Disney has a Marvel problem.<\/p>\n
The Marvel Cinematic Universe has earned more money at the box office than any other franchise in movie history, but Disney has not yet found a way to translate that success to its theme parks or cruise line.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s gotten to the point where fans are complaining when Disney keeps a Marvel-themed location. After last week\u2019s reveal of the Disney Believe cruise ship, many fans griped that Disney did not announce plans to replace the Worlds of Marvel restaurant that appears on all of Disney\u2019s Wish-class ships.<\/p>\n
I have sailed on all those Wish class ships. Worlds of Marvel is the opposite of inviting, managing to be both industrial and claustrophobic at the same time. The Quantum Encounter video show that plays on the restaurant\u2019s abundant screens is fine entertainment to watch during dinner, but it\u2019s a one and done. I totally get why Disney Cruise Line fans would want to see what else Disney\u2019s Imagineers might envision for that space on a new ship, given all the franchises the company has in its portfolio.<\/p>\n
In the parks, Avengers Campus<\/a> has underwhelmed many fans at Disney California Adventure and Disneyland Paris\u2019 recently renamed Disney Adventure World. The lands\u2019 Spider-Man shooter ride<\/a> suffers from comparisons with Universal Orlando\u2019s The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, which remains one of the top theme park attractions in the world.<\/p>\n The cruise ship restaurant and Avengers Campus lands suffer the same lack of focus. Marvel is a brand, not a theme. That leaves Disney working with sterile, generic environments that fail to engage fans. No one wants to visit an office park or conference room when spending big money on Disney tickets or cruise fares. At least at rival Universal Orlando, its Marvel Super Hero Island is themed to Marvel\u2019s comic books, giving it a hand-drawn animation vibe that helps make the land feel special.<\/p>\n