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Later this month, the will unveil one of the world’s most costly and expensive attractions ever constructed.
Credit: Disney Parks
Beginning May 27, will welcome to experience Guardians of the Galaxy: at EPCOT. Plans for the thrilling were first announced by The on August 25, 2019, at the in Anaheim, California, and filming for the Disney Park’s newest addition took place in October 2021.
“We saw an opportunity to bring in more young audiences through fresh and relevant IP, and this multiyear transformation will make this park more timeless, more family, and more Disney,” Josh D’Amaro, the chairman of Disney’s Parks division, wrote via email.
Credit: Disney/Marvel
The new at EPCOT–the second in Florida–will embody elements inspired by Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy franchise, which includes films that star , , , Zoe Saldana, James Gunn, and others.
The new is located where once experienced Ellen’s Energy Adventure. And while Marvel fans try their best to patiently wait for the opening of the new , dreamed up in part by , what they might not realize is that the timing of the new ‘s opening has a very symbolic meaning to it, even though Disney didn’t plan it intentionally.
It’s no secret that the Burbank, California-based and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis are engaged in a culture war. The sparring began in March when Florida’s Parental Rights in Education bill began to gain traction in the Florida legislature.
After telling employees that he would not take a public stance on the bill on behalf of the company because historically, such measures don’t bring about positive change in the business arena, Disney CEO Bob Chapek caved to pressure from some who demanded he stand against the bill nicknamed the “Don’t Say Gay” bill by opponents.
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But Chapek’s stance had no effect on Florida legislation, and the bill was signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis in late March. In response, Chapek vowed that The would be dedicated to seeing the law repealed. (Disney had already said no more donations would go to Florida until the bill was changed or done away with completely.)
DeSantis then set a target on Disney’s Reedy Creek Improvement District, saying that Disney’s “woke ideology” could net them a removal of the special district in Orange and Osceola Counties. And that’s exactly what happened.
In the midst of the Disney-DeSantis debacle, Guardians of the Galaxy: is on deck for a late-May opening. But how are they related? Well, the new ride might just be symbolic of at least a part of Disney’s value in Florida.
Credit: Disney Parks
Disney’s newest will not only be the first coaster EPCOT has ever hosted. It will also be one of the most expensive roller coasters in the world. Pocket change didn’t bring the Guardians to EPCOT; not by a long shot.
EPCOT’s newest more than likely cost the House of Mouse a whopping $500 million to construct, according to Dennis Speigel, an industry consultant, per Bloomberg, seemingly underscoring the value of Disney’s contributions to Florida’s economy, specifically as it pertains to the state’s tourism industry, which is, of course, the Sunshine State’s largest industry.
“The technology there is incredible,” Speigel said.
Disney is a massive enterprise in Florida, boasting four theme parks, 29,000 hotel rooms in the Orlando area, and more than 70,000 employees.
“ is not going anywhere because it’s such a huge investment,” said Chad Emerson, author of a book all about . “You can’t get rid of , both the state and Disney would have consequences.”
Credit: Insider
It remains to be seen how many will flock to the parks at the Resort for the chance to climb up into the four-person cockpit in the vehicles at the Guardians of the Galaxy . While many swear a boycott of Disney, the parks continue to be full to the brim lately, and thanks to ‘s Park Pass Reservation System, have to do some fancy footwork when it comes to planning their Disney vacations.
And so far, law or no law, special district or no special district, it looks like Disney’s in Florida to stay, and there’s no shortage of fans ready to pack a suitcase, jump on a plane, and set out for a new adventure on Mickey’s stomping grounds.
“ is packed to the gills,” said Rich Greenfield, an analyst with LightShed Partners. “They’re raising pricing and literally looking at demand they can’t handle.”
