Disney’s iconic Villains are stepping out of the shadows and into more permanent attractions at theme parks around the world. With their dark allure, these characters are set to enhance the experience at Disney theme parks beyond the traditional Halloween season. Recent developments include a new Broadway-style show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and a parade introduced at Hong Kong Disneyland, with a themed land planned for the Magic Kingdom.
The question now arises: Where might the Disney Villains find their new homes at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure?
Potential Homes for the Disney Villains
Disney California Adventure (DCA) already features the Frightfully Fun Parade, showcasing a variety of Disney Villains during the annual Oogie Boogie Bash. This event, however, is a seasonal offering, requiring separate admission. Imagine a daytime parade at DCA featuring beloved Villains like Cruella de Vil, Ursula, and Gaston. Similar to the Uninvited: A Villains Takeover Party at Hong Kong Disneyland, such a parade could draw crowds year-round.
The Uninvited parade at Hong Kong Disneyland runs both during the day and after dusk, making it a dual attraction. Similarly, the Disney Villains: Into the Frenzy parade was successfully staged during Halloween 2024 at Tokyo Disneyland. There is a clear opportunity for the Disney Villains to become a staple in Anaheim, enhancing the park’s offerings and extending visitor engagement into the evening.
At Disneyland, the Uninvited parade could seamlessly integrate with Main Street U.S.A., transforming it into a theatrical experience with show stops along the route. The iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle, which has previously hosted Villain-themed events, could serve as a stunning backdrop for this spectacle.
Expanding the Villains’ Presence in Fantasyland
Fantasyland presents another logical venue for the Disney Villains. This area is home to many characters from Disney’s fairy tale classics. The recent opening of “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios tells the story of misunderstood Villains. This narrative could easily find a home in the outdoor Fantasyland Theatre, which has been without a theatrical show since January 2023.
Alternatively, the Hyperion Theater at DCA, which has been unused since the closure of “Rogers: The Musical” in 2023, could provide a fitting indoor venue for “Unfairly Ever After.” In this production, Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook, and Maleficent present their cases to the audience, who ultimately decides who has faced the greatest injustices. This interactive element could invigorate both parks.
The DisneylandForward expansion plan, approved in 2024, envisions extending Disneyland and DCA into adjacent parking lots. Although no specific themed lands have been announced yet, the potential for a Villains-themed area akin to the one planned for Magic Kingdom remains a tantalizing prospect. This land is set to include two major attractions, dining options, and shopping, all set within a dark, enticing atmosphere that embodies the essence of Disney’s Villains.
The Future of Disney Entertainment
The DisneylandForward expansion also includes a Disney Entertainment Destination, which aims to combine theme park experiences, hotels, and retail spaces. This new area could provide an ideal backdrop for Villain-themed attractions. Concept designs for the eastside expansion feature a central lagoon surrounded by shops and a hotel, potentially serving as the site for a spectacular water show themed around Disney Villains.
Disneyland has yet to confirm the types of experiences that will be offered in this new destination, but the inclusion of a nighttime show featuring the Villains would undoubtedly captivate guests. Drawing inspiration from Shanghai Disney’s Grand Theatre, which hosts a Mandarin-language version of “The Lion King,” a dedicated theater for shows like “Unfairly Ever After” could anchor this expansion.
The Disney Villains are poised to become an integral part of the Disney experience, captivating audiences year-round. As plans continue to unfold, fans eagerly await the official announcements that will shape the future of these beloved characters across theme parks globally.
