The highly anticipated Villains Land in Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World has been the topic of much recent discussion. Now, TheWrap claims that sources in the know have said the project is changing gears to become more family-friendly.
Villains Land Refocus Rumors
According to TheWrap, the Villains Land focus will be more like the Isle of Berk and less like Dark Universe at Epic Universe. This would make the original plan for Villains Land have a more family-friendly scope and less dark and brooding.
For example, insiders have told the outlet that the original coaster meant to be Maleficent themed will instead be themed to The Emperor’s New Groove and be more like Slinky Dog Dash at Hollywood Studios than an intense coaster experience. However, the Maleficent theme would move to another attraction with a indoor water-based ride system with the scale and complexity of attractions like Radiator Springs Racers or Rise of the Resistance.
Multiple sources have also told the outlet that there will be an Ursula spinner ride similar to Dumbo the Flying Elephant, as well as a dinner show themed to Hades instead of a Madam Medusa a la The Rescuers-themed restaurant.
Outside of attractions and rides, one source told the outlet that Igor at Dark Universe has caught Disney’s attention, and they’re considering the options of a similar face performer who wanders this area of park, along with other character interactions.
The Scrapped Plans
Sources have told TheWrap that Imagineers were informed in late 2025 that the previous plans for Villains Land were being redone. To the outlet’s point, the newly opened Epic Universe at Universal Orlando Resort is less expensive than Magic Kingdom, so their theory is that the new addition will need to be a proper competitor. For reference, a one-day ticket to Magic Kingdom for today, February 26, is $189 whereas Epic Universe is $139.
Just a few days ago, we debunked the rumor that the Villains Land plans were tossed for a bigger plan. The main point of our report surrounds the growth of the original plans from a few years ago:
With that being said, I think we have the source of the rumor. It’s clear that plans for Villains Land grew exponentially ahead of the formal announcement in August 2024. However, there have been zero signs that the project has been shaken up since last summer.
Insiders have told TheWrap that new plans for Villains Land are forthcoming and expected sometime in the next few weeks. Time will tell if the Villains Land proposal changes drastically or not. The project is currently in its permitting phase.
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