The fan behind Disney's new fake-fire effect can push air at up to about 60 meters per second, roughly 134 mph. Fans say it's built for Villains Land, but Disney hasn't said so.
Disney has a new way to make fake fire, and one of the patent drawings looks an awful lot like the Magic Mirror.
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office granted Disney a patent called "Fan Effect System" on Tuesday, Nov. 3, WDW News Today reported. Disney filed it July 8, 2025. The four listed inventors, Daniel Joseph, Jessica Klouda, Jason Monahan and Miles Maline, are all based in Central Florida. That's also where Magic Kingdom lives. Just saying.
One drawing shows a face rising out of a burst of flames on a tall sheet of fabric. BlogMickey, WDWNT, Disney Food Blog and AllEars all connected it to the Magic Mirror and Magic Kingdom's planned Villains Land.
That link is fan speculation. The patent doesn't name a park, attraction or character, and BlogMickey said plainly that "Disney hasn't tied this patent to any project."
Here's a look at what Disney has shared about Villains Land:
How does Disney's fake fire patent work?
It's an upgrade to the classic silk flame, the fabric-and-lights trick that's been faking fire at theme parks for decades. BlogMickey broke down the parts:
The fan: A brushless fan spins at 10,000 to 100,000 RPM and pushes air up to about 60 meters per second. That's roughly 134 mph, by our math.
The fins: Seven stationary blades smooth the airflow, and a nozzle sends air along both sides of the fabric.
The fabric: Ultralight polyester, 3 to 6 grams per square meter, that can stretch up to nine feet. It's nearly see-through, so it doubles as a projection screen for video, GOBO patterns or lasers.
The controls: A control unit syncs fan speed with the projected video. When the effect ends, the fabric pulls back into a hidden container or a motorized roller.
WDWNT said the fabric could deploy almost instantly and even blow sideways instead of up. The patent also describes a compressed-air version small enough to fit inside a costume.
Why doesn't Disney just use real fire?
The filing gets right to it. Real fire comes with "safety and cost concerns," it says. And the usual silk-and-LED method "may result in an unrealistic appearance of the effect."
So Disney wants flames that look real, shoot higher and vanish on cue, without anyone calling the fire marshal. The patent lists possible homes like statues, props, robots, animatronics, parade floats and costumes.
Other drawings show a performer tilting the device to 45 degrees, a handheld laser "sword" effect, and four fans holding up one tall sheet with a face rising from projected flames.
Is the Magic Mirror patent for Villains Land?
Disney hasn't said. Here's why fans think so.
At D23 in August, Disney said Villains Land will include a dark ride that takes guests into the catacombs beneath the Evil Queen's palace. There, they meet the Magic Mirror and get pulled through the glass, surrounded by visions of other villains. Disney said that ride will mix practical sets with special effects.
WDWNT called the dark ride "almost certainly" where this effect would go. It also floated the Haunted Mansion, since the patent mentions a "ghastly character." Then it added the usual fine print: there's "no guarantee" any of this reaches the parks.
What has Disney said about Villains Land?
Here's what's actually official:
2024: Josh D'Amaro announced a villains-themed land for Magic Kingdom at the D23 Expo, with two major attractions plus dining and shopping.
Aug. 15, 2026: At D23's Disney Experiences Showcase, Imagineering's Bruce Vaughn and Caroline May confirmed the name Villains Land.
The rides: A Maleficent roller coaster through an enchanted briar patch around her mountaintop fortress, plus the Magic Mirror dark ride.
The story: An evil wish broke a hidden wishing well and released poisoned magic, which draws villains in.
Where: Magic Kingdom's northwest corner, behind Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
When: No opening date yet. Dining and shopping details are still under wraps.
Until Disney says otherwise, a flaming mirror face in a patent is a very good guess, not a confirmation. Still, if you're going to introduce a villain, fire is a strong opening line.
Article compiled and written by Kambrea Pratt (editor-in-chief), Derek Gibbs (beat editor) and the Pirates & Princesses newsroom. Pirates & Princesses is part of WebReef Media.
Pirates and Princesses is your destination for Disney news, theme park updates, and the pop culture you love. From Disney cruises and travel tips to Disney fashion, food, collectibles, and movie news, PNP covers it all. Visit us at piratesandprincesses.net for daily coverage. Follow PNP on Facebook and Instagram, and listen to the Pirates & Princesses podcast on Apple Podcasts and YouTube.
Hat Tips:
BlogMickey (Nov. 3, 2026), the patent title, filing date, inventors, fan and fabric specs, drawings and the filing's language
WDW News Today (Nov. 3, 2026), the grant date, quick deployment, the Magic Mirror and Haunted Mansion speculation
BlogMickey (Aug. 15, 2026), the Villains Land name, rides, location, presenters and 2024 announcement
TheWrap (Aug. 15, 2026), the Villains Land wishing well story and dark ride details
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