Disney Reportedly Planning Bigger, Bolder 'Villains Land' at Magic Kingdom

The new land is expected to be a defining addition to the park during the CEO's tenure.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Disney is reportedly rethinking its plans for a new 'Villains Land' at the Magic Kingdom, with instructions to the project team to make the rides, shows, attractions, and restaurants 'bigger and bolder.' The push is attributed to Disney CEO Josh D'Amaro, who may see the new land as a key addition during his time leading the company.

Why it matters

The stakes are high for Disney as it faces increasing competition from Universal Orlando Resort's upcoming Epic Universe park. Disney wants to ensure it delivers an experience that guests will 'love' rather than just 'like,' according to comments made by D'Amaro.

The details

Len Testa, co-author of The Unofficial Guides and president of TouringPlans.com, said the team behind the Villains Land project was instructed earlier this year to revisit its plans and 'think bigger and think bolder.' The new vision for the land is expected to be a defining addition to the Magic Kingdom during D'Amaro's tenure as CEO.

  • Earlier this year, the Villains Land project team was given new instructions to rethink the plans.

The players

Josh D'Amaro

The chief executive officer of Disney, who previously served as head of Disney's parks division and may see the new Villains Land as a key addition during his tenure.

Len Testa

The co-author of The Unofficial Guides and president of TouringPlans.com, who provided insights about the Villains Land project.

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What they’re saying

“The team working on Villains Land for Magic Kingdom ... was told earlier this year to rethink the plans that they had around rides, shows, attractions and restaurants that they're building in that land. Essentially the instructions were think bigger and think bolder.”

— Len Testa, Co-author of The Unofficial Guides and president of TouringPlans.com (FOX 35 Orlando)

“Josh knows that he doesn't want to spend $60 billion and get to 'like,' he wants to spend $60 billion and get to 'love.'”

— Len Testa, Co-author of The Unofficial Guides and president of TouringPlans.com (FOX 35 Orlando)

What’s next

Disney has not officially released new details about Villains Land, and the company did not respond to a request for comment.

The takeaway

Disney is aiming to create a 'bigger and bolder' Villains Land at the Magic Kingdom, as the company faces increasing competition from Universal Orlando Resort's upcoming Epic Universe park. The new land is expected to be a defining addition during the tenure of Disney CEO Josh D'Amaro, who wants to ensure the company delivers an experience that guests will 'love' rather than just 'like.'