The Happiest Place on Earth is famous for its warm, family-centered entertainment that never fails to put a smile on our faces. Characters like Snow White, Peter Pan, and Frozen’s Olaf scattered throughout the parks are all reminders that joy and happiness are a pivotal part of the magical world.
But imagine if a Disney park were dark, dreary, and full of the evil villains that inhabit the various animated films. Imagine having someone like the cruel Maleficent or the conniving Captain Hook greet you instead of the effervescent Mickey Mouse. Disney almost turned that concept into a reality.
Concept Art for The Dark Kingdom
With Maleficent’s foreboding castle looming at its center, The Dark Kingdom would have served as a dark antithesis to the widely popular Magic Kingdom. Surrounding it was the briar patch forest that the villainess creates in Sleeping Beauty, while the Shadowlands housing The Lion King’s Scar would have resided elsewhere.
An Ursula the Sea Witch ride similar to Dumbo would have been among the featured attractions, while a Splash Mountain-like ride called “Villain Mountain” was among the more heavily discussed designs.
When Disney opened up the idea to fans in 2010, many were delighted at the concept and offered ideas of their own. There were some, however, who were opposed to the thought.
“I think it would be a fantastic addition to a park….this idea of ‘Shadowland’ or ‘Dark Kingdom’ in Magic Kingdom,” said one avid park-goer. “I don’t think a whole other park could be created from that idea, but I’ve always thought the villains got short shrift and deserved more.”
These plans came about as villain-centered films have become increasingly popular in the last decade, with Disney even putting their own positive spin on the classic baddie in Maleficent. Like Beastly Kingdom – a dragons and fantasy-inspired land in Animal Kingdom – this idea was ultimately scrapped for other plans.
If you’re looking for something new in a Disney park, however, Pandora: The World of Avatar is currently open to the public in Animal Kingdom!
Does this sound like something you would have wanted to see? COMMENT below and let us know, and make sure to SHARE this article to let your friends know about the Disney park that never came to be!
nowhereman136 on August 28th, 2017 at 00:25 UTC »
Funfact: Disney World currently has 4 theme parks, 2 water parks, 3 golf courses, 2 shopping districts, 27 Hotels, and a sports complex (plus parking for all that.
Even with all that, Disney has only used 1/3 of the land they own in Florida. They own around 27,000 acres and have vowed to keep half of it undeveloped.
When Walt Disney opened his park in California, he instantly regretted not buying more land. It is essentially a single wall that separates the theme park from the outside world. Disney didnt like that other businesses were so close to his park and that he couldnt easily control what people in the park could see/hear from outside the park. When he purchased the land in Florida, he made sure he got more than enough.
Shippoyasha on August 27th, 2017 at 19:41 UTC »
I wish Disney did pay more attention to the villains in general, including in Marvel films and Star Wars. They are so averse to featuring them front and center, the villains tends to be shallow most of the time.
SaintVanilla on August 27th, 2017 at 19:39 UTC »
"Do you have churros here?"
"No"
"Damn this place is dark."