We previously wrote about how Disneyland Paris is developing “must-have” Marvel products for their very own Marvel Land. Well, that got me thinking. The Marvel Cinematic Universe is currently the biggest franchise on the planet. The MCU is becoming another crown jewel for The Walt Disney Company on the same level of Mickey Mouse and Star Wars.
So, after 22 MCU films. There is plenty of material to work with. Although Imagineering’s plans don’t reflect anything major yet. That could soon change considering how Endgame shattered all expectations. Marvel could potentially play a bigger role in the parks going forward. Not to mention if Disney could somehow work a deal out with their competitor in Orlando we could seriously have a Marvel Park renaissance on the horizon.
WDI works closely with Consumer Products. Both divisions are now overseen by Bob Chapek, the chairman of the Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products division of The Walt Disney Company. Here are my suggestions for what kind of merchandise the Marvel Lands should sell.
Infinity & Iron Gauntlet
Yes, you can purchase both the Infinity and Iron gauntlet now. Yet wouldn’t it be cool to see a bunch of gauntlets in a store? Maybe even have the option of creating your own Infinity Gauntlet? If you’re going to do a Marvel store you are going to have to do the products up big. Also, these gauntlets need to be as realistic as possible. Also, include spinoff products of the gauntlets like mugs, souvenir glasses, and plushes.
Captain America’s Shield
Another merchandise angle. Give us realistic Captain America shields. All different types too. Give us his original shield all the way to his Wakandan shield. This could also be another opportunity for customization. This one could be plausible. Disney filed a patent for a realistic Captain America shield back in 2018.
Iron Man tech
If you were to recreate the Iron Man lifestyle it would cost you a fortune. Yet wouldn’t it be cool to have Tony Stark gadgets around the house? Maybe we could get Iron Man helmets that featured our very own HUD. Yeah, this merch would cost a lot but it would be well worth it. Sadly, I don’t think Disney Consumer Products has the ability yet to sell flying Iron Man suits but that just brings me to my next point.
Full Blown Suits
People cosplay all the time. Yet wouldn’t it be a cool merch idea to have a place where you can buy superhero suits that were as realistic as possible? Something like this would set Marvel Land apart from the rest. I’m sure there are a ton of people who would be willing to get their very own Spider-Man, Captain Marvel, and Ant-Man suit. Heck, find a functional way to make an Iron Man suit I would be down to spend.
Mjolnir & Stormbreaker
Ah, lastly this is a good one to end on. Give us Thor’s Mjolnir and his Stormbreaker. Can you imagine the power of carrying those items around? If they are done realistically those would be some fun items to purchase at a Marvel Land.
These are just a few ideas of what Disney can do to create “must-have” merchandise for their Marvel Lands. The merchandise would work as it would allow guests to feel like they were the heroes within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Currently, Disney has plans for Marvel-themed lands at Disney’s California Adventure, Walt Disney Studios Park at Disneyland Paris, and Hong Kong Disneyland. Bob Iger recently hinted at that Shanghai Disneyland may be in line for a massive Marvel presence. Which makes sense considering Shanghai Disney Resort is likely to announce a second gate eventually. The only Marvel presence at Walt Disney World will be the Guardians of the Galaxy coaster at Epcot. Making that space into a new Xandar area. If Disney ever found a way to work around the Universal/Marvel deal I’m sure Marvel projects at WDW would skyrocket up.
It’s clear after the success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Disney will be reassessing its approach to Marvel in their parks. It already looks like their teams out in Disneyland Paris and within consumer products are ready to wow guests with one of a kind merchandise. Disney could quite possibly have their next Galaxy’s Edge on hand with Marvel, and the merchandise possibilities clearly show that.
Marvel Month- Celebrating the Greatness in Marvel Entertainment
Zach Perilstein is the Editor-in-Chief of the Boardwalk Times
