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Credit: Edited by Inside the Magic Walt Disney World may be on the verge of delivering one of the most unexpected ride concepts Magic Kingdom has seen in years — and it’s coming straight out of The Emperor’s New Groove (2000).
According to new reports from Discussing Film and The Wrap, fresh details about Disney’s upcoming Villains Land have surfaced. And if they’re accurate, this expansion isn’t just ambitious. It’s bold. It’s theatrical. And it sounds exactly like the kind of “dream bigger” directive Josh D’Amaro recently challenged Imagineers to embrace.
Just weeks ago, reports indicated that D’Amaro — who is set to step into the CEO role — encouraged creative teams to push beyond safe ideas for Villains Land. He reportedly told them to “scrap” some of the original ideas and to look into making this expansion even bigger than before. Now, we may be seeing what that actually means.
A Coaster Inspired by Kuzco? Yes, Really
Let’s start with the headliner: a family-friendly roller coaster themed to The Emperor’s New Groove (2000).
If you’re a longtime fan, your mind probably went straight to one thing — Yzma’s lab. More specifically, that chaotic, color-coded roller coaster sequence that’s become one of the film’s most iconic moments.
“Pull the lever, Kronk!”
It practically begs to be a ride.
A family coaster in Villains Land centered on that concept would make perfect sense. It offers thrills without pushing into extreme territory, keeping it accessible for kids while still delivering that kinetic, comedic energy Magic Kingdom excels at. Think along the lines of Seven Dwarfs Mine Train in intensity — but wrapped in the absurd, neon-lit madness of Yzma’s secret lair.
From a design standpoint, this is a smart move. The Emperor’s New Groove has maintained a cult following for over two decades. It’s quotable. It’s meme-worthy. And it hasn’t been heavily represented in the parks. That makes it feel fresh without being risky.
More importantly, it fits Villains Land in a way that doesn’t feel forced. Yzma is chaotic. She’s dramatic. She literally built a roller coaster under her palace. The IP does half the Imagineering work on its own.
A Major Maleficent Water Ride
If the Kuzco coaster brings comedy, the Maleficent attraction reportedly brings scale.
The reports point to a large indoor, water-based ride centered on Maleficent — one of Disney’s most iconic villains. This wouldn’t be a minor addition. It’s being described as a major E-ticket-style experience.
A water ride inside Magic Kingdom’s Villains Land would immediately stand out. Pirates of the Caribbean already proves that indoor water attractions work beautifully in this park. Now imagine something darker. More theatrical. Possibly incorporating Maleficent’s dragon form.
This could be the anchor of the entire land.
Maleficent carries cross-generational appeal thanks to Sleeping Beauty (1959) and the live-action Maleficent films. She represents classic Disney villainy at its most operatic. An immersive indoor attraction with practical effects, projection mapping, and large-scale show scenes would elevate Villains Land from “fun addition” to “must-visit destination.”
And if D’Amaro truly wants Imagineers to think bigger, this is how you do it — with spectacle.
Hades Takes the Stage
Villains Land may not just be about rides. Another reported addition is a restaurant featuring a dinner show starring Hades, along with Pain and Panic from Hercules (1997).
That’s not a quick-service counter. That’s an experience.
Disney has leaned into character dining for decades, but a villain-driven dinner show opens an entirely new lane for Magic Kingdom. Hades is sharp, sarcastic, and wildly popular with fans. His fast-talking humor would translate perfectly into a live performance setting.
Picture a theatrical underworld-inspired dining space, complete with interactive moments, comedic banter, and maybe even some musical numbers. Pain and Panic bring physical comedy. Hades brings attitude. The vibe would be completely different from the regal atmosphere of Cinderella’s Royal Table or the adventurous tone of Be Our Guest.
It’s bold. It’s character-driven. And it gives Villains Land something immersive that extends beyond ride capacity.
Ursula May Spin Into the Mix
The fourth rumored element? A potential third ride — possibly a spinner attraction themed to Ursula from The Little Mermaid (1989).
Now, on paper, that might sound smaller than the others. But spinners can be incredibly effective capacity builders. They also tend to appeal strongly to families and younger guests.
If done creatively, an Ursula-themed spinner could incorporate glowing tentacles, swirling ocean currents, and musical elements inspired by “Poor Unfortunate Souls.” Visually, it could become one of the most eye-catching attractions in the land, especially at night.
More importantly, it adds balance. A family coaster. A large-scale water ride. A dinner show. And a spinner-style attraction. That’s a well-rounded lineup.
Some of the new plans for Walt Disney World’s Villains Land have been revealed:
• A family-friendly coaster themed to ‘The Emperor’s New Groove’
• A major indoor water-based Maleficent ride
• A restaurant with a dinner show experience featuring Hades, Pain and Panic
• A… pic.twitter.com/FB5v1x0Al2
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) February 26, 2026
The Bigger Picture: D’Amaro’s Influence
The timing of these reports feels significant.
Just weeks ago, news broke that Josh D’Amaro was pushing Imagineers to expand their creative boundaries, particularly with Villains Land. The directive reportedly centered around thinking bigger and avoiding safe, predictable concepts.
If these new plans are accurate, they reflect that philosophy.
Instead of one headline attraction and filler around it, Villains Land appears to be shaping up as a fully realized mini-park within Magic Kingdom. It leans into underused IP like The Emperor’s New Groove while still anchoring itself with heavy hitters like Maleficent and Ursula.
It’s also worth noting that Magic Kingdom is entering a transformative era. With other lands evolving and long-standing areas shifting, Villains Land has the opportunity to define the park’s next chapter.
And fans have been asking for something like this for years.
Why This Feels Different
Disney has teased villain-focused concepts before. We’ve seen Halloween overlays, after-hours events, and character appearances. But a permanent, dedicated Villains Land signals a shift.
It acknowledges that fans love the antagonists just as much as the heroes.
The rumored Kuzco coaster alone would mark a rare moment where Disney leans into a cult classic rather than a current blockbuster. That’s a confidence move. It suggests Imagineering is thinking about long-term fan engagement, not just short-term synergy.
And if the Maleficent ride truly delivers scale, Villains Land could rival some of the most immersive environments Disney has built in the last decade.
What Happens Next?
For now, these details stem from industry reports and have not been officially confirmed by Walt Disney World. But the consistency between sources adds credibility.
If announcements follow in the coming months, expect Disney to frame Villains Land as a bold evolution of Magic Kingdom — one driven by creativity and fan demand.
A Kuzco coaster. A Maleficent water epic. Hades hosting dinner. Ursula spinning guests into chaos.
A few weeks ago, “dream bigger” sounded like corporate motivation.
Now, it sounds like a blueprint.
And if this is truly the direction Magic Kingdom is heading, Villains Land may become one of the most anticipated expansions in Walt Disney World history.