From Disney to the Middle East: Inside the Hidden Marvel Theme Park Land
If you thought Disney and Universal were the only theme parks offering Marvel lands, think again.
While they may boast the best-known attractions inspired by the iconic superheroes, Dubai offers a unique experience that rivals them all. IMG Worlds of Adventure, once the world’s largest indoor theme park, features a Marvel-inspired land that stands apart (and may even outdo) its counterparts at Disney California Adventure Park, Walt Disney Studios Park, Hong Kong Disneyland, and Islands of Adventure.
The Journey of IMG Worlds of Adventure
IMG Worlds of Adventure was initially envisioned as one small cog in Dubailand, an ambitious project in the United Arab Emirates that was supposed to become a mega entertainment destination twice the size of Walt Disney World Resort.
However, the 2008 property market crash led to the scaling back of Dubailand’s plans. While other projects, like Universal Studios Dubailand, were shelved, IMG Worlds of Adventure successfully opened in August 2016, bringing multiple themed zones, including Marvel, to life.
What Makes IMG’s Marvel Zone Stand Out
Versus Disney’s Avengers Campus or Universal’s Marvel Super Hero Island, IMG’s Marvel Zone boasts several Marvel-inspired rides in one location. Visitors can immerse themselves in five thrilling attractions, each based on iconic Marvel heroes and villains.
Avengers: Battle of Ultron
This 4D dark ride invites guests to join the Avengers – guided by Hawkeye and Black Widow – in a mission to defeat Ultron. With visuals reminiscent of the MCU and a storyline rooted in the comics, it’s a must for any Marvel enthusiast.
Hulk: Epsilon Base 3D
This ride throws guests into a 360-degree theater where they face an intense battle involving the Incredible Hulk. The immersive visuals and motion effects create an experience best suited for those who aren’t prone to motion sickness (speaking from experience).
Spider-Man: Doc Ock’s Revenge
Fans of family-friendly coasters will love this spinning ride, which pits Spider-Man against Doctor Octopus in a high-energy chase. Set against a cityscape backdrop, the ride is the perfect family coaster (which, dare we say it, outperforms Disney’s own Web Slingers: A Spider-Man Adventure).
Thor: Thunder Spin
For thrill-seekers, Thor: Thunder Spin delivers a dizzying ride where guests endure the might of Thor’s hammer and Loki’s mischief. This intense attraction is not for the faint-hearted but promises a memorable experience for the brave.
Avengers Flight of the Quinjets
This family-friendly ride lets guests pilot their own Quinjet in a gentle, Dumbo the Flying Elephant-style attraction. It’s a relaxing break from the zone’s high-adrenaline offerings.
Beyond the rides, IMG’s Marvel Zone offers a range of themed dining options. From shawarma at Downtown Shawarma to upscale steak and seafood at Tony’s Skydeck, the zone caters to all tastes. While Tony’s Skydeck is often reserved for private events, there’s nothing stopping you from manifesting.
What Does This Mean For Disneyland Abu Dhabi?
Theme park fans know that one of the reasons why Disney World hasn’t debuted its own Avengers Campus is the implications of Universal’s theme park licensing agreement for Marvel superheroes.
With Disney confirming earlier this year that Miral Group will build Disneyland Abu Dhabi under a licensing agreement with The Walt Disney Company (à la Tokyo Disney Resort), it’s not totally clear what this means for the possibility of Avengers-themed attractions at the indoor theme park.
In Florida – more specifically, anywhere east of the Mississippi River – Disney is only free to use certain characters. That means open season on the Guardians of the Galaxy (hence Guardians of the Galaxy – Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT), while the likes of Spider-Man and the Incredible Hulk are off limits.
We’ll have to wait and see which, if any, Marvel characters Walt Disney Imagineering crafts attractions for in the United Arab Emirates.
Have you experienced the magic of IMG Worlds of Adventure?
