Black Panther: Disneyland Wakanda Expansion Could Possibly Be In the Works
In 2019, both Walt Disney World and the Disneyland Resort opened Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, an immersive, themed land allowing Star Wars fans the experience of visiting that galaxy far, far away.
But Disney had equally ambitious plans for the Marvel Cinematic Universe as well.
If it hadn't been for COVID-19, Avengers Campus would've debuted at Disney California Adventure in July 2020 where fans could sling webs with Spider-Man on WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure, visited Doctor Strange at the newly discovered Sanctum, and even consumed huge meals and tiny treats at the Pym Test Kitchen.
Following news that the Disneyland Resort would finally reopen on April 30 with Avengers Campus to debut later this year, Disney also announced a proposal to expand the Disneyland Resort for new lands and attractions.
And even though fans have yet to visit Avengers Campus, early concept art indicates more Marvel may be on the way for the Disneyland Resort.
WAKANDA COMING TO DISNEYLAND?
Twitter user @HelsmanFreddy shared a zoomed-in photo of the concept art Disney shared on their DisneylandForward proposal site resembling an area themed after Wakanda from Black Panther:
The Panther-shaped mountain seen in this concept art resembles Wakanda's Panther Mountain as seen in 2018's Chadwick Boseman-starring Black Panther.
This space also appears to be more than a faux mountain range and scenery, but rather the entry to a show building that could house an attraction.
Disney has made efforts to integrate Black Panther and its characters into its West Coast parks since the film's release in 2018.
Character meet-and-greets with King T'Challa and the Dora Milaje at Disney California Adventure appeared at Disney California Adventure during the film's theatrical run, and artwork of Chadwick Boseman as Black Panther was unveiled at Downtown Disney following the actor's passing.
Also, Wakanda is still the rumored destination for the upcoming, groundbreaking Quinjet attraction coming to Avengers Campus for the land's second phase.
WAKANDA FOREVER?
While Marvel fans would love the opportunity to visit Wakanda during their Disney Vacations, it's important to note that what's shown in the DisneylandForward concept art isn't guaranteed.
The concept art is all part of a proposal to the city of Anaheim for Disney to receive the flexibility to add more lands and attractions to its existing two parks.
Therefore, the reality of a Wakanda at the Disneyland Resort depends not just on the Disney Company and fan interest, but outside players as well.
In addition, the future of the Black Panther franchise is a bit of a question mark since fans don't know what Marvel has planned for Black Panther 2 in the wake of Chadwick Boseman's passing.
Still, the fact Disney is even thinking of including Wakanda as part of its expansion of the Disneyland Resort is great news for Marvel fans and indicates Disney is serious about creating more ways for fans to enjoy the MCU outside of theaters and Disney+.
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