Changes could be coming to Universal Parks and Resorts! Disney Dining is here to dispel the rumors and explain what’s really going on.
Credit: Universal Studios
If you’re a Walt Disney World Resort fan, you’ve probably driven past Universal Orlando Resort.
Universal Orlando Resort is currently home to Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure and will soon be home to Epic Universe (coming in 2025).
Universal Islands of Adventure is home to 8 different themed lands: Port of Entry, Marvel Super Hero Island, Toon Lagoon, Skull Island: Reign of Kong, Jurassic Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, The Lost Continent, and Suess Landing.
Credit: Universal Orlando Resort
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Universal Islands of Adventure’s Marvel Super Hero Island was built in 1999, long before Disney acquired the rights to Marvel. The language in the contract is incredibly specific, and more can be found about it here.
As a result of this contract, Universal has the right to everything in its Park…still, rumors are saying that a Universal Spider-Man attraction will be replaced soon.
Credit: Universal Orlando
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Similarly to Disney, Universal has Parks and Resorts all over the world: Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Studios Singapore, Universal Beijing Resort, and Universal Studios Japan.
These rumors are actually referring to a Spider-Man attraction in Universal Studios Japan, not Universal Orlando Resort.
I’ve heard this rumor… apparently in Japan universal has to keep paying to keep the Spider-Man license unlike Orlando. So this would be a cheaper alternative + bring a ride based off the largest media franchise to a theme park https://t.co/OWYfFaBHvT
— Drew TheThemeParkDude (@DrewTheDude123) February 27, 2023
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Still, if you’re wondering about how this may affect Marvel Super Hero Island, here’s what we know so far.
Universal’s contract with Marvel is still in good standing, and it doesn’t seem they will drop it anytime soon. The themed land contains two restaurants, Marvel character meet-and-greets, and four major attractions. Three of these attractions are outdoor rides with little theming, while the Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man is a heavily-themed dark ride with amazing special effects.
Redoing the Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man alone would be incredibly difficult and expensive, let alone the entirety of Marvel Super Hero Island. Considering all of this, it’s safe to say that Universal’s Marvel-themed land isn’t going anywhere.
I am an avid theme park enthusiast with a deep knowledge of the industry, its history, and the intricacies of individual parks and attractions. Over the years, I have closely followed developments in major theme parks, including Universal Parks and Resorts and Walt Disney World Resort. My understanding extends beyond surface-level information, delving into the contractual and business aspects that govern these entertainment complexes.
Now, let's analyze the provided article about potential changes at Universal Parks and Resorts:
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Introduction to Universal Orlando Resort: The article introduces Universal Orlando Resort, highlighting its current attractions - Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, and the upcoming Epic Universe set to open in 2025.
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Universal Islands of Adventure Themed Lands: The article provides an overview of the eight themed lands in Universal Islands of Adventure, listing them as Port of Entry, Marvel Super Hero Island, Toon Lagoon, Skull Island: Reign of Kong, Jurassic Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, The Lost Continent, and Suess Landing.
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Marvel Super Hero Island and Spider-Man Attraction: The article discusses the history of Marvel Super Hero Island, emphasizing that it predates Disney's acquisition of Marvel in 1999. It mentions the specificity of the contract between Universal and Marvel, giving Universal exclusive rights to everything Marvel in its park. Rumors circulate about the possible replacement of a Universal Spider-Man attraction in Universal Studios Japan.
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Universal Parks Worldwide: The article briefly mentions other Universal Parks worldwide, including Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Studios Singapore, Universal Beijing Resort, and Universal Studios Japan.
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Clarification on Rumors: It clarifies that the rumors about changes refer specifically to a Spider-Man attraction in Universal Studios Japan, not Universal Orlando Resort. A tweet from @DrewTheDude123 suggests that Universal in Japan has ongoing licensing costs for Spider-Man, possibly motivating a change.
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Contract Status with Marvel: The article reassures readers that Universal's contract with Marvel for Marvel Super Hero Island is still in good standing. It mentions the various elements within the themed land, including two restaurants, Marvel character meet-and-greets, and four major attractions. It emphasizes the difficulty and expense of redoing the Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, a heavily-themed dark ride with special effects, and indicates that Universal's Marvel-themed land is unlikely to go anywhere.
In summary, the article dispels rumors about changes at Universal Orlando Resort, focusing on the specific situation in Universal Studios Japan. It provides context on the contractual relationship with Marvel and asserts the stability of Universal's Marvel Super Hero Island.
