What If?... An Idea For Bringing More Marvel To U.S. Disney Parks

 

In 2009, Disney purchased Marvel Entertainment for the low low price of only $4 billion. Since then, it is estimated that Disney has made at least $25 billion on that investment. However, one of the biggest hurdles to monetizing the Marvel IP more is the restrictions on using Marvel properties at Walt Disney World. This restriction is due to a provision that Disney cannot use most Marvel properties east of the Mississippi River because of usage rights still held by Universal Parks and Resorts.

There are a small number Marvel properties that can be used at WDW, though. One example of this includes The Guardians of the Galaxy which have their own coaster at Epcot. However, the barriers to additional Marvel content at WDW are many and unlikely to change anytime soon.

The west coast does not have this problem. Disneyland, more specifically Disney California Adventure Park, has plans to expand its Avengers Campus footprint and add two new attractions in the coming years. This expansion would suggest that the audience and demand for Marvel IP in the parks is growing and ripe for additional investment. Disneyland Paris also has a Marvel Avengers Campus that draws significant crowds.

So what can Disney do to include more Marvel in their parks? Specifically, what can Disney do to add more Marvel in their US parks? Well, we have an idea that is actually inspired by Universal Parks & Resorts.

Back in 2023, Universal Parks & Resorts announced the building of Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas. From the Universal Kids Resort website:

The new Universal Kids Resort coming to Frisco, Texas will offer a unique theme park experience for the younger crowd. Universal Destinations & Experiences is designing this smaller-scale theme park to inspire the unbridled creativity of kids through play, discovery and imagination, with a different look and feel from existing destinations.

With family-friendly attractions and immersive themed lands, playful interactive shows and character meet and greets, Universal Kids Resort will celebrate Universal’s iconic brand of entertainment, humor and fun. It will cater to young kids and their families and bring to life beloved characters and stories in ways that will wow the youngest theme park goers. An on-site 300-room hotel will give families a place to stay and play. 

 This got us thinking.

Texas is west of the Mississippi, still has PLENTY of space to build a park, is geographically located near the middle of the country, and has (generally) decent year-round weather (depending on location).

Why not build a Marvel ONLY themed park to compete with the Universal Kids Resort in scale? If Disney is feeling friskier, perhaps consider a 2-land only park focusing on Marvel and Star Wars ONLY.

The park we envision would be designed for a day, weekend, or long-weekend visit. The scale would be less than that of WDW and Disneyland as to not compete for vacation business from those parks. Yet, it would offer an alternative for families or guests seeking a more niche experience.

If Disney were to consider such a project, we would suggest looking for a location somewhat close to the Houston market as it has 2 significant airports, is a gateway fro international travel, and has an already used port for Disney Cruise Lines close by in Galveston.

What do you think?

Comment below, send us an email at disneyassembled@gmail.com or send us a message on the socials @disneyassembled (Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, and TikTok).

See you real soon!

Troy and Mimi

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