Does Disneyworld exist in the world of the Marvel Cinematic Universe? Does it matter?
Ok, no. But the interesting part of this story isn't in the idea that Disneyworld exists in the MCU, but the weird way that it does exist in the MCU. To add an extra layer to the whole thing, Disneyworld only exists in the MCU in the world of Disneyworld. Yeah.
This was to be expected, given the highly profitable merger of Marvel and Disney. Coming under the umbrella of the House of Mouse gives Marvel the resources needed to produce their very expensive movies and merchandise while Disney pull in record breaking profits. The MCU franchise is perfectly suited to the Disney resort parks, and after dropping the ball on the theme park rights to Harry Potter, Disney is quick to start the long process of designing and building new park areas.
We've already seen new additions to California Adventure, part of the Disneyland resort in California. This park has really started to hit its stride with the introduction of Pixar Pier and Avengers Campus. The latter replaced an area of the park themed after A Bug's Life and features a clutch of Marvel themed eateries, shops and rides. The legendary Twilight Zone Tower of Terror drop ride has been converted to Guardians of the Galaxy Mission Breakout, we have Web Slingers, an interactive screen ride, and Ancient Sanctum, another interactive screen ride. Overseas parks are already in on the action, with Hong Kong Disneyland playing host to Ant-Man and the Wasp: Nano Battle, an interactive screen ride.
Ok, quick side note. The interactive screen rides are fun but I wouldn't want them to complete replace animatronic dark rides.
It's the upcoming rides that bring us this weird connection between the parks and the MCU. Not the Avengers Quinjet ride, which will no doubt be an interactive screen ride, but something coming to Epcot. Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind follows a story of the Nova Corp of Xander setting up a connection on Earth, a pavilion showcasing galactic culture. A trip through the galaxy becomes chaotic when the Guardians get involved. Amazingly, it's not an interactive screen ride, but an enclosed roller coaster promising to be the biggest of the type in the world.
The curious aspect of the ride is in the thematic design. You see, according to the story, Peter Quill helped the people of Xander (wait, is Xander still there?) with their cultural outreach program. His nostalgic memories of visiting Epcot as a child inspires Quill, and this ride is the result.
So this new Disneyworld ride is set in the MCU because Star-Lord went to Disneyworld as a child. If Disney isn't careful it's going to go full ouroboros and devour itself.
