Marvel Takes Center Stage at Disney World in Surprising New Way

Disney’s Hollywood Studios guests got an unexpected surprise recently when the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) took the spotlight in a way no one saw coming. Despite strict licensing agreements that typically prevent Marvel characters from appearing at Walt Disney World Resort, guests at the first 2024 Jollywood Nights event were treated to a rare meet-and-greet with none other than Doctor Strange!

Fans were thrilled to see Marvel Studios’ Sorcerer Supreme, played on film by Benedict Cumberbatch, appearing in person at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Doctor Strange mingled with guests along Grand Avenue, not far from Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Muppets Courtyard. The surprise meet-and-greet was so secret that even Disney cast members reportedly found out only an hour before his arrival.

Marvel’s presence at Walt Disney World Resort has long been limited by an agreement with Universal Orlando Resort, which holds exclusive rights to many Marvel characters at its Islands of Adventure time park. This arrangement has kept iconic heroes like Spider-Man and Hulk out of Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.

However, some characters not featured in Universal’s Marvel Super Hero Island are still allowed at Disney’s Florida parks, leading to appearances like this one from Doctor Strange. Redditor u/Kitsuneyyyy shared this screenshot of the Sorcerer Supreme from YouTuber RonOntheGo’s live coverage of Jollywood Nights:

Dr. Strange meet-and-greet spotted at Jollywood TONIGHT!

Dr. Strange meet-and-greet spotted at Jollywood TONIGHT!
byu/Kitsuneyyyy inWaltDisneyWorld

Walt Disney World Resort has dabbled with Marvel attractions and meet-and-greets, most notably with Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT. However, most Marvel-themed experiences, like Avengers Campus at Disneyland Resort, have been reserved for parks outside Central Florida. This is part of what made Doctor Strange’s appearance such an exciting moment for fans at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Jollywood Nights, an after-hours event introduced in 2023, offers unique character experiences like Santa Duffy, Lots-o’-Huggin’ Bear, Santa Stitch, and other rarely-seen Disney favorites. But Doctor Strange’s unannounced arrival stole the show, with guests eagerly lining up to snap photos with the powerful sorcerer.

For some longtime Disney Parks fans, Doctor Strange’s brief appearance sparked hopes that more Marvel characters might one day make their way to Florida. While there are no plans to bring an Avengers Campus to Walt Disney World Resort, moments like these give Marvel fans a taste of the action.

It’s unclear whether Doctor Strange will return for future Jollywood Nights events, but guests who were there for this special appearance are sure to remember the magic forever.

Have you attended Jollywood Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios? In the comments, share your experience at the special event with Disney Fanatic.