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Disney Budget Cuts Force Closure of Popular Attraction

An entrance to an ornate building framed by greenery boasts a large red "CLOSED" stamp overlaying the image diagonally, dominating the view and signaling that it’s not currently open to visitors. The sky in the background appears partly cloudy, much like a scene from a Doctor Strange show at Disneyland.
Credit: Disney Dining

At the 2017 D23 Expo in Anaheim, California, Disney made some huge announcements when it came to its theme parks. One of those was that A Bug’s Land in Disney California Adventure Park at Disneyland would be closing.

A Bug’s Land had been a popular spot for those with younger guests since it opened with DCA in 2002. The area provided plenty of shade, fun rides, and even a splash pad for the little ones to enjoy on a hot day.

A Bug's Land Disneyland

Credit: D23

Related: Fans Mourn the CLOSURE of This Disney ‘Avengers’ Location

In its place, Disney announced they would be building the first Avengers Campus — the ultimate headquarters for guests’ favorite Marvel superheroes. Guests would be able to enjoy unique eats and interact with heroes like Captain America, Black Panther, Iron Man, and Thor, just to name a few.

Avengers Campus was originally slated to open in July 2018. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, those plans were put on pause. Avengers Campus finally opened to all Disneyland Resort guests on June 4, 2021.

Avengers Campus

Credit: Disney

Related: VIDEO: Guest Captures a Rare Glitch In the Disney Magic In Avengers Campus

It’s been three years since guests first entered the new campus, and things have slowed down a bit. But the area remains incredibly popular, with guests loving Pym’s Test Kitchen, WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure, and Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT. There are also great experiences like being trained by the Dora Milaje and watching Spider-Man fly through the air.

Sadly, we have learned that Disney has decided to permanently close one beloved show.

Spider-Man Avengers Campus

Credit: Disney

Related: Guests Claim Popular Disney Ride Derailed MULTIPLE Times

According to The Orange County Register, Disney has confirmed that Doctor Strange: Mysteries of the Mystic Arts will officially close on June 30. However, it is important to note that there are only showings scheduled through June 22. So, it is possible that Disney could choose to end the show before June 30.

Disneyland officials told The OCR that it is constantly evaluating its current entertainment options and making adjustments as needed.

Doctor Strange in the Ancient Sanctum at Avengers Campus Disney California Adventure

Credit: Disney

The Doctor Strange announcement comes just after Disneyland officials announced that Club Pixar would be closing two months early in DCA’s Hollywood Land, effective immediately. The closure came after Disneyland cast members voted to unionize. Disney has removed the dancers and the DJ, but they were supposed to remain through the duration of Pixar Fest, which ends on August 2.

Disney Adjusting Its Spending

These closures come just as Anaheim officials announced the approval of DisneylandForward. This massive project will make Disneyland Resort the ultimate vacation destination. Disney CEO Bob Iger has said that there are plans to possibly expand Disney California Adventure and include an area themed after Avatar (2009).

A group of people stands in awe, observing a lush, otherworldly landscape with vibrant plants, towering rock formations, and cascading waterfalls under a blue sky. The scene feels like stepping into a Doctor Strange show at Disneyland, with exotic alien flora and fauna creating a sense of wonder and exploration.

Credit: Disney

Related: Disneyland Doesn’t Need Avatar, It Needs Something New

There are also plans to build a third theme park that will run next to California Adventure! That’s right, a brand-new theme park! There will be more than a dozen new rides and attractions, a boatload of new shopping locations, and some delectable new dining spots. So, while it is disappointing to see Disney close the Doctor Strange show, it’s possible they are deciding to pour all the money they can into bringing DisneylandForward to life.

Billions Going to Disney World

For more than two years, Disney has been battling Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Things got so bad that DeSantis dissolved the Reedy Creek Improvement District, the special district that allowed Disney to operate as its own government. For months, it seemed that the fight between the two was only going from and to worse.

Ron DeSantis

Credit: Gage Skidmore, Flickr

However, it appears as though a tentative truce may have formed between the two. Governor DeSantis probably still isn’t a big fan of the Mouse House, but he is keenly aware of just how much Walt Disney World Resort, and the money it brings in, is vital to Florida’s tourist economy.

That’s why the two sides have come to an agreement that will see Disney invest $17 BILLION into The Most Magical Place on Earth. Disney is planning a possible expansion of the Magic Kingdom, as well as opening a fifth theme park!

There is a lot of good going on, but it still makes us sad to see the closure of shows that are so well-liked by guests.

Are you sad to hear that the Dr. Strange show in Avenger’s Campus is closing? Let us know in the comments!

About Krysten Swensen

A born and bred New England girl living the Disney life in Southern California. I love to read, to watch The Golden Girls, and love everything to do with Disney and Universal. I also love to share daily doses of Disney on my Disney Instagram @BrazzleDazzleDisney!