Day 2 of Destination D23 started off with a darker look as the opening presentations featured the Disney Villains. There was an opening number featuring Disney Concert Group singing songs about the villains. There was also a deeper look into the Disney Villains, especially the new Disney Villains-themed land coming to Magic Kingdom Park, as well as other villains-focused projects and products. This showing proved that these devilish divas never go out of style.
The “Disney Villains: Icons of Evil” panel was every bit as wonderfully wicked as its name promised. The presentation was hosted by YouTube mega-creator Michelle Khare, and was packed with plenty of frightfully fun moments and announcements.
The most anticipated news of the panel came out of Walt Disney World, where the new show “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After” recently premiered and construction for the previously revealed villains-themed land is on the horizon.
To kick off the presentation, Executive Creative Director Caroline May and Executive Producer Wyatt Winter from Walt Disney Imagineering shared some eagerly awaited updates about the villains-themed land coming to Magic Kingdom.
Since it was first announced last year at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, Imagineers have been busy working to bring this villainous vision to life, and the panel provided some incredible insights into the extensive research that went into the land before construction even began. It was a treat for the audience to hear about the vibe and vision, which was largely influenced by the Art Nouveau style of architecture in Europe, from the Imagineers themselves.
Disney Live Entertainment Show Director Mark Renfrow then gave fans a behind-the-screams look at how Disney Live Entertainment developed the new spellbinding show, which can be seen at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and features Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook, and Maleficent alongside other iconic villains as fans are invited to engage with these characters in an exciting new way. He did a deep dive into Cruella specifically, focusing on her wonderfully wacky fashion sense and the different looks she dons throughout the show.
Mark Renfrow soon focused on the Disneyland Resort to talk about all things Oogie Boogie Bash at Disney California Adventure park, including the debut of this year’s newest character – Syndrome. Guests can encounter this scheming, snarky super-villain for the first time as they explore his dedicated treat trail near Pixar Pier during the party, in addition to other exclusive, eerie experiences like the Frightfully Fun Parade and Villains Grove.
Disney Cruise Line is preparing for the debut of the Disney Destiny Cruise Ship this fall, and Entertainment Creative Director for Disney Signature Experiences Live Entertainment Denise Case just revealed even more details.
Artwork shown for the announcement revealed a new “meet and play” character encounter with the playfully sinister practitioner of the macabre, Dr. Facilier. This cunningly charming illusionist may be lurking around the upper levels of the Grand Hall or in his own makeshift parlor, inviting guests in for a card trick or sleight of hand – he’s just here to make new friends…
The international Disney Parks will also be celebrating Halloween with their own take on the spooky holiday. Mark Renfrow shared another exciting announcement from Disney Live Entertainment – a brand-new entertainment offering will be debuting at Hong Kong Disneyland on September 19 as the park kicks off their Halloween season!
“Uninvited! A Villains Takeover Party” will include elements of a cavalcade, street show, and musical spectacle, showcasing various Disney Villains including Maleficent, the mistress of evil. After being uninvited from yet another royal gathering, Maleficent decides to stir up some fun of her own and goads the invited guests to call forth her uninvited counterparts. Spells fly, fire flashes, and music soars as the glittering assemblage of Disney Villains and their underlings arrive for a most sinister street party.
Disney fans love their villains, especially when it comes to merchandise, and there is no shortage of villain-themed merchandise. Director of Graphic Design for Disney Consumer Products Stacey Aoyama showed the audience what mysterious merchandise they can expect in the coming months.
The Bath & Body Works collection, inspired by some of the most beloved Disney Villains, dropped online this week, and ahead of the in-store release on September 3, Stacey shared some secrets about the development of these products and Disney’s recent collaborations with Bath & Body Works, which have been fan-favorite items.
So much thought went into the careful crafting and creation of the villains line, with a particular focus on the fragrance notes and characteristics as they relate to the personalities of Maleficent and the Evil Queen. The scents being ideal for fall was also a very intentional goal that the team had, and know these will be the perfect addition to your spooky season shopping cart.
More updates regarding the Disney Villains-themed land and more will be coming soon. Stay tuned to Daps Magic for all of the updates, and even more news from Destination D23.
What do you think of this villains news? Are you a fan of the Disney villains? Share your thoughts in the comments.
