From Then, to Now: The Evolution of Disneyland’s Avengers Campus

In the year and a half since the Marvel-themed Avengers Campus opened in Disney California Adventure Park at the Disneyland Resort, legions of new superheroes have been introduced, making it a uniquely “up-to-date” interactive and immersive experience for clients of all ages.

Similar to the Star Wars-themed Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resort, no previous knowledge of the Marvel movies is required to enjoy a visit; however, as the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) expands with new films and television series, the population of the land also increases, with each new character welcomed to campus (often on the same day they make their onscreen debut).

According to Josh D’Amaro, chairman for Disney Parks, the goal of the Avengers Campus has always been to give guests more of what they love — more stories, more heroes and more villains.

“Characters and their stories are part of what makes our park experiences so special,” D’Amaro said during the D23 Expo 2022 in September. “Since we opened Avengers Campus … we introduced Iron Man, Black Widow, Thor, Black Panther, Captain America, Scarlet Witch, Shang Chi, Loki and Mighty Thor. We've got Spider-Man swinging overhead; we've got the Dora Milaje showing us the way of the Wakanda Warriors; and we've got Dr. Strange teaching us about the mystic arts. But we are just getting started.” 

What Exactly Is the Avengers Campus?

Billed as a training center where Avengers prepare the next generation of superheroes, Avengers Campus maintains the distinction of hosting the largest number of heroes ever assembled in a Disney park. Still, despite a steady increase in its population, the land continues to focus on creating opportunities for clients to experience spontaneous personal interactions (in addition to the traditional queued meet and greets).

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For example, on the same day Loki appeared in “Loki” on Disney+ wearing a Time Variance Authority (TVA) prisoner outfit, I overheard the God of Mischief trying to convince a group of boys to help him escape from the TVA. And on the opening day of the 2021 film “Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” I spotted the movie’s hero defending Avengers Headquarters from an intruder.

Recent Park Enhancements and What to Expect in the Future

Most recently, California Adventure introduced a “Black Panther 2: Wakanda Forever” activation in tandem with the big-screen premiere of the sequel, where guests can learn about the legacy of the Black Panther and welcome the newest one to take on the mantle.

In addition to new superhero encounters, clients will still be enlisted to help Spider-Man get his rogue Spider-Bots under control on the WEB Slingers: A Spider-Man Adventure ride and conspire with Rocket to break the Guardians of the Galaxy out of Tivan’s fortress on Guardians of the Galaxy — Mission: Breakout!  

And at D23 Expo 2022, we learned from Kevin Feige, president of Marvel Studios, that a third attraction coming to Avengers Campus will incorporate the MCU multiverse.

“The fun thing about Marvel is all the characters from all of time, and with the multiverse in Avengers campus we're going to be able to [have them all],” Feige said. “In this new attraction, you're going to battle alongside all the Avengers against all the foes — from anywhere and everywhen. You’re also going to meet a new villain named King Thanos … coming into the MCU for the very first time via this attraction. This is the Thanos that won — and the Avengers are not too happy about it.”

It’s not surprising that D'Amaro and Feige offered no details about when the land expansion and multiverse attraction will open, but in the meantime, clients can be sure an ever-expanding roster of superheroes (and villains) will be waiting to meet them in Avengers Campus.