Walt Disney World is preparing to embrace its darker side with the announcement of a new Villains Land attraction coming to Magic Kingdom. The expansion project, scheduled to begin construction in 2025 with completion targeted for 2029, will showcase 13 of Disney’s most notorious antagonists.
During a presentation at D23 Brazil, Disney Parks chairman Josh D’Amaro unveiled the roster of villainous characters that will populate the new themed area. The lineup features iconic Disney antagonists spanning multiple decades of animated classics, including the dual iterations of the Evil Queen from “Snow White” and Maleficent from “Sleeping Beauty.” Other featured villains include the Queen of Hearts, Jafar, Lady Tremaine, Yzma, Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook, Gaston, Mother Gothel, Ursula, Hades, and Chernabog.
The attraction will weave these characters into an original narrative where, according to D’Amaro, “a mysterious spell has been cast, summoning villains from every realm.” Breaking from Disney’s traditional storytelling, this experience will notably absence heroes, with D’Amaro suggesting that happy endings might not be guaranteed.
This villainous venture comes as Universal Studios Orlando advances its own dark-themed expansion, the Dark Universe world at Epic Universe park, which will feature classic Universal monsters and is set to debut in 2025.
Disney World’s expansion plans extend beyond Villains Land. The park has announced two new attractions based on the “Cars” franchise opening next year, and an Indiana Jones-themed experience is planned for Animal Kingdom in 2027.
These developments arrive amid challenging times for Disney’s domestic theme park operations. While the company reported a 3% year-over-year revenue increase at its U.S. theme parks in its second-quarter earnings for 2024, operating income in this sector decreased by 6% compared to the previous year. The company has indicated expectations of continued decline in operating income for its Experiences segment in the fourth quarter.
The attendance and revenue challenges follow significant price increases implemented by Disney at both its Florida and California locations. In late 2023, ticket prices rose between $5 and $65, depending on the ticket type. More recently, both parks announced additional increases, with Disneyland tickets rising up to $12 and Magic Key Passes increasing between $100 and $125. At Disney World, high-demand periods in November and December 2024 will see ticket prices climb by $10 to $15, while annual passes have increased by $30 to $100.
D’Amaro described the upcoming Villains Land as a “twisted and broken” environment during its initial announcement at a D23 event in August. This creative direction marks a significant departure from the traditional magical atmosphere typically associated with Disney parks, suggesting the company’s willingness to explore darker themes to attract visitors.
The introduction of Villains Land represents Disney’s strategic response to changing market conditions and competitive pressures in the theme park industry, while also capitalizing on the enduring popularity of its classic antagonists. As the project moves forward, it promises to deliver a unique experience that celebrates the compelling nature of Disney’s most memorable villains.