Since Disney’s acquisition of Marvel Entertainment in 2009, the integration of Marvel’s iconic superheroes into Disney’s theme parks was only a matter of time. Finally realized in 2021, Avengers Campus, nestled within Disney California Adventure, the sister park to Disneyland, offers guests an immersive opportunity to step into the world of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. Here, visitors are not mere spectators; they are recruits invited to train alongside the Avengers, experiment with cutting-edge technology, indulge in gastronomical creations from the Pym Testing Lab, and, of course, acquire a trove of Marvel-themed merchandise. This comprehensive guide explores the rides, attractions, live entertainment, and culinary offerings of The Complete Guide to Disney’s Avengers Campus, providing insider tips to elevate your experience to heroic proportions.
Decoding the Layout of Avengers Campus
Mirroring the successful formula of themed lands like Cars Land and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, The Complete Guide to Disney’s Avengers Campus dedicates itself entirely to the Marvel universe – or rather, the multiverse. Unlike Galaxy’s Edge, which adheres to a specific timeframe, the multiverse concept allows for a flexible narrative, sidestepping continuity discrepancies from the movies and comic books. This means characters from different timelines and realities can coexist, allowing for unexpected and exciting interactions.
The core premise of Avengers Campus is that guests are new recruits entering a declassified training facility formerly owned by Tony Stark and Stark Industries. This sprawling complex, now open to aspiring superheroes, is designed to immerse visitors in the world of the Avengers, making them feel like an integral part of the team.
Constructed on the former site of A Bug’s Land, the relatively compact area is teeming with activity and visual marvels. The Quinjet, perched atop the Avengers Headquarters, immediately grabs attention. Nearby, the WEB Workshop buzzes with activity as Peter Parker and his team develop innovative, albeit sometimes glitchy, technology. The futuristic Pym Test Kitchen, a sleek industrial lab transformed into a dining establishment, entices guests with its unique culinary experiments. The overall aesthetic is modern, dynamic, and undeniably captivating.
Navigating the Avengers Campus Rides
Avengers Campus currently features two operational rides and one highly anticipated attraction slated for future development.
WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure
Spider-Man’s presence extends beyond the East Coast; he has a home in Disneyland as well. While Universal Orlando continues to operate The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man ride under a pre-existing agreement, Disney’s interactive Spider-Man ride offers a distinctly different experience. In WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure, riders don 3D glasses and board specialized WEB Slinger vehicles. Using intuitive hand gestures, passengers launch virtual webs to capture rogue Spider-Bots that are multiplying uncontrollably.
The ride’s gameplay is straightforward and engaging, focusing on accumulating points and achieving high scores rather than a deeply narrative experience. While some guests may emulate Spider-Man’s signature web-slinging pose, any hand movement effectively triggers the virtual webs. The action is fast-paced and competitive, making it a thrilling experience for riders of all ages.
Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout
Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout! predates the arrival of Avengers Campus. Housed in the former Twilight Zone Tower of Terror building, this exhilarating attraction utilizes the existing drop tower ride system to deliver a heart-pounding and humorous adventure. Guests are invited to visit the Collector’s fortress, only to be enlisted by Rocket Raccoon to liberate his imprisoned Guardians comrades.
The ride combines rapid, airtime-filled drops and ascents with comedic scenes and a soundtrack of retro music, creating an experience that is both thrilling and hilarious. Originally part of Hollywood Land, the Tower of Terror was seamlessly integrated into Avengers Campus during the park’s reconfiguration.
Quinjet to Wakanda (Coming Soon)
The third attraction in Avengers Campus, a Quinjet-based adventure to Wakanda, is slated to open during the second phase of the land’s development. Disney has promised this will be an E-Ticket attraction, offering a large-scale, immersive experience where guests will board a Quinjet and join the Avengers on a mission to save the universe. The anticipation surrounding this ride is high, and it promises to be a significant addition to the The Complete Guide to Disney’s Avengers Campus.
Encountering Heroes: Shows and Characters
One of the defining features of Avengers Campus is the dynamic live entertainment that unfolds throughout the land. High above, Spider-Man performs breathtaking aerial stunts, soaring and twirling through the air thanks to cutting-edge Imagineering technology known as "Stuntronics." A separate stunt show features Black Widow, Captain America, Taskmaster, and Black Panther engaging in action-packed combat sequences.
On the ground, guests can meet and interact with Spider-Man and Iron Man. Other Marvel characters, including Captain Marvel, Ant-Man, and The Wasp, also roam the land, engaging with visitors and creating memorable photo opportunities.
For a more immersive experience, guests can participate in training sessions with the Dora Milaje, the elite Wakandan bodyguards of Black Panther. Alternatively, they can visit the Ancient Sanctum, where Doctor Strange shares secrets of the mystic arts. These interactive experiences add depth and authenticity to the Avengers Campus experience.
Savoring Super-Sized Flavors: Food and Dining
The Pym Test Kitchen serves as the culinary hub of Avengers Campus. Inspired by Ant-Man and the Wasp, this quick-service restaurant features comically oversized and undersized dishes created using Pym Particles. The Not So Little Chicken Sandwich, with its massive chicken breast on a tiny bun, is a prime example of the restaurant’s whimsical approach.
For a truly extravagant experience, the PYM-ini, a colossal panini filled with salami, ham, and other delicacies, is designed to serve six to eight people. The restaurant also offers breakfast items, such as the Ever-expanding Cinna-Pym Toast.
In addition to the Pym Test Kitchen, the Shawarma Palace food cart offers classic shawarma wraps, including a vegetarian Impossible Victory Falafel option. Terran Treats serves a unique pineapple-infused churro coiled into a spiral. At the Pym Testing Lab, guests can sample specialty drinks like the Molecular Meltdown, a beer cocktail with ice cream and marshmallows, and the Particle Fizz, a hard seltzer with fruit juices and cherry-flavored boba.
Acquiring Heroic Gear: Merchandise
After experiencing the WEB SLINGERS ride, guests can visit WEB Suppliers to purchase their own Spider-Bot. These interactive robots can be customized with different tactical upgrades and personalities. The store also offers Spider-Bot backpacks, spider light goggles, web-making kits, and a variety of Marvel-themed apparel and accessories.
The Campus Supply Pod kiosk offers Avengers-themed gear, such as hoodies and water bottles, while The Collector’s Warehouse, located inside Mission: Breakout, features Guardians of the Galaxy clothing, toys, and merchandise specific to the attraction.
Maximizing Your Avengers Campus Adventure: Tips and Tricks
The Complete Guide to Disney’s Avengers Campus requires a strategic approach to fully experience all it has to offer. Given the popularity of the land, arriving early and utilizing Disney’s Genie+ service is highly recommended to minimize wait times for rides and attractions. Checking the Disneyland app for showtimes and character meet-and-greet schedules is essential to planning your day effectively. Consider mobile ordering food and beverages to avoid long lines at the Pym Test Kitchen and other dining locations. Finally, take the time to explore the hidden details and immersive theming throughout the land, as these small touches contribute significantly to the overall experience. By following these tips, you can ensure a memorable and heroic adventure at The Complete Guide to Disney’s Avengers Campus.
