With the ever-growing popularity of the Marvel universe, it’s a surprise that Disney has yet to incorporate the characters into its amusement parks by way of their own part of the park, in the same manner as “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.” That won’t be for long, however, as there are now official plans in the works for a Marvel-themed land, set to open at its California park by 2020.
Photo: Disneyland
Disneyland Plans to Open a Marvel-Themed Land by 2020
As reported by The Los Angeles Times, Disney has received a number of building permits from the city of Anaheim necessary for the newest expansion; these include permits for a bathroom overhaul, a retail outlet, a microbrewery, and a character meet-and-greet area. The estimated value of the work at this time will be more than $14 million, whereas “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge” cost $1 million.
To make way for the new additions, Disney is closing “A Bug’s Land,” an area based on the 1998 film A Bug’s Life. As a sign of what’s to come, “A Bug’s Land” has been closed off by a construction wall that has the iconic Stark Industries logo on it.
While this is the first time Disney has designated a specific area for a Marvel-themed land, it’s not the first Marvel ride to be integrated into one of its parks. The first one was in Disneyland Hong Kong, called the “Iron Man Experience,” a 3D simulator where Tony Stark recruits riders to help fight aliens that are attacking the city. A Guardians of the Galaxy-themed ride also, somewhat controversially, replaced the iconic “Tower of Terror.” Other attractions and character meet-and-greets have been added to various parks over the years, and there are plans to continue to do so, but Disney has yet to release any specifics on what kinds of attractions the Marvel land will have.
Of the new expansion, Disney said, “The new themed land will be anchored by the popular ‘Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!’ at Disney California Adventure park, which has become the highest-rated attraction at Disneyland Resort since its 2017 opening. The Guardians of the Galaxy will be joined by Spider-Man and the Avengers in what will become a completely immersive Superhero universe.”
It won’t actually be called “Marvel Land,” however. The name won’t be able to even have the word “Marvel” in it at all due to licensing agreements that existed before the Disney-Marvel deal in 2009.
More details are expected to be released at the D23 Expo, Disney’s annual event that provides an inside look at upcoming new projects, exclusives, celebrity appearances, and more. 
H/T: Travel and Leisure