first will be a thrilling attraction inspired by Maleficent.
Guests will race through the briars of her enchanted world in what Disney describes as a high-energy coaster experience.
The second attraction will take guests into the world of Disney’s villains through a mysterious experience involving the Magic Mirror.
And yes, we’re already curious about that one.
Maleficent Is Getting Her Own Ride
The Maleficent attraction sounds like the more overtly thrilling of the two experiences.
Guests will travel through the enchanted landscape surrounding the Mistress of All Evil, with the attraction built around the iconic briars from Sleeping Beauty.
Disney has not revealed every detail about the ride system or storyline yet, but the concept gives us a pretty good idea of the tone.
This isn’t going to be a cheerful little spin through Fantasyland.
Bring your courage.
Then There’s the Magic Mirror
The second attraction may be even more intriguing.
Disney says guests will encounter the Magic Mirror and enter a world where villains are very much in control.
That’s about as much information as we have right now.
Which means, naturally, the internet has already decided it knows exactly what the attraction is going to be.
We do not.
And we’re going to resist the temptation to pretend otherwise.
Why Villains Land Is Such a Big Deal
Disney villains have always been some of the most popular characters in the company’s history.
Maleficent.
Ursula.
Hades.
The Evil Queen.
Cruella.
Jafar.
They’ve been appearing in attractions, shows, merchandise and Halloween events for years.
But giving them an entire permanent land is something else entirely.
And Magic Kingdom has never had anything quite like it.
This Is a Very Different Magic Kingdom
Villains Land represents a pretty significant change in the way Magic Kingdom is expanding.
It’s not another princess-heavy area.
It’s not another nostalgic recreation of a classic Disney movie.
It’s darker.
It’s stranger.
And, if Disney gets the storytelling right, it could be unlike anything else in the park.
That’s exciting.
Of Course, We Have Questions
Lots of them.
Which villains will actually appear?
How will the two attractions connect?
What will the restaurants and shops look like?
How dark is “dark” when you’re talking about a Disney theme park where people are walking around wearing Mickey ears?
And perhaps most importantly:
Will there be enough Maleficent?
The answer should obviously be yes.
Magic Kingdom Is Getting Wicked
Villains Land is still a few years away, and Disney has plenty more details to reveal.
But after years of hearing about the project in broad strokes, we’re finally getting a clearer picture of what Disney is actually building.
Two major attractions.
A Maleficent coaster.
The Magic Mirror.
And an entire land devoted to the characters who have spent decades trying to ruin everybody else’s happy ending.
Honestly?
It might be time to give the villains their turn.
