Disney's California Adventure is about to open its newest expansion in the form of Avengers Campus, which has been in the works for the better part of the last two years. The Disney park's tribute to all things MCU is jam-packed with incredible fan experiences that take inspiration from iconic moments in Marvel Studios' movies and TV shows.
Recently, the park hosted the official opening ceremonies for Avengers Campus led by Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige, who gushed over the park and teased the fact that it will always be adding new material for fans. More than half a dozen MCU stars also made their presence felt through video messages including Black Widow star Scarlett Johansson, WandaVision actor Paul Bettany and others.
A couple of the MCU's finest made the trip to Anaheim to help open the attraction in person, including the star of Marvel's most recent release.
ANTHONY MACKIE VISITS AVENGERS CAMPUS
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier star Anthony Mackie came to Anaheim, CA to take part in the opening ceremonies for Avengers Campus at Disney's California Adventure.
Mackie gave the crowd a short speech, describing how it's been "an emotional moment for [him] to be in these films."
He also offered some heartwarming words to the fans, speaking about Sam Wilson becoming Captain America as "a moment that was all about the future." This event gave kids of all backgrounds a chance to "look at Captain America and maybe see a little bit of themselves:"
"Thanks everybody, it’s really wonderful to be here. What a ride it’s been... I’ve loved being a part of these movies, and now with Disney+, this series.
It was an emotional moment for me to be in these films, and when Sam Wilson finally became Captain America, it was a moment that was all about the future. A moment where kids of all races could look at Captain America and maybe see a little bit of themselves. I’m so proud to be a part of the cinematic universe, and now, part of all this."
Mackie also took a moment to introduce the Disneyland actor who will be portraying Sam Wilson's Captain America in California Adventure, putting the hero's MCU costume on full display.
"So with that, it is my honor to introduce, for the first time at Avengers Campus, Captain America. Captain America belongs in Avengers Campus."
On the social media front, Mackie shared a picture in his Instagram story of himself wearing the top half of his new Captain America costume, likely for fun before the announcement. He described himself as "the most uncomfortable [he's] been to be so happy" while smirking for the camera:
CAPTAIN AMERICA COMES TO REALITY
Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson came into the season finale of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier with one of the most impressive new costumes in the MCU, continuing the trend that was first set in WandaVision. His suit looked to be taken directly from the comic pages for Captain America, and now, it's being realized for fans to enjoy at California Adventure.
The new Captain America will join a host of MCU regulars portrayed by the park's actors including Black Panther, Ant-Man and the Wasp, and even the web-slinging Spider-Man.
As for Mackie's quotes, he continues to express his love and appreciation for his time in the MCU after evolving from the Falcon into his new character on Disney+. The pride in his work shows in all of his discussions about the show, and it's truly awesome to see how much he loves being a part of a franchise as expansive as the MCU.
All six episodes of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier are available to stream on Disney+. Avengers Campus at Disney's California Adventure will open to the public on June 4, and the full opening ceremonies can be seen here.
