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Disney’s Villains Land Reportedly Shifts to Family Focus as New Permit Signals Larger Build

Executive review of updated designs is expected within weeks, potentially pushing the earliest opening to 2029.

Overview

  • Industry reports describe a reworked lineup featuring a family-friendly Emperor’s New Groove coaster, an indoor Maleficent water dark ride, a Hades dinner-show restaurant, and a likely Ursula-themed spinner.
  • A newly filed Florida Department of Environmental Protection plan shows a significantly enlarged main interior building compared with January’s filing, aligning with a scaled-up concept.
  • Sources say the original darker, thrill-led approach has been replaced by a broader family strategy modeled on Isle of Berk’s appeal at Universal’s Epic Universe to drive higher per‑capita spending.
  • Updated plans are reportedly due soon for presentation to Josh D’Amaro before going to Disney’s board, and Disney has not officially confirmed any attraction specifics.
  • Reporting indicates the rethink could slip the schedule by about a year, with some outlets expecting details to be showcased at D23 later this year, though timing remains unconfirmed.