Walt Disney Imagineering has provided an in-depth look at the creative research and design philosophy behind the highly anticipated Villains Land expansion coming to Magic Kingdom. WDI Executive Producer Wyatt Winter revealed that the new themed area will be built upon a foundation combining Disney Animation's artistic legacy with architectural influences from Europe's most visually striking cities, introducing a groundbreaking design concept called 'Conjured Architecture.'
The design development process began with Disney's core storytelling tradition - animation. Winter explained that his team's journey started with the original animation source material and extensive conversations with Walt Disney Animation Studios artists who created the iconic villain characters. These discussions led to a crucial realization that the land's physical structures and overall appearance must faithfully reflect the distinctive look and aesthetic of the characters' animated origins. This revelation prompted the Imagineering team to embark on an international research expedition to Europe.
The research team traveled extensively to Paris, France, and Barcelona, Spain, where they immersed themselves in studying the rich architectural heritage of Art Nouveau and Modernisme styles. In Paris, known for its Art Nouveau movement, the Imagineers discovered natural motifs and swirling designs that make nature appear twisted and almost cursed. Winter noted how these organic, flowing shapes closely resembled the magical, frozen forms frequently associated with villainy in Disney animation, providing perfect inspiration for creating an atmosphere of beautiful menace.
Barcelona offered a different but equally valuable architectural perspective with its famous Modernisme style. This architectural movement is characterized by dreamlike forms and visually unnerving impacts that create a sense of unease. Unlike Paris's nature-based patterns, Barcelona's Modernisme possessed a more surreal quality that the Imagineers found ideal for crafting an environment that would be simultaneously unsettling and beautiful. The team worked closely with local professors and historians to gain deeper understanding of how these distinctive European architectural styles could be adapted and transformed into innovative themed design concepts.
Another significant discovery emerged from studying the rich use of color prevalent in both cities' architectural traditions. The Imagineering team extensively analyzed stained-glass windows, painted metal surfaces, and jewel-toned architectural elements that perfectly aligned with the deep, vibrant color palettes characteristic of Disney's most memorable villains. These color studies provided crucial insights into how to create authentic atmospheric environments that would resonate with guests' expectations.
By combining these diverse European architectural influences with the exaggerated, fantastical designs of animated villain characters, Disney Imagineers developed their innovative 'Conjured Architecture' design approach. This unique methodology merges historical European architectural styles with the otherworldly environments of Disney villains, creating immersive settings that feel simultaneously authentic and fantastical. The result will be an environment where guests can step directly into the villains' domain and experience their world firsthand.
Villains Land, which was officially announced last year, promises to deliver an unprecedented themed experience on what Disney describes as an 'incredibly twisted grand scale.' The expansion will feature two major attractions that utilize the Conjured Architecture design philosophy, along with themed dining establishments and shopping venues that fully immerse guests in the villains' world. Early concept art has revealed glimpses of roller coaster tracks winding through the elaborately designed landscape, suggesting thrilling attractions that will complement the immersive architectural storytelling.
