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The Avengers in the Disney Parks

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As expected, The Avengers opened in the US and Canada this past weekend to record crowds; the $200.3 million dollars in ticket sales puts this blockbuster into the record books.   Earlier release dates across Asia, South America, Europe and New Zealand set similar records,  Since Disney acquired Marvel Entertainment Inc in 2009, this is good news for The Walt Disney Company stockholders!  But how will Disney proceed with plans to integrate these superheroes into its parks around the world?  Since the Avengers-wrapped monorail, or “Avengerail” or “Herorail”, debuted on the Magic Kingdom express line this past March, speculators have been wondering where in the parks Iron Man, Captain America, The Hulk and others will pop up next.  I must be honest- I am not a fan.  Oh, I enjoy the Marvel warriors at Universal Studios Orlando mind you.  My two boys always looked forward to our trips to Islands of Adventure, and Marvel Super Hero Island, in particular.  (Who doesn’t flip over The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man??)  BUT, I’ll freely admit that I am uncomfortable with the premise of Iron Man coexisting with Winnie the Pooh.  As a mom without girls, I can appreciate the efforts to better balance the princess-heavy emphasis at the parks.  And yes, I know Disney will find a way to do it right (think Star Wars and Indiana Jones), but I guess I’m a bit of a purest.  Whether the next foray is a Marvel stunt show at Disneyland’s Big Thunder Ranch, a “Stark Expo” takeover of Innoventions, or standard character meet and greets, I will be watching and wondering, “What would Walt think…?”

Disney Co.

Well, I’m sure he would endorse this- a SUPER Giveaway from Dina at The Dragyn’s Lair.  Beginning May 8th, a group of “super bloggers” will combine our powers to offer readers an opportunity to win a $125 Disney Gift Card, and an amazing Avengers Prize Pack, which includes a Captain America pin, a Captain America key chain, Avengers stickers, a Nick Fury vinyl figure, an Iron Man poster, an Avengers t-shirt AND the soundtrack to the Avengers movie. Pow! 
The League of Awesome Bloggers… Assemble! 

  1. The Dragyn’s Lair 
  2. DISTherapy
  3. Focused on the Magic
  4. Diz Thru Brown Eyes 
  5. Picturing Disney
  6. Living with the Magic
  7. Mouse Crafts
  8. Disney on Wheels
  9. Mouse Fan Diane
  10. Disney Donna Kay
  11. Pursuing the Magic
  12. Jackie’s Magical Moments

To enter, please complete ALL the required entries below.  (You must do all to win!)

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Best of luck to you, and best wishes to our fearless leader, Dana, for a wonderful, magical birthday!   The Avengers, a super giveaway, and Dana- all crowd pleasers…  

Comments

  1. I'm a purist too – I don't want Marvel in the parks. I know the opposing argument is that I am fine with Pixar in the parks and that was also originally a non-Disney brand that was acquired, but somehow, to me, Pixar works and Marvel doesn't. I think because I find Pixar more accessible by more varieties of people while I find Marvel to be more geared toward a narrower group? I don't know, but it bugs me.

    Reply

    • V- I usually go with the flow, but perhaps it is the violence that is often associated with the Marvel figures that is "bugging" me too? I have to trust Disney to package this one just right…

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  2. I think it takes time to adjust to a new brand in the parks. At first people didn't think Star Wars or Indiana Jones belonged either (as you referenced), but over time they've come to not only fit, but be an integral part of many people's Disney experience. It just takes a while.

    That said, with the licensing agreement Universal has, don't worry about the Marvel characters coming to WDW anytime soon…though Disneyland may be a different story.

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    • Thanks Randy- all salient points! Strange that I am fine with Avatar; this appears to be, for me, entirely visceral. As you say, time will tell!

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    • Hi Ashley, Could the face of Robert Downey Jr. have anything to do with that choice?? Thanks for joining in the birthday celebration for Ally!

      Reply

  7. Favorite Avenger… THOR!!! My favorite was Iron Man, until my hubby pretty much forced me to sit down and watch Thor… then my decision changed for some bizarre reason. 😉 I'm only 22y/o so Robert Downy Jr., while one of my favorite actors, is a bit too old for me. He could be my daddy… in a father sort of way ladies! hehe.
    HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!

    Reply

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