Villain’s Land is officially the wicked new home for the Disney Villains at Magic Kingdom and at 2026 D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event we got a bunch of great new details on the new land, it’s backstory and details on two of the attractions. Plus, a completely out of pocket appearance by Glenn Close dressed as her iconic version of Cruella De Vil nearly blew off the roof of the Honda  Center.

Here’s a look at what we got to see at the Disney Experiences Showcase during 2026 D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event (formerly D23 Expo) taking place from August 14 – 16, 2026.

What to Expect

The Disney Experiences Showcase at the Honda Center was hosted by Neil Patrick Harris and featured President & Chief Creative Officer Bruce Vaughn and Executive Creative Director Caroline May from Walt Disney Imagineering who were ready to get fully villainous. In no uncertain terms, Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro promises “a fearless new vision for what a Disney experience can be.” Here’s some of what we learned.

• The official name of the land is Villain’s Land in which Vaughn mused that sometimes the obvious answer is the right answer.
• This massive, fully immersive expansion is comparable in scale to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
• Villains to feature prominently in the land include Maleficent, Cruella de Vil, the Evil Queen, and Dr. Facilier) to build their own realms and layers.
• The land’s back story is set in a foreboding dark forest centered around a broken, corrupted Wishing Well whose dark magic has been harnessed by Disney Villains.
  • Once upon a time, someone made an evil wish here – a wish so evil it corrupted the stone and broke open the structure, spreading the Well’s poisoned magic throughout the forest.
• Maleficent Coaster
  • Still unnamed, we got confirmation of a roller coaster attraction taking riders through the enchanted briars surrounding Maleficent’s mountaintop fortress.
  • Imagineering team teased that this coaster will include elements they’ve never attempted before on similar attractions, so it is set to be a truly groundbreaking project.
• Mirror Realm Dark Ride
  • A journey deep into the catacombs beneath the Evil Queen’s castle where riders step through the Magic Mirror realm.
  • Surrounded by physical sets, special effects, and iconic villains this adventure will be led by the Magic Mirror himself

More Fun

• Legendary actress Glenn Close made an iconic surprise cameo dressed in full Cruella de Vil costume to interrupte the segment and demand her own ride
• There was a live musical performance of by Beck with the song “Friends on the Other Side” from THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG.

Video

Here it straight from the source yourself, here’s the backstory on Villain’s Land including details on two new attractions that will anchor it!

Photos

Concept Art

Here’s a look at some of the official artwork released by Disney for Villain’s Land.

Imagineering: Horizons, Disney Experiences pavilion

See it for Yourself

D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event takes place in Anaheim from August 14 – 16, 2026.

MORE INFO: Check out all MouseInfo coverage for D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event at MouseInfo.com/D23

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