The Walt Disney World Resort is advancing construction on the Villains Land in the northwest corner of Magic Kingdom by relocating mature oak trees from the site. Recent permit filings indicate significant updates to the project's footprint since early 2026.
Construction on what is described as the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom history continues in the northwest corner of the park. Recent permit documents reveal that the Villains Land footprint has evolved, featuring updated layouts, reconfigured utilities, and expanded building designs. These plans include at least two major show buildings, one spanning around 70,000 square feet. Compared to filings from January, changes encompass rerouted water management systems, refined building outlines, and adjusted support facilities. The site remains in land-clearing and preparation mode, with little vertical construction visible yet. Notably, Disney is transplanting mature oak trees—some decades old—by wrapping their root systems and adding stabilizing supports, rather than removing them. This approach suggests efforts to preserve the trees for potential reuse in the land's dark, enchanted environment, which could feature twisted forests and looming architecture. Rides inspired by the villain from The Emperor’s New Groove and Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty are rumored for the area.
