The Marvel Cinematic Universe has brought our favorite heroes from the page and panel to both the large and small screens. As the world awaits the long-predicted arrival of the Fantastic Four, however, how long will it be before they make their full-fleged theme park debut.
Before you say, "Wait, doesn't Disney have Avengers Campus?" That's true, but it's not nearly on the scale that Disney is capable of. As Universal throws down the gauntlet with Epic Universe, Disney needs to step up its game, and we're holding out for our heroes.
Disney needs a Marvel park, but not where you think...
"Superheroes in New York? Gimme a break." While that little quip was a tongue-in-cheek remark by the late great Stan Lee, it might actually be the answer to some of Disney's theme park woes. Yes, we'd all love to see more Marvel stuff in the Florida parks, but what if Disney had something more true to the films?
Of course, building a Disney Park in the New York City area would be next to impossible, but what about somewhere in New York State? Think about it, the Disney Imagineers would have the perfect canvas and environment for a city of superheroes to flourish.
Since Disneyland and Disney World are practically the size of large cities, why not utilize that vibe and build a park based on a city where the Avengers, Defenders, and other superhero teams can be found on a regular basis?
This would be one of Disney's most immersive projects to date, especially if they utilize some of the ride technology seen in places like EPCOT. Imagine stepping through a portal to the Sanctum Sanctorum, crossing the Bifrost into the Halls of Asgard, or crashing aboard the Bowie with Rocket and Groot? And that's just the environmental prospects.
Food and accommodations would also be incredibly immersive. Picture a big city hotel smack dab in the middle of the action, with places to get pizza, shawarma, and other delectables seen on the screen. Long story short, Disney and the Imagineers have a lot to play with.
The truth...
If ifs and buts were candy and nuts, we'd all have a merry Christmas. Unfortunately, due to a standing contractual dispute with Universal, it will likely be ages before we see anything of this marvelous magnitude. However, that doesn't dispute the fact that a new park is still needed.
With Disney's most recent addition being Disney's Animal Kingdom all the way back in 1999, the House of Mouse is long overdue for a new place to play. Fans have been begging for a fifth gate for years, but little has been done in the way of progress. Even so, Disney World remains the place where dreams come true. So long as the mouse has its mits in enough pies, there's always hope.
Would you go to a Marvel park?