Now that Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is open at Disneyland Park, across the Esplanade Disney is hard at work bringing its next big project to life at Disney California Adventure: Marvel Land! And though technically the signature attraction for this new land, Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout is already operational, there is a lot more coming which means Disney will be filling in the area around this current attraction (formerly A Bug’s Land) with character experiences and other themed buildings to create a full “land”, similar to the way Disney’s Hollywood Studios created Toy Story Land around the pre-existing Toy Story Mania attraction.
Here’s everything that we know about this upcoming new land:
Plenty of shopping, character experiences….and a microbrewery?
Image: Disney
According to the Los Angeles Times, The City of Anaheim has approved a handful of building permits for projects related to Marvel Land, including a massive 2,071-square-foot merchandise outlet, with three attached canopies as well as new space for character meet and greets. However, one thing we did not expect to see in these permits was a new microbrewery, that is being built just for Marvel land! Though Disney California Adventure is no stranger to serving alcohol, this definitely seems like an interesting addition to the park, and it will be fun to see how Disney ties this new establishment into the larger Marvel theme.
Rumor: A new “C-Ticket” style ride could be coming
Image: Disney
Though the headlining attraction in this land will continue to be the Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout ride, rumors are currently swirling that Disney will also be opening a family-friendly, interactive 3D ride that will use part of the former It’s Tough to Be a Bug theater. A large portion of the additional attraction space will be queue, which will abut the existing ‘a bug’s land’ restrooms (to remain and be updated). No information about a potential theme has been shared, but online rumors suggest that either Ant-Man or Spider-Man could be the focus of this potential upcoming attraction.
This will be yet another “immersive” land
Image: Disney
Based on early concept art, it looks like Disney is going to be building another “immersive” land similar to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Pandora – The World of Avatar, with characters lake Spider-Man, Doctor Strange, the Black Panther, Gamora and Groot all able to meet guests in this new land, while surrounded by familiar structures, including an Avengers Tower and the Sanctum Sanctorum.
This type of land has certainly been popular with guests who want to feel like they are a part of their favorite franchises, and Marvel Land seems like a perfect brand to base an immersive land off of, considering Avengers: Endgame has now become the second highest-grossing film of all time.
The first phase could open as soon as next year
Image: Disney
Though we don’t have any confirmed dates yet, with construction already under way on Marvel Land, many believe that the first phase of this new land (which will open either with or without the rumored family ride mentioned above) could open as soon as next year. And though this seems like a quick turnaround time given that A Bug’s Land only just closed last year, if Disney is looking to open this new land in phases (the same way they are with Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge), we could see shops, character meet and greets, and other small attractions open soon, with more to come later.
When will we know more?
Image: Disney
Though confirmed details are scarce right now, it’s a near-certainty that we will find out more about this new land during this year’s D23 Expo, taking place in Anaheim this August, where Disney has confirmed that they will be revealing even more about the future of Disney parks during a special panel.
Though Marvel Land may be another radical departure from the “California” theme of Disney California Adventure, there’s no denying that this land will be a crowd pleaser, given how important the Marvel franchise is to pop culture right now. Though it has been almost 3 years since this new land was announced, we can’t wait to finally hear more about it later this summer!
