Something wicked is coming to Magic Kingdom, and we simply cannot wait, so when Disney shared a new look at the inspiration for this land, we took our seats quickly to learn a thing or two.
Villains Land ©Disney
At D23 in 2024, Disney FINALLY announced the expansion that fans have been waiting for: a land dedicated entirely to the Disney Villains. We’ve already seen concept art for the land, and we know a little bit about what it will offer. There will be new dining and shopping available, as well as TWO major attractions in the space. It seriously looks incredible from the artwork! But recently, we got a better look at what will inspire this new area.
At D23 in August 2025, Disney told us about their research trips and finding specific architecture to add to the theming of the new land. They wanted certain elements to represent the villains throughout.
©Disney
As conversations began about the new land, it became clear it was “critical to reflect the look and feel of the characters’ animation in the land’s physical structures and appearance.” So the teams set off to Paris, France, and Barcelona, Spain, to learn about each city’s architecture and its unique attributes. Disney Imagineers checked out details such as stained-glass windows and metal detailing.
©Disney
They studied the Art Nouveau style, which was big in the late 1800s. Imagineers spoke with local professors and art and architectural historians to bring the details to life.
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Imagineers loved the natural motifs and swirling designs, and how they reminded them of cursed magic stuck in time. Barcelona’s art style is Modernisme, which has fewer natural patterns but gives the architecture an otherworldly, unnerving appearance. Disney mentioned they are looking for how to “bring the beautiful, deep jewel tones of the animated villains to life in the land’s buildings.”
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The team coined the term “Conjured Architecture.” This refers to the blend of historical components and fantastical worlds that have merged to ultimately create something wicked that will be able to be experienced firsthand – a villain-inspired land.
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From these photos that the team shared at D23, we can start to see the hints of what they are looking at to implement into Magic Kingdom.
©Disney
While there is still so much to learn about the new land coming to Magic Kingdom, this gives us a peek into the decision-making process that will bring these buildings to life!
©Disney
They also shared their inspiration photos next to some classic Disney villains, and we can’t help but notice the similarities in the art!
©Disney
We will keep you updated as we get more information about Villains Land and other expansions coming to Disney World. Stay tuned to DFB for the latest news and updates!
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Interesting article, thank you.