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🖤 Welcome to the Lair, Villains 🖤
You’re officially part of our 2026 DisneyBound Conference, Villains at Play, and we’re so glad you’re here! This is the Villains Hub, your behind-the-scenes space before we arrive at Disney.
Check out this page for information, reminders, optional Q&A sessions, schedules and logistics, and all important information to help make the conference work for you (and any family or friends you're bringing).
Villains at Play is about reclaiming complexity, curiosity, and power through play. The conference is designed with space, breaks, and flexibility in mind. Here are a few reassurances:
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All social events are optional.
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You do not need to attend everything to have a full experience.
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Disney bounding and costumes are welcome, never required.
Your Official Villains Guide is Here!
We've created a digital guidebook filled with everything you'll need to know before and during our trip - park tips, schedules, important information, contacts, recommendations, and all sorts of magical details.
You'll notice in the guidebook that you've been assigned to one of our incredible Villains (my wonderfully wicked henchmen). Your Villain will be your primary point person throughout the week - answering questions, helping keep everyone informed, and making sure your adventure runs smoothly.
Connect with us
Join Our Facebook Page
Join our event page on Facebook. This is a key hub for updates, reminders, and connect with fellow attendees in pre-event discussions.
Optional Evening Mischief
We've got two optional evening networking events for anyone who wants a little extra villainy after the workshops!
September 7: Pins, Crafting & Connections
Join us for a relaxed evening of Disney pin fun, crafting, trading stories, and getting to know fellow attendees.
September 11: Villainous Game Night
We'll wrap up our adventure with an evening of laughter, strategy, games, and one final chance to connect before we all return to the real world.
If you think you'll join us for either (or both!), please let us know so we can plan supplies and seating.
🎥 Q&A Replays
Missed our Q&A sessions? Catch the replays below as we answer questions about park tickets, in-park learning opportunities, the Oogie Boogie Bash, hotel extensions, weather conditions, Lightening Lanes, and a few favorite Disney ride and snack tips. The countdown to Disney is officially on!
Extra Tickets
Oogie Boogie Bash Tickets
Contact maria@anewhopeacademy.org if you would like to request additional tickets. The deadline to purchase additional Oogie Boogie Bash tickets concluded at the end of May, but we may still have a couple of extra tickets.
Park Tickets
Click this link to purchase additional park tickets if loved ones are joining you (please note the ticket store will be open from Wednesday March 18).
Conference Schedule
Act I – Welcome to the Shadows: Connection, curiosity, and the courage to play.
Sunday, September 6th
Arrival Day!
5:30 - 8:30pm
We will be gathering for our kick-off dinner at 5:30 pm where you will meet your fellow delegates and enjoy our first presentation -Every Villain Has an Origin Story: A Playful Exploration of the Shadows Within with Maria Laquerre-Diego, LMFT, RPT-S.
Following our workshop you are welcome to explore Downtown Disney® or enjoy the hotel's amenities!
Monday, September 7th
Training Day!
9am - 1pm
Be the Villain They Need: Finding Your Professional Identity through Child-Centered Play Therapy with Madi Duran, LCSW
Breakfast (8-8:45am), lunch (12-1pm) and afternoon snacks provided. Optional evening gathering.
2pm - 6pm
Villains in Plain Sight: Cultural Shadows in Family Play Therapy with Liliana Baylon, LMFT-S, RPT-S
Act II – Into the Lair: Deep dives into theory, identity, and shadow themes.
Tuesday, September 8th &
Wednesday, September 9th
Park Days!
Tuesday you can rope drop at Disneyland® Park starting with at 8:00 and on Wednesday you can rope drop at Disney California Adventure®! Your Park Hopper ticket will allow you to explore the other park beginning at 11:00 am.
You will also have the opportunity to take part in immersive, small group workshops in the parks with NanDee Walker, LCPS-NCC, RPT and Melissa Wintershied, LPC-S, RPT-S (see below)! Seats will be available first registered, first reserved!
Tuesday
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8 - 11:30am: Location - Galaxy's Edge. Don't be Tempted to the Dark Side of Ethics for Play Therapists
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1 - 4:30pm: Location - Tomorrowland. Drowning in Empathy: Ethical Considerations for Play Therapists
Wednesday
Thursday, September 10th
Training & Oogie Boogie bash Day!!
9am - 1pm
From Lair to Secure Base: Play Therapy for Healing Attachment and Transforming Adaptive Strategies Across the Lifespan with Jackie Flynn, EdS, LMHC-S, RPT-S™
Breakfast (8-8:45am) provided.
3pm - 11pm
Descend into the Disneyland® Park anytime from 3pm and then join us to party at the Oogie Boogie Bash where the magic starts at 6:00 pm until the clock chimes 11:00 pm.
Act III – Redemption & Integration: Reflection, renewal, and play-based transformation
Friday, September 11th
Training Day!
9am - 1pm
From Villain to Guide: Rewriting Inner Narratives Using Archetypal Symbolism with Catherine Denham, LCSW, RPT-S, and Alisha Denham, LCSW, RPT-S
Breakfast (8-8:45am), lunch (1-2pm) and afternoon snacks provided. Optional evening gathering.
2pm - 6pm
From Villain to Visionary: Integrating the Shadows Through Play
with Maria Laquerre-Diego, LMFT, RPT-S.
Saturday, September 12th
Sadly all good things come to an end! There is no programming on this day, so enjoy the hotel amenities until check out at 11:00. You can then explore Downtown Disney® before you have to head to the airport!
*Presenters and topics may be subject to change. All times are posted in Pacific Time.
Catering & Access
Access
Disneyland® Resort has accessibility information relating to the hotel and navigating the park, including a map of services, available here.
Moreover, do not hesitate to contact Maria at maria@anewhopeacademy.org if you have any access needs or queries about the conference.
Catering
In addition to the delicious kick-off dinner, our schedule above lists when meals and snacks are provided to fuel you during your training days*.
While meals on park days aren't included in the package, fear not! Click here to whet your appetite and access a map showing the wide range of restaurants and food outlets in the park.