Walt Disney World has revealed the roster of iconic villains set to inhabit the upcoming Villains Land expansion at Magic Kingdom.
Announced initially at D23 Expo in 2024 and refined with further details in early 2025, this new themed area promises a “twisted” realm where guests can immerse themselves in the darker side of Disney storytelling. However, amid the excitement, fans and critics alike are pointing to one notable (if not predictable) omission: Dr. Facilier from The Princess and the Frog.
This absence has fueled speculation about Disney’s efforts to distance itself from elements associated with voodoo, echoing changes seen in the recent Tiana’s Bayou Adventure attraction.
The Villains Land Announcement
Villains Land, slated to open in Disney World sometime after 2027 as part of the “Beyond Big Thunder” expansion, will transform a section of Magic Kingdom into a shadowy domain inspired by Disney’s most notorious antagonists.
Courtesy Disney Company, Concept Art
According to official concept art and statements from Disney Parks Blog, the land will feature two major attractions, dining options, and shopping experiences that lean into the “nightmares” rather than happily ever afters. The expansion is expected to draw from a wide array of Disney films, creating an immersive environment where villains reign supreme.
Disney recently shared a curated list of 13 villains that have inspired the land’s design and theming. These characters, drawn from classic and modern animated features, include:
- Queen of Hearts (Alice in Wonderland)
- Cruella de Vil (101 Dalmatians)
- Captain Hook (Peter Pan)
- Maleficent (Sleeping Beauty)
- Jafar (Aladdin)
- Hades (Hercules)
- Ursula (The Little Mermaid)
- Yzma (The Emperor’s New Groove)
- Lady Tremaine (Cinderella)
- Gaston (Beauty and the Beast)
- The Evil Queen (Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs)
- Mother Gothel (Tangled)
- Chernabog (Fantasia)
This lineup was highlighted in promotional materials, with Disney emphasizing how these figures embody mischief, magic, and mayhem.
Melissa McCarthy as Ursula in Disney’s live-action THE LITTLE MERMAID. Photo courtesy of Disney. © 2023 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
The land’s concept art depicts a foreboding landscape with twisted architecture, eerie lighting, and interactive elements that allow guests to “join the villains” in their schemes.
Construction updates indicate progress is underway, with work beginning in early 2025 on areas adjacent to Frontierland. Disney has positioned Villains Land as a bold addition to Magic Kingdom, aiming to balance the park’s whimsical charm with edgier storytelling.
The Glaring Omission: Where Is Dr. Facilier?
While the revealed villains span decades of Disney animation, one standout absence has dominated discussions: Dr. Facilier, the charismatic voodoo practitioner from 2009’s The Princess and the Frog.
Dr. Facilier depicted in The Princess and The Frog – Disney+
Known for his smooth-talking demeanor, shadowy magic, and memorable musical numbers like “Friends on the Other Side,” Facilier is a fan-favorite villain often ranked among Disney’s best for his unique New Orleans flair and complex portrayal. His exclusion from the Villains Land lineup has left many puzzled, especially given the land’s emphasis on dark magic and supernatural themes—elements that align perfectly with Facilier’s character.
Speculation about Facilier’s omission ties directly to broader rumors of Disney’s sensitivity toward voodoo depictions. Sources suggest the company is actively avoiding content that could be seen as stereotypical or offensive to voodoo practitioners and religious groups.
Dr. Facilier as depicted in The Princess and The Frog – Disney+
This approach mirrors changes in Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, the rethemed Splash Mountain attraction that opened in 2024. In that ride, which continues the story of The Princess and the Frog, Facilier is entirely absent, despite his central role in the original film.reddit.com Additionally, Mama Odie, originally portrayed as a voodoo priestess, was reimagined as a “bayou fairy godmother,” stripping away explicit voodoo references.
The Mama Odie animatronic in Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in Walt Disney World – Photo Credit: M. Montanaro
Insiders and reports indicate this was a deliberate mandate from Disney to “cleanse” the attraction of voodoo elements, citing potential controversy from both practitioners who view negative portrayals as harmful stereotypes. One report described it as a company-wide effort to skirt spiritual sensitivities, with Facilier deemed “too controversial” due to his ties to voodoo.
Fans on platforms like Reddit have expressed disappointment, arguing that omitting Facilier dilutes the cultural richness of the film’s New Orleans setting.
Merchandise Pull and Mixed Signals
Adding to the intrigue, there are conflicting reports about Dr. Facilier’s merchandise. Recent sightings show Facilier-themed products still available in park gift shops, including those near Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. This inconsistency has led to accusations of hypocrisy, with critics questioning why the villain is marketable in stores but erased from attractions and lands.
Don’t put him the ride but we’ll sell them next to each other 😂 pic.twitter.com/r5uYwNC5B7
— 🔥 FIVE FIRES 🔥 (@thecalibae) January 13, 2025
Disney has not officially commented on these decisions, but the pattern suggests a cautious approach to culturally sensitive topics in immersive experiences.
Fan Reactions and What It Means for Disney’s Future
The omission has sparked heated debates online. Some supporters praise Disney for respecting diverse beliefs and avoiding potential backlash, while others argue it represents over-correction, robbing fans of a beloved character and sanitizing Disney’s storytelling.
As Villains Land progresses, eyes will be on whether Disney revisits Facilier or introduces subtle nods to The Princess and the Frog without invoking voodoo.
Dr. Facilier as depicted in the Disney film The Princess and The Frog – Disney+
With construction ramps up and more details expected in upcoming earnings calls or events, Villains Land remains one of Disney World’s most buzzed-about projects.
Whether Dr. Facilier’s “friends on the other side” will ever make an appearance is uncertain.
How do you feel about the Disney World Villains Land? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
