Backstory revealed for Villains Land at Magic Kingdom among misinformation
Villains Land is coming to Magic Kingdom in Orlando, and Disney just revealed the expansion’s backstory at D23 Brazil.
Disney executives revealed new information about Villains Land, the highly anticipated expansion “beyond Big Thunder Mountain” at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World near Orlando, Fla.
Michael Hundgen (portfolio creative executive at Walt Disney Imagineering) joined Josh D’Amaro (chairman of Disney Experiences) onstage during a presentation at D23 Brazil – A Disney Experience on Nov. 9, 2024 to share the backstory for how all the Disney villains come together at Magic Kingdom. Speaking to the gathered crowd of fans at the officially Disney-sanctioned convention, D’Amaro said construction teams will be breaking ground on Villains Land “very, very soon.”
Photo by bioreconstruct
The backstory of Villains Land at Magic Kingdom
“In our story, a mysterious spell has been cast, summoning all these villains from every realm, Hundgen told the crowd at D23 Brazil. “In this land, the heroes— they don’t come to save the day. There might not be a happily ever after. You never know, right?”
Image courtesy of Disney
Much like the Disney Princesses, the Disney Villains have casually rubbed shoulders throughout the years without regard to the logistical differences of their respective stories. In projects like the “Mickey’s House of Villains” DVD movie or the “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular” stage show, how is it possible for all these characters from different time periods and places to meet? And hey, aren’t some of them dead? Those answers don’t matter; the consumer is simply invited to enjoy the product without overthinking it. Villains Land, it seems, will attempt to provide an explanation.
Recycled artwork prompts confusion
Hundgen and D’Amaro’s presentation also included illustrations on a screen depicting 13 Disney Villains.
Of the artwork, Hundgen said, “It just shows some of the fearsome characters that are inspiring this land.”
Laughing Place, whose reporters attended the D23 Brazil event in person and shared videos with us of the executives’ remarks, described the illustrations as a “mood board.”
Disney has yet to officially announce any specific characters for Villains Land, despite misinformation spread to the contrary. In any case, the artwork shared at D23 Brazil wasn’t created as concept development for Villains Land. All of the illustrations displayed on screen were recycled from Disney Lorcana, a trading card game from Ravensburger. Whether or not these 13 foes are part of the finished product — or any other villains are being considered alongside them — is by no means confirmed information at this time.
Villains Land will bring ‘massive attractions’ on ‘grand scale’ to Magic Kingdom
As previously revealed, Hundgen reiterated that two attractions will anchor Villains Land, calling them “massive.” He said Villains Land will have “so much fiendish fun” for guests and embodies “a fearless, new vision for Disney Experiences.”
Reiterating his colleague, D’Amaro said, “This, everybody, is going to be storytelling on just absolutely grand scale. I think that is only something that Disney can deliver.”
Get caught up on Villains Land news
After several years of teasing Villains Land as a possibility for Magic Kingdom, D’Amaro formally announced the expansion last August at the U.S. iteration of D23 in Anaheim, Calif. See our previous coverage for a full Villains Land breakdown, as well as a look at aerial photos of the area of Magic Kingdom where Villains Land will be built.
Though the project is still a long while away from opening, fans can see Disney Villains in a new show opening in summer 2025 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
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