Take aim: Ant-Man and The Wasp: Nano Battle! coming to Hong Kong Disneyland

Ant-Man and The Wasp are leaping off the screen and are ready for battle. At Hong Kong Disneyland, the newest Marvel ride has fans joining the battle action.

Hong Kong Disneyland just announced that Ant-Man and The Wasp: Nano Battle, is the name for the new addition to the Marvel area at the theme park. Joining the Iron Man Experience, this new Marvel-themed ride will have guests become part of the action. Will the Marvel superheroes and their fans prevail against Hydra?

In a recent Hong Kong Disney press release, the name for this new attraction was revealed. While originally slated to open in late 2018, the new Marvel-themed ride has been pushed back to 2019. As part of the huge Marvel-themed enhancements, it is curious that the ride opening has been pushed back.

This ride replaces the previously popular Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, which closed in 2017. That ride was a dark ride where guests aimed at various targets. Since the laser shooting technology was already in place, it is curious that the cosmetic ride re-branding would take significant time. Possibly the changes to the existing structure will feature more technological enhancements or interactive features.

According to Hong Kong Disney, guests will ride in a “S.H.I.E.L.D.’s state-of-the-art vehicle” and “engage in a heroic battle, fighting alongside Ant-Man and The Wasp against Zola and his army of Hydra swarm-bots.” Also, the ride is said to be an interactive attraction. The shooting aspect does make it interactive, but could there be more to this ride?

For example, more rides are using both visual components and tracks to create an engaging experience. With a ride that is about four minutes long, video components, potentially with 3D aspects, could make this ride even more thrilling. Wouldn’t swarm-bots be more effective by shooting them on a screen versus a standing still cut-out?

With no details announced, these thoughts are just speculation. But, the movie’s stars, Paul Rudd and Evangeline Lilly will be featured in the attraction. Lilly stated: “It’s such an exciting moment for a female heroine to be in the title of a Marvel film. For the character to also have her own ride is an incredible honor.”

For Disney, it is a nice change to see a female heroine, not a Disney princess, as part of a ride’s theme. Of course, lots of people love the princesses. Still, it is nice to see a strong female character holding the lead in a thrill ride.

Ant-Man and The Wasp: Nano Battle is the second ride in the multi-year Marvel expansion. Additional attractions will open through 2023. The idea is for this area to be the ultimate super hero destination.

What other Marvel characters could be joining these two rides? Based on other Disney theme park expansions, a Guardians of the Galaxy ride is a strong bet. Disneyland has this theme and Epcot will be getting this type of ride. Or could Hong Kong Disneyland continue the girl power idea and open a Captain Marvel ride?

Would you travel to Hong Kong Disneyland to ride Ant-Man and The Wasp: Nano Battle, or will you wait till the 2023 Marvel expansion is completed?