Get ready to assemble, because Disney Parks are bringing the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) to life! Avengers Campus, a new immersive area, is opening its doors at Disney California Adventure, Walt Disney Studios Park in Disneyland Paris, and Hong Kong Disneyland, all inspired by the popular MCU.
But hold on! While these lands draw inspiration from the MCU, they exist in a separate universe, the “Marvel Theme Park Universe.” This alternate reality, existing within the vast MCU multiverse, offers a fresh perspective on the Avengers’ world, where the Blip, the devastating event from Avengers: Infinity War, never happened.
These exciting new areas are the brainchild of Walt Disney Imagineering, who worked hand-in-hand with Marvel Studios and Marvel Themed Entertainment to craft these superhero havens. They’ve taken inspiration from the global success of previous Marvel-themed events held at these parks, showcasing the undeniable demand for a deeper Marvel experience.
A Global Campus for Superheroes
Imagine a campus where you can join the Avengers and become a hero yourself! Each Avengers Campus, situated in different regions of the world, will be a unique “Super Hero campus” tailored to its location. While the experiences may vary, the overarching narrative and the shared connection between the campuses will remain constant, allowing visitors to explore different aspects of the superhero world.
The Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure offers a glimpse into the Avengers’ world, set on the former grounds of a Stark Industries plant and Strategic Scientific Reserve complex. This immersive area occupies the space previously held by A Bug’s Land and incorporates the Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout! attraction.
A Campus in the Making
The journey to creating the Avengers Campus has been an exciting one, with its fair share of delays and challenges. While A Bug’s Land closed in 2018 to make way for this superhero haven, the grand opening was initially slated for July 2020. However, due to the global pandemic and subsequent shutdowns, the opening was pushed back to 2021.
Despite a 1994 contract with Universal Parks & Resorts prohibiting the use of the “Marvel” name in park branding and attractions, Disney persevered, finally opening the California Campus in June 2021.
A Tribute to Stan Lee
To honor the legendary Stan Lee, the mastermind behind countless Marvel characters, the park dedicated a special plaque at the entrance to the Campus, surrounded by blue planters. This tribute echoes Lee’s profound belief in the power of heroism and the importance of helping others.
Continuing to Expand
The excitement surrounding Avengers Campus doesn’t stop there! The park is constantly expanding with new experiences, shows, and characters.
A new Avengers multiverse attraction is in development, promising an epic adventure with the villainous King Thanos. Doctor Strange, a fan favorite, will continue to make appearances throughout the Campus, while Wade Wilson, the irreverent Deadpool, brings his signature humor to the park for a limited time, marking the first time Disney Parks feature a character from an R-rated film.
The Avengers Campus isn’t just about attractions; it’s a living, breathing world where characters come to life. Meet and greets with popular heroes, like Spider-Man, Iron Man, and other beloved Marvel characters, offer unforgettable opportunities to interact with the Avengers.
A World of Marvel Entertainment
Beyond the core attractions, Avengers Campus is filled with captivating shows and experiences that add to the overall immersion.
- Guardians of the Galaxy – Awesome Dance Off! lets you groove to the rhythms of the intergalactic Guardians.
- Avengers Assemble! brings your favorite heroes together for a thrilling showdown.
- Rogers: The Musical, a fictional musical, captivated audiences at the Hyperion Theater in 2023.
The music for the California Campus is orchestrated by John Paesano, who skillfully blends iconic themes from various MCU films, including Avengers, Spider-Man, Doctor Strange, Guardians of the Galaxy, Ant-Man, Captain Marvel, and Black Panther.
Avengers Campus Around the World
The Avengers Campus journey extends beyond California! Disneyland Paris boasts its own unique version, situated in the former Backlot area. This campus features attractions like Avengers Assemble: Flight Force and Spider-Man W.E.B. Adventure.
Hong Kong Disneyland is also developing its own Avengers Campus, taking over a portion of Tomorrowland. Themed as the Stark Expo, this area immerses guests in a world of technology and innovation, with attractions like Ant-Man and The Wasp: Nano Battle! and the Iron Man Experience.
As the Avengers Campus continues to evolve and expand, the possibilities for exciting new experiences are limitless. So, prepare to step into the world of Marvel and embrace your inner superhero!
