Marvel Character Makes Unexpected Appearance at Disney World Event

Walt Disney World Resort guests were in for a big surprise at the 2024 debut of Jollywood Nights, the returning holiday event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. While the evening promised rare character meet-and-greets and special entertainment, no one expected to encounter a Marvel hero in the heart of Central Florida! Against all odds, Doctor Strange, Marvel’s own Master of the Mystic Arts, made an unannounced appearance, thrilling fans and adding a surprising twist to the night’s festivities.

Credit: Marvel Studios

Doctor Strange, played by Benedict Cumberbatch in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, was spotted near Grand Avenue, mingling with guests and sharing in the holiday magic. His appearance was so unexpected that even Disney cast members were reportedly caught off guard, with many finding out only an hour beforehand. Redditor u/kitsuneyyyy shared this screenshot from YouTuber Rononthego’s live stream of the event:

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

 

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

Marvel character appearances are a rarity at Walt Disney World Resort due to longstanding licensing agreements with Universal Orlando Resort, which holds exclusive rights to many of Marvel’s most famous heroes at its Islands of Adventure theme park. This exclusivity has meant that icons like Spider-Man, the Hulk, and others can’t be featured at Disney’s Central Florida theme parks.

However, some characters not currently featured at Universal Orlando Resort, like Doctor Strange and the Guardians of the Galaxy, have occasionally made their way into Disney World’s line-up, as seen with Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT.

Credit: Disney

Doctor Strange’s surprise meet-and-greet brought a touch of Marvel magic to Hollywood Studios and added an extra layer of excitement to Jollywood Nights, which already boasted appearances from rare characters like Santa Stitch and Lots-o’-Huggin’ Bear. While there’s no word yet on whether Doctor Strange will return for future Jollywood Nights, this special appearance has sparked excitement among Disney fans, some of whom hope to see even more Marvel characters joining the festivities in the future.

Who is the rarest character you’ve met at Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, or Disney’s Hollywood Studios? Let Disney Dining know in the comments.