Disney recently announced the addition of a new immersive experience based on the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) at Tokyo Disneyland, marking a significant milestone in the expansion of its theme park empire worldwide.
Since 2017, the Walt Disney Company has actively worked to integrate MCU experiences into its theme parks both in the United States and internationally. This latest announcement is part of that strategy, further enhancing the presence of Marvel superheroes in Disney’s magical universe.
It’s a Small World with Groot: An Epic Overlay
Among the most recent announcements, one that has sparked excitement among fans is a Groot-centered overlay for one of Disney’s classic attractions, It’s a Small World. Set to debut in winter 2025 at Tokyo Disneyland, this new experience promises to immerse visitors in a world where the Guardians of the Galaxy and other MCU heroes blend with the attraction’s childlike aesthetic.
While initially temporary in its design, this overlay could lay the groundwork for a recurring seasonal offering, providing visitors with a renewed experience with each visit.
Iconic MCU Theme Park Rides
In addition to this latest announcement, Disney theme parks have already integrated several iconic attractions inspired by the Marvel universe. Among these are:
- Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind: An indoor reverse-launch roller coaster located at Walt Disney World, where visitors can embark on an epic adventure alongside the Guardians of the Galaxy.
- WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure: A competitive dark ride located at Disney California Adventure’s Avengers Campus, offering fans the chance to step into the shoes of Spider-Man.
- Spider-Man: WEB Adventure: The sister attraction to WEB SLINGERS at Disneyland Paris, allowing visitors to embark on a thrilling adventure alongside Spider-Man.
- Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout!: Disney’s first MCU ride in the United States, replacing The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney California Adventure, offering an exhilarating experience for Guardians of the Galaxy fans.
- Iron Man Experience: Located at Hong Kong Disneyland, this 3D motion simulation attraction begins with fans participating in a Stark Expo, only to find themselves on a flight to visit the Stark Tower in Hong Kong, encountering Hydra and Dr. Arnim Zola along the way.
- Ant-Man and The Wasp: Nano Battle!: Also located at Hong Kong Disneyland, this interactive shooting attraction takes place at the Stark Expo’s SHIELD Pavilion, where guests are recruited to join Ant-Man and The Wasp in battling Dr. Arnim Zola and his Swarmbots.
- Avengers Assemble: Flight Force: Located at Disneyland Paris’ Walt Disney Studios Park, this revamped version of the park’s former Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster with Aerosmith invites guests to assist Iron Man and Captain Marvel in facing a Kree missile threat.
- King Thanos Multiverse Attraction: Announced during the D23 Expo 2022, this multiversal ride featuring King Thanos is currently in development for Disney California Adventure’s Avengers Campus, promising fans the chance to “fight alongside all the Avengers” and battle enemies from “anywhere and anytime,” including King Thanos himself.
These attractions, among others, demonstrate Disney’s ongoing commitment to providing unique and immersive experiences for Marvel fans.
Towards an Even More Marvelous Future at the Tokyo Disneyland
The recent announcement of the King Thanos Multiverse Attraction, currently in development for Disney California Adventure’s Avengers Campus, showcases Disney’s ambition to push the boundaries of the MCU experience in its theme parks. With the promise of allowing visitors to fight alongside their favorite heroes, this new attraction is already generating excitement among fans.
In addition to rides, Disney parks also offer a variety of shows, restaurants, and character interactions, providing a comprehensive and immersive experience for visitors of all ages.
