A new map of the Magic Kingdom from Disney could reveal the potential location, borders, and entry paths into the new Villains Land coming to Walt Disney World.
Disney expert WDWPro shared his analysis on how much this image actually reveals on the That Park Place YouTube channel, including what it’ll take to connect the new areas and how this shows that Disney may be worried about Epic Universe’s success.
The new map of the Magic Kingdom shows it without the recently closed Tom Sawyer’s Island and Rivers of America. Easily noticeable is a textured green immediately surrounding the Magic Kingdom’s current attractions that Pro alleges shows telltale sign of Photoshop. This green replaces the closed attractions as well extends upward above Fantasyland to the railroad tracks. It potentially reveals quite a lot about this Magic Kingdom expansion.
Theorized Locations
In a video on That Park Place’s YouTube channel, WDWPro proposes that Villains Land will likely fill in the space between the northern railroad tracks and the hidden access road behind the attractions of Fantasyland.
An updated map of the Magic Kingdom after the closure of Rivers of America – YouTube, That Park Place
Pro then explains four potential locations that could connect the new Villains Land with the rest of the park.
- The first is another road from Frontierland.
- The second is the spot between “It’s a Small World” and the Rapunzel bathrooms in Fantasyland. Behind the wall is part of the access road that could be re-themed. The potential con though is that this part of the access road is longer and would require changes to existing buildings. Pro stated this is likely as the new map extends the building to “It’s a Small World.” This is different from previous maps as the rest of the building is part of the backstage area.
- The third potential connection is the restrooms of Gaston’s Tavern. These could easily be replaced by a bridge over the access road. With some themed walls to hide the backstage area, guests could pass over without noticing. With the road being lower in elevation than Fantasyland, Disney could more easily build a bridge without revealing cast-member only areas.
- Last, Disney could construct an access point to Villains Land in Storybook Circus, potentially replacing the charging tent in the northeastern corner. This option is less likely for a few reasons. First, Disney would have to construct a longer bridge to cover the access road. Thus, the potential cost would be higher.
Some Possible Concerns
Though this finally uses an ideal area of land for expansion, WDWPro points out some potential pitfalls for Disney.
Pro’s first lament, which is shared by many Disney fans, is the erasure of Rivers of America. This beloved attraction was a part of the Magic Kingdom’s opening day. Disney could have used the upper portion Rivers of America for new areas while leaving Walt’s original attractions altered but still standing.
Concept art for Piston Peak, the new Cars Land coming to Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World – Disney Parks
Fans have expressed outrage over the recent removal of several iconic attractions, as well as concern that the Disney company does not value its founder’s ideas and direction. Pro suggested that Cars Land, officially Piston’s Peak National Park, could have easily fit into the northwest corner without requiring the complete removal of these two attractions.
We used to go to Walt Disney World a lot, but not all that much these days. But I have lots of photos that I took on our visits there. Still, I am going to miss views like this when they remove Rivers of America.https://t.co/qgdcTHE85I pic.twitter.com/C05DjWaQne
— Burnsland (@burnsland) July 7, 2025
The other issue is that the new Villains Land has the potential to become the largest area of Magic Kingdom, taking the title from Tomorrowland. Some fans may welcome this for the thrills of spooky characters. However, Pro argues that this would be better suited to Hollywood Studios as Magic Kingdom is supposed to represent dreams coming true, not nightmares.
The flaming windmill at Dark Universe in Universal’s Epic Universe – Photo Credit: Marvin Montanaro
Additionally, the push for Villains Land signals a bigger concern for the Disney company. With the success of Epic Universe and its Universal Monsters Dark Universe area, Disney is likely trying to mimic its competitors.
“So Disney is a follower at this point,” Pro said. “They’re not a creator. They don’t invent things. They just try to do the best they can to catch up to Universal.”
What are your thoughts on Magic Kingdom’s expansions? Do you agree with WDWPro on the potential Villains Land location? Let us know in the comments!
