Why Marvel Will 'Land' at Disneyland Instead of Disney World
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge has ignited a passion among theme parkgoers that seems almost unparalleled in recent history. As the new land debuts in California, eager fans have started to look east for the debut of a similar land at Disney World later this summer.
Even before those first eager fans traveled to the fictional planet of Batuu, the folks at Disney were hard at work on another new land to join the California theme park. After announcements last year about a land that would centered on the Marvel franchise, Disney recently filed permits for some minor work that’s the next step to making that new land a reality.
The "Guardians of the Galaxy" franchise within the Marvel Universe is poised to set a record for the largest box office movie of all times. Disney is doing plenty to capitalize on the popularity of those movies -- including a forthcoming Marvel Land in California (though as you'll see, that's not the name). And yet, Disney hasn't announced any plans for a similar themed land in Disney World.
Related: Best Credit Cards for Theme Parks
For context, Disneyland and Disney World got almost exactly the same land with Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Disney World has also begun construction on a Guardians of the Galaxy roller coaster experience in Epcot where Ellen’s Energy Adventure used to reside. But, why no announcements for a bigger Marvel-themed land in Orlando? Why hasn't Mickey confirmed that his (new) friends Spider-Man and the Hulk will be joining the fun at Disney World?
The short answer is that there’s very little chance that will ever happen. And, it’s because of a piece of paper roughly 25 years old. It's been 10 years since Disney acquired the rights to the Marvel Universe. However, an agreement dating back to 1994 between Universal and the folks that controlled Marvel at the time dictates what characters can appear where from a geographic perspective.
Head West, Young Superhero
In that original agreement back in 1994 (as detailed by the LA Times), Universal Studios didn't seem to be as concerned with what happened West of the Mississippi River. If you really want to nerd out, you can see the legal mumbo jumbo that addresses this. For those who want the condensed version:
- Universal Studios controls the rights to operate a land focused on the Marvel characters east of the Mississippi River (hello, Orlando).
- If Universal is currently using a character in its theme park (Spider-Man, Hulk) no other theme park east of the Mississippi can use those characters in its park.
- This holds true for related characters. So, anyone who's part of the Spider-Man franchise, as well as the Avengers. But, Guardians of the Galaxy? That's apparently fair game for Disney World.
- West of the Mississippi is a bit more of the Wild West. Any theme park can use the characters, but they have to avoid using the name "Marvel." Now you see why Disneyland calls its current character meet-and-greet Super Hero HQ.
- If Universal decides to stop operating a land dedicated to Marvel properties in Orlando, they lose exclusivity.
Gray Areas
There are some apparent gray areas. The Black Panther isn't a heavily featured character at Universal Orlando, but there is a presence. Disney has enjoyed success with the "Black Panther" movie and appears poised to make a sequel. Could we see more of Black Panther's Wakanda at Disney in the future? Maybe. It's not all cut and dried when it comes to what might be possible at Disney World, though there are certainly limitations in Orlando that don't exist out in California.
Bottom Line
It's exciting to see the beginning of a "Marvel" land appearing in Disneyland, even if not officially known by that name. Disney's official fan club, D23, is due for its expo in August where many big announcements have arisen in the past. We're targeting that mid-August meeting for more concrete info on Marvel's new home in California.
Meanwhile, in Orlando, Disney fans looking for a Marvel fix will either have to settle for the Guardians of the Galaxy ride when it opens at Epcot or simply make a stop at Universal Orlando. Silver lining: the Marvel rides at Universal don't have a 10-hour wait.
Edward Pizzarello covers family travel for TPG Family and also blogs at Pizza in Motion. You can find him podcasting at Miles to Go and eating doughnuts on Twitter and Instagram.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.