Unlocking the Secrets of the New Villains-Themed Land at Magic Kingdom

This weekend at Destination D23, Imagineer Caroline got a chance to share some insights on the hard work happening on the new villains-themed land coming to Magic Kingdom park. The land was first announced by Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, last year at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, where it was revealed that the space would include two major attractions, dining, and shopping – all with a touch of dark, devious flair. Here’s what you might have missed:

New Details About the Villains-Themed Land at Magic Kingdom 

During a video message in the panel, Disney Legend and former animator Andreas Deja, who is best known for helping to bring some of the most evil Disney Villains to life onscreen, such as Gaston in Beauty and the Beast, Jafar in Aladdin, and Scar in The Lion King, announced that he was officially consulting on the project.  

Deja shared that these characters are the best source materials for Imagineers to utilize and reference when conceptualizing the land, with big personalities, bold visuals, and rich backgrounds to influence the overall ambiance and the experience that guests will have while visiting. 

What Inspired the Villains-Themed Land? 

Disney confirms that the journey to developing the land began with the animation source material and the Walt Disney Animation Studios artists responsible for it. These conversations made them realize that it was critical to reflect the look and feel of the characters’ animation in the land’s physical structures and appearance, so they set off to Paris, France and Barcelona, Spain to learn about each city’s architecture and its unique attributes.  

The research trip was truly transformative and completely immersive. The team specifically studied Art Nouveau architecture design and the unique form, scale, and color that define this style, which flourished in the late 1800s. Through partnerships with local professors, along with art and architectural historians, Imagineers received an intimate look at the architectural aesthetics that will serve as the overall design inspiration for the land. 

The Influence of Art Nouveau Architecture on the Villains-Themed Land 

Paris is a city full of classic Art Nouveau examples – the team highlighted the way natural motifs and swirling designs there make nature appear to be “cursed” like magic has frozen it into place. On the other hand, Barcelona’s art style is Modernisme, which has less natural patterns but gives the architecture an otherworldly, unnerving appearance.

Another fascinating discovery that they made in both places was how many of the architectural elements had a wonderful color palette, full of rich tones. Seeing details like colorful stained-glass windows and painted metals helped us understand how we might bring the beautiful, deep jewel tones of the animated villains to life in the land’s buildings. 

After identifying the similarities between the magical, fluid, and organic appearance of both the animated villains and the Art Nouveau style of construction, 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 villains-inspired land.  

Disney Villains remain some of the most iconic and beloved characters thanks to their memorable musical moments, extravagant attire, complex stories, and striking visuals.

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