While heavily drawing from the Marvel Cinematic Universe in terms of characters, casting and aesthetics, Marvel has declared these lands and other Marvel attractions as being set in a separate parallel continuity which they refer to as the Marvel Theme Park Universe.[6]
Though all three lands are unique, they all share a backstory, as told in a Disney Parks Blog post[7]:
There was an idea. To bring together a group of remarkable people, to see if they could become something more. It was called the Avengers Initiative.
That original idea has now evolved into a brand-new global Avengers Initiative. One that brings us—the next generation of remarkable people—together. To find our power and become something more. To see if we can work alongside the Avengers so we may all become stronger together.
The Stark Expo in Hong Kong was to be a first step: A world exposition whose theme of ‘A Better Tomorrow Today,' was meant to inspire and motivate through technological innovation. However, shortly after it opened, the Expo was attacked by the forces of Hydra. When even more powerful forces threatened the entire planet, the Avengers realized that the Earth needs more heroes.
So today, to better defend the planet, the Avengers are setting up new Headquarters and technology sharing exchanges around the globe to empower and inspire all potential recruits willing to step up and become heroes.
In California and Paris, Tony Stark is retrofitting two of his father's Stark Industries sites into new hubs for training and innovation. Through partnerships with S.H.I.E.L.D., Pym Technologies, Masters of the Mystic Arts and the new Worldwide Engineering Brigade, The Avengers and their allies will forge new global campuses to champion the next generation of heroes. Who's ready to answer the call?
Parks
Disney California Adventure
Super Heroes Land is slated for Disney California Adventure at Disneyland Resort replacing A Bug's Land.[8] It is also speculated that it will take over Hollywoodland and the area behind Guardians of The Galaxy.
Details were non-existent. No info about what the attractions would entail or where they would be located. Eventually Disney released posters for the all of the Marvel lands including Disneyland's.
Due to existing licensing agreements with Universal, the Marvel name cannot be used for the DCA version of the land.
On February 27, 2018, Chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company Robert A. Iger announced plans for a 2 billion euro, multi-year expansion for Disneyland Paris alongside French President Emmanuel Macron at the Palais de l’Elysée in Paris. The new development will include a transformation of the Walt Disney Studios Park, adding three new areas are Marvel Land, Frozen Land and Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, along with multiple new attractions and live entertainment experiences.[10]
Disneyland Paris announced plans for a new Marvel-themed attraction that will be coming to the Walt Disney Studios, part of the new Marvel area development. In 2020, the resort will open Disney’s Hotel New York: The Art of Marvel, a reimagining of Disney’s Hotel New York that will showcase the inspiring worlds of Iron Man, The Avengers, and Spider-Man, among others. And summer 2018, the Marvel Summer of Super Heroes seasonal event will take place at Disneyland Paris, where guests can meet their favourite heroes and experience new live entertainment.
On November 22, 2016, the Walt Disney Company and the Hong Kong Government announced plans for a multi-year, HK$10.9 billion[13] expansion of Hong Kong Disneyland. The proposed expansion includes Frozen Land, Marvel Land, a redesigned Sleeping Beauty Castle, multiple new attractions, and live entertainment.[14][15][16][17][18]