MARVEL Superhero Theme Park--Third Gate Idea

[TylerDurden]

I know I'm going to get a lot of heat for this, but hear me out. I've been thinking about an idea for a Marvel theme park and I hear this is the place to do it. I don't spend all my time thinking about it so it's not as perfect as some of the other ideas on here but hopefully everyone will be open to it.

MARVEL SUPERHERO THEME PARK
will be located in the strawberry fields and part of the Disneyland Resort as a third gate. There would be attractions here for everyone, but it would be a place for more thrilling attractions, like what Tokyo DisneySea is to Tokyo Disneyland. No, it wouldn't be comparable to Knott's because it would feature Disney-style theming, which even thrill junkies appreciate. Anyways, the park:

X ACADEMY
X Academy from X-Men would serve as the entrance to the park. The campus would include a restaurant and shop, and three rides would be located on the 'grounds' of the school. CEREBRO would be a simulator ride themed to Professor X using the mind to find the missing students. This would be the major attraction here. Then, two kids flat rides, Gambit (like tea-cups with a flashy flare) and Ice Surfers (a themed spinner) would be located outside. Also, a live show based on the film First Class, would be held adjacent to the campus building where the restaurant and store is.

From the X-Academy area you end up at an intersection where you can go left or right (straight ahead is the lagoon that sits in the middle of the park, offering a setup similar to that of EPCOT where X-Academy is Future World and the other areas are like World Showcase). To the left is
NEW YORK
Here, you can enter a recreation of the Daily Bugle (from the movies, modeled after the Flatiron Building) and get in line for 'The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man'. The ride is similar to the Harry Potter ride at Islands of Adventure--it utilizes robotic arm technology with animatronics and projections to make the illusion that you're flying with Spidey. The storyline is that Doc Ock and a band of villains have escaped a prison using Octavius' newest weapon. Guests are shipped out of the Daily Bugle via Oscorp's latest shipment transports (the robotic arms). BUT, Octavius has hacked the system and is controlling the transports, so that before Spider-Man can save you, you're pitted against The Sandman, Vulture, and the Shocker, and finally, a climatic battle between Doc Ock and Spidey himself, using the Harry Potter technology.
Other rides include a DareDevil ride, which is a glorified Top Spin located in the dark, with multisensory experiences to simulate a DareDevil fight; a Giant Frisbee themed to Captain America's shield (this is all I had to work with because when I came up with it, Captain America wasn't as popular as he became a couple weeks ago), with the line in a WWII museum that incorporates the supersoldier program into the exhibits; a Fantastic Four roller coaster that launches guests upward through a tunnel (a 'particle accelerator') that allows riders to imitate the powers of the Fantastic Four--really, different sections of track are colored to different FF team members to match this theme--it would feature one loop, and a layout somewhat similar to Screamin, but of course not identical because Screamin would be right down the road; also, this area features an interactive 3-D ride in which guests blast away doombots.
The lands' layout would be surrounding the large Spider-Man showbuilding, which would be decorated with New York building facades on the outside to simulate the streets of New York. Also, a battle between Captain America and Red Skull (or any others) would take place along the rooftops of the city as a new form of streetmosphere. Other landmarks in this land would include the Baxter Building from FF, a steakhouse with concept art of Marvel Superheroes decorating the walls, and the pizza joint that Peter Parker first worked at.

BLAZE CARNIVAL
This cheesy carnival-themed area would feature games and fair snacks. The main ride would be Ghost Ride, a motorbike launched roller coaster that would tell the story of GhostRider. One segment of the ride would be a jump in his show--next, his transformation, and finally, a high speed chase through San Venganza (each section seperated by a separate launch).

HYDRO BASE
This jungle area would be themed to Namor the Sub-Mariner, and have hydro-generators and such scattered throughout the jungle. A water roller-coaster that begins as a dark ride through Namor's collapsing city of Atlantis to his emergence in the outside world would serve as the main attraction. This and Blaze Carnival would be the two smallest areas.

THE COAST
WEST
This beach-side area at the north end of the park would have west-coast based heroes. An indoor stunt show that simulates the Hulk coming to tear up an army base headed by the evil General Thunderbolt Ross would be achieved through hologram technology synched to live action stunts to make the Hulk look real. Two kids' rides, Wasp (a Musik Express-type ride) and Ant Blast (a Huss Monster that would have shrinking gun shooting effects) would be based on lesser-known West Coast Avengers. The big ride here would be the Mark VI, a flying roller coaster that puts riders in Iron Man's latest suit (the ride vehicles) and fly them around a testing ground located in his yard (the queue would wrap around this area and then into Tony Stark's house) to test his latest Iron Man suit. Additionally, a sit-down restaurant themed to the Avengers mansion would overlook the beach.

ASGAARD
A sub-land of the West Coast would be Asgaard, the godly home of Thor. Since he landed in New Mexico, a Mexican counter service would act as the buffer between the West Coast and this area. The land would feature larger-than-life architecture and heavenly buildings. The big draw would be a massive B&M hyper-twister coaster that has a 230 foot near-vertical drop, several overbanked curves and helices, and camelback hills (I have all the layouts worked out, they're just hard to describe). The idea would be that the coaster simulates Thor's powers after descending from the heavens.

THE COAST
EAST
This land would come after the Coast West and be set in the Everglades. A pier surrounded by water would hold the Punisher wooden roller coaster, with a basic Coney Island cyclone-style layout with an extra helix that deviates from the general footprint and passes by an exploding oil rig, as part of the Punisher's battle for vengeance. Further down would be an interactive show themed to Howard the Duck, in which he hosts a talk show and hosts numerous superheroes and has them chat with the audience (think a randomized Turtle Talk--only instead of Crush you would get Howard and Spider-Man, or Howard with Reed Richards, or...)

SUPERVILLAINS HEADQUARTERS
This area marks the end of the circle (you could get here first if you turned left at the lagoon). Here would be an ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter-style show themed to Venom getting loose in Oscorp Labs. A unique flat ride that flips riders up into the air and around a central axis (I'm basing this ride system off of a ride in Canada's Wonderland, just know that it's unique lol) themed to Dr Doom's latest diabolical device would reside here. Also, a heavily themed magnetron themed to Magneto's latest weapon would be at the end of an elaborate queue through the lair of the Brotherhood of Mutants.
A possible phase 2 ride could be an indoor version of the never-built Hersheypark roller coaster that was built like a wild mouse on its side (with turns actually being drops if that makes sense) that would be themed to a hostage situation in which riders were in elevators that were abducted by the Green Goblin who kept dropping them until he finally let them fall 100 feet straight down in an outside element that would be visually stunning.

Anyways, sorry that took so long but that's the very bare bones of my idea. Trust me, every detail is worked out in this little place I have but for now, I will spare you the details. Soooo, what do you think?

[Bronco21]

First of all I am in no way in favor of a Marvel themed park. However, some your ideas are very well thought out. The X Academy working as the entrance would be comparable to Main street.

I don't know it would work considering Disney will probably try to create a real world feel to any marvel attractions as apposed to setting it up as franchise/ character showcases. Your idea for the World showcase style lands seems like it uses an old idea of EPCOT but it would just feel odd and kind of mismashed. EPCOT's style works because every pavilion is like being transported from one place to another. Idk if the diferentiation between characters lands would be strong enough to feel like you were truly transported into a different place.

The one thing that will never happen is Disney doing an all Thrill park. Disney took way too much flack just for DCA not having enough kiddie rides and from what I read (i didn't read it all) your park has way less child friendly rides than DCA did. The one thing people quickly forget is that Disney bought Marvel to bring more young boys and teen boys to the parks. Spiderman is way more appealing to an 8 year old who thinks he's real than to a 22 year old. If Disney were to build a Marvel based park and not have a large portion of the rides be suitable for young children then it would be the worst move Disney ever made.

[9906]

NO NOT MARVEL. HOW MUCH FREE SPACE IS THERE IN WDW? BUILD IT THERE

i'd rather see a myth and legend park to the style of the Sea project in California.

[Mr Wiggins]

Anyways, sorry that took so long but that's the very bare bones of my idea. Trust me, every detail is worked out in this little place I have but for now, I will spare you the details. Soooo, what do you think?

I think it's VERY well thought out, does a good job of using Marvel characters, and that Marvel fans would enjoy it.

IMO a third gate that's purely Marvel is the best way for Disney to go with its Marvel franchise. It would prevent a repeat of the "not Disney enough" reaction that DCA got, and more importantly, prevent customer confusion between the Disney and Marvel brand sensibilties (which I and many others feel will not mix in the same theme park, no matter what you try to do with them).

An all-Marvel third gate is definitely best for both brands. Disney can fund it, design it, build it and present it, but it should be pure Marvel brand.

Good stuff, Tyler. I'd be interested in seeing you post your details of the individual lands.

[ShelbyH]

I think you've got some great ideas there! My hesitation would be an all-Marvel theme park because the Marvel audience is more of a niche than anything else. I've only ever heard of about 1/4 of the people you mention. One of Disney's strengths is universal theming. Everyone has read or heard of the stories in FL. You've lived your life under a rock if you don't know the Small World song. People go to DL as much for the theming as they do for the rides. An all-Marvel theme park is just something I wouldn't recognize or identify with, so even if there aren't a lot of E-tickets, I'm not sure I'd go. For people who aren't Marvel fans, it's just a park with rides. And that was one of the major complaints about DCA was that it didn't look or feel special or Disney-ish. Look at the difference in attendance between DL and Knott's. Outside of Camp Snoopy and the dwindling Ghost Town, Knott's is basically devoid of theming. It's got some good coasters and it's down the road from DL, plus it's cheap as all get-out (season pass, good all year with no blockouts, is $60 or $70 if you wait until summer to buy it), but Knott's doesn't get anywhere near the crowds that DLR does. Harry Potter is so popular because EVERYONE knows about Harry Potter.

I think it would be an astoundingly bad idea to build a whole theme park around a theme that relatively few people have heard of or care about.

[RiversOfAmerica]

Personally, I like the idea of a Marvel park. I also like the idea of a Villains park. Then again, I still like the idea of a Westcot. What I DON'T want is a waterpark, or a thrill park. The waterpark won't happen, because that market in SoCal is already oversaturated (pardon the pun), and a thrill park won't happen because, as it's already been pointed out, it doesn't appeal to the full family demographic.

BTW, I don't think it should necessarily be "exclusively" a marvel park, but maybe a "superhero" park that is primarily marvel. It would be fun, I think, to see Iron Man and Mr Incredible in the same venue.

[Mr Wiggins]

I'm not sure I'd go. For people who aren't Marvel fans, it's just a park with rides. ...

I think it would be an astoundingly bad idea to build a whole theme park around a theme that relatively few people have heard of or care about.

Disney didn't spend $4 billion on the Marvel franchise for its family audience. They have their Disney and Pixar franchises for that. They bought Marvel for the specific purpose of achieving marketing domination of the boy demographic. They said as much in their original announcement.

An all-Marvel park (particularly a thrill park) aimed at that demographic makes perfect sense for that marketing strategy.

The only astoundingly bad idea would be if they try to Disnify Marvel to make it appeal to the Disney and Pixar family audiences.

[noleafclover1980]

Personally, I like the idea of a Marvel park. I also like the idea of a Villains park. Then again, I still like the idea of a Westcot. What I DON'T want is a waterpark, or a thrill park. The waterpark won't happen, because that market in SoCal is already oversaturated (pardon the pun), and a thrill park won't happen because, as it's already been pointed out, it doesn't appeal to the full family demographic.

BTW, I don't think it should necessarily be "exclusively" a marvel park, but maybe a "superhero" park that is primarily marvel. It would be fun, I think, to see Iron Man and Mr Incredible in the same venue.

I always wonder why so many people seem so keen on a Disney water park. Like how much theming and stuff can you really do with waterslides?

[9906]

^ Enter Blizzard Beach

[calsig31]

I think if they do an all Marvel park, then definitely it should include a ride or show based on Secret Wars.

[WorldDisney]

Some great ideas in the OP!! I would definitely go lol. And I only know a few of those characters.

That said, I highly doubt they would build JUST a park themed on Marvel. I can't imagine Disney building a park that doesnt include their brands like their other characters. One, it would probably alienate too many Disney fans if you dont bring in those other characters and brands and two, the reason WHY Disney parks brings in so many people vs MM, IOA, etc is because it really is a family park, i.e., something for everyone. That was the issue with DCA, it was really specifically for an older demographic and it didnt really work. If you build a park that just screams Marvel, it will certainly bring in comic book fans, teenagers and thrill seekers, but it will leave out a lot other people.

I personnally wouldnt mind the idea, but it would be VERY risky to build a park based on ONE franchise and only specific demographics. I honestly see them just building an all inclusive Disney park, but one with Marvel in mind and will give them a heavy section, but not alienate the other Disney fans.

I believe that strictly reading these boards. People have litterally said they wouldnt go to an all Marvel park here. Although yes, these boards are the extreme minority, same time I do think that might be the general feeling of a lot of Disney fans out there. You get rid the brand that makes Disney, well, Disney then I think thats a risk and why I dont really seeing it happening.Anyway they've built 11 parks so far, not a SINGLE park built on one brand alone like Pixar or Star Wars and people have argued they could build those parks as well. I dont see them doing it with Marvel either. Again, its too risky. Or maybe in the future, but I'm sure they will test the waters with a few rides in the traditional parks first to see if people take to it before they build an entire park around it.

But yes, if they built one, like the O.P., I would definitely show up for it!

[k_peek_2000]

Love your ideas, but they seem too limited to a few charecters. The lands should represent masses of characters (even ones most people might not heard of). Like a comic book version of main street/fantasyland.

Epic NO to the Blaze Carnival.

[ShelbyH]

Disney didn't spend $4 billion on the Marvel franchise for its family audience. They have their Disney and Pixar franchises for that. They bought Marvel for the specific purpose of achieving marketing domination of the boy demographic. They said as much in their original announcement.

An all-Marvel park (particularly a thrill park) aimed at that demographic makes perfect sense for that marketing strategy.

But that demographic is not large enough to keep an entire park in business, and they know it. It's like saying that airlines should exclude kids on certain flights or have a "kid section." Tons of people think it's a great idea (me included, and I travel a LOT with my kid) but ultimately they're not going to do it because in the big picture, the adult-only consumer base is not large enough to offset the loss of revenue that families bring in.

A Marvel section or land in the 3rd gate? Yes, count on it. A Marvel-ONLY park? No way.

The only astoundingly bad idea would be if they try to Disnify Marvel to make it appeal to the Disney and Pixar family audiences.

I absolutely agree that Marvel should stand on its own in its classic form with no Disneyfication (barf). I just don't see it being economically feasible to have an entirely Marvel theme park. Disney's bread and butter is families with young kids. They're not going to alienate them in favor of trying to bring in the "boy" audience.

[WorldDisney]

But that demographic is not large enough to keep an entire park in business, and they know it. It's like saying that airlines should exclude kids on certain flights or have a "kid section." Tons of people think it's a great idea (me included, and I travel a LOT with my kid) but ultimately they're not going to do it because in the big picture, the adult-only consumer base is not large enough to offset the loss of revenue that families bring in.

A Marvel section or land in the 3rd gate? Yes, count on it. A Marvel-ONLY park? No way.



I absolutely agree that Marvel should stand on its own in its classic form with no Disneyfication (barf). I just don't see it being economically feasible to have an entirely Marvel theme park. Disney's bread and butter is families with young kids. They're not going to alienate them in favor of trying to bring in the "boy" audience.

Wow, you completely read my mind!

I'll say it again, its easy to say 'Just build an all Marvel park' on the internet. But how SUCESSFUL that will turn out is 50/50 at best and its a HUGE risk I HIGHLY doubt they want to take. There is a reason every resort has the MK model first and every second park is different, but still heavily dependant on the Disney characters and brand. You throw it in a traditional Disney park where you can get EVERYBODY and grab the families, teens, boys, tikes, grandparents, etc where its a little bit of everything INCLUDING Marvel, then you got no problems. But yes, it should be a park with a theme geared to that franchise at least so you dont have to shoehorn stuff in like you would at DL and DCA like with happened with Pixar.

[Mr Wiggins]

Marvel characters have been a monster in the boy demographic for decades without Disney. They have such a proven track record of dominating that demographic that Disney spent $4 billion to buy them -- for the specific purpose of owning the demographic that comes with them.

And now that Disney owns them, they're suddenly "niche?" So niche that they can't support their own theme park without being Disneyfied so they can attract the Disney/Pixar/family demographic that Disney already owns?

Right.

Hey, I slam the Disney marketeers all the time on this forum, but sheesh, at least they know their marketing!