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Credit: Inside the MagicRecent rumors from theme park fan sites have hinted that the Universal Creative team could potentially be developing plans to replace Marvel Superhero Island and Islands of Adventure.
Marvel Super Hero Island opened at the park in 1999, when Marvel was not as prominent as it is today. Universal secured the exclusive theme park rights to Marvel characters east of the Mississippi, including the Avengers, X-Men, and Fantastic Four. This perpetual contract allows Universal to utilize these characters as long as they meet the specified quality standards.
Universal Orlando is one of the world’s most popular theme park resorts, competing closely with the nearby Walt Disney World Resort, located just a short drive away on I-4. Within Universal’s Islands of Adventure Park, where Jurassic World: VelociCoaster can be found, lies Marvel Super Hero Island.
This area, featuring thrilling attractions based on iconic Marvel characters like the Hulk and Spider-Man, has garnered a strong fan following. However, beyond these popular rides, the land lacks additional experiences, including dining options.
Marvel Super Hero Island was the first Marvel-themed land to appear in any theme park, opening on May 28, 1999—two decades ahead of Disney’s own Marvel expansions. Despite its historic debut, the land has seen little change since its opening.
Originally, Islands of Adventure was planned as “Cartoon World,” with the area now known as Marvel Super Hero Island initially envisioned as “DC Superhero Island.” Over time, Universal’s original vision for the land has faded, resulting in a lack of cohesive storytelling, making it feel somewhat disjointed to visitors.
In the past 20 years, Marvel Super Hero Island has not received a significant update, with the exception of improvements to the projection quality of The Amazing Spider-Man ride. The area also has congestion issues near Toon Lagoon (another aging section with untapped potential), and there are portions of dead space within the Marvel-themed area.
While Marvel Super Hero Island is one of the six original “islands” from the park’s opening, it has not seen major updates or additions like other sections of the park. Toon Lagoon, located next to Marvel Super Hero Island, is another opening-day land in need of revitalization.
The intricate legalities involved in Marvel’s theme park rights complicate the landscape. Universal holds exclusive rights to use most Marvel characters in its parks east of the Mississippi River due to a contract signed in 1994. Despite The Walt Disney Company acquiring Marvel in 2009, this agreement remains in effect.
Disney has introduced various Marvel attractions worldwide but has faced challenges specifically at Walt Disney World. The only Marvel-themed attraction currently operational is Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT.
This ride is permitted as the Guardians of the Galaxy are not part of the character families restricted to Universal. Disney’s predicament underscores the tension between both companies and underscores the restrictions placed on their creative expansions in the Florida market.
Since 2009, rumors have been circulating about Universal potentially transferring the theme park rights for Marvel to Disney. However, as of now, neither party has confirmed any such agreement.
If Universal ever did give up their rights to the land, then Disney World would be free to integrate an Avengers Campus land in Orlando.
When compared to Disneyland’s Avengers Campus, Universal falls short in terms of technology and themed entertainment.
Avengers Campus boasts cutting-edge technology, such as WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure, which lets guests sling webs directly from their hands. Additionally, there is another highly anticipated E-ticket attraction themed around the Avengers still in development for Disney California Adventure’s Marvel-themed area (though Disney avoids using the term “Marvel” in their marketing for the Campus).
The potential for expanded Marvel-themed attractions at Disney would significantly enhance the appeal of visiting Walt Disney World. As the MCU continues to grow and introduce new characters, Disney could leverage this expansion to create an engaging and comprehensive Marvel experience that rivals those found in their California properties.
While the fate of Marvel Super Hero Island remains uncertain, rumors suggest various options for its potential replacement.
One of the more talked-about concepts is a Pokémon-themed land, as well as Zelda following the addition of Super Nintendo World. Universal currently collaborates with the Pokémon franchise for attractions at Universal Studios Japan, indicating a willingness to adapt popular franchises for their parks.
Additionally, original ideas for the island included a Batman-themed land, demonstrating Universal’s ability to think outside the existing Marvel framework. With a plethora of recognized franchises under its belt, Universal can create attractions that promise high engagement without requiring agreements for new licenses.
Interestingly enough, when Universal Studios Japan’s contract for The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man expired, Universal shut down the ride without renegotiating that contract.
There have also been rumors that The Simpsons Springfield, U.S.A. at Universal Studios, Florida may be replaced. This is particularly interesting given that The Simpsons was once a Universal property before being acquired by Disney. The potential closure of both lands suggests a possible connection.
With Epic Universe opening in 2025, however, it would not be likely that Universal would divert a lot of funds to Islands of Adventure right now, especially with The Lost Continent being an abandoned land; closing two lands would be detrimental to the theme park.
We also recently saw part of the entrance and queue for The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, which would have been pointless if the land were to be removed.
It is unclear why the reported rumor of this land’s demolishment was started and what truth it holds.
In summary, Universal’s pursuit to develop replacement attractions for Marvel Super Hero Island may lead to revolutionary changes. If successful, the ramifications could reshape the Marvel presence in the entire Florida region. With Disney’s existing limitations and Universal’s upcoming changes, the theme park landscape surrounding these iconic properties stands on the brink of transformation.
Do you think that Universal should get rid of and replace Marvel Superhero Island?