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NEWS
'Huge opportunity for Marvel' at Shanghai Disney, says Iger
POSTED 09 May 2019 . BY Tom Anstey

There are great opportunities long term given the affinity people have in China for these characters. That's a hint to our parks and resorts group. We should be hard at work already designing and developing a Marvel presence in Shanghai
– Bob Iger
Disney chair and CEO Bob Iger, has hinted at an expanded Marvel presence for its Shanghai theme park in China, with the brand currently booming as its latest blockbuster – Avengers: Endgame – continues to surge at the box office.

Speaking during an earnings call, Iger revealed that regulations in China were limiting Disney's distribution of over-the-top media such as its upcoming Disney+ subscription service in the country. Iger also revealed that Avengers: Endgame has made more than US$600m (€536.2m, £461.8m) in the Chinese box office alone, showing the strength of the brand in China. This success on screen, says Iger, will flow down into Disney's parks.

"As it relates specifically to Shanghai Disney, we have a huge opportunity for Marvel there," he said.

"When we began designing the park, we'd only just purchased Marvel and we weren't really in early enough to do it, so we built something somewhat temporary in nature – just a tent that features Marvel franchises and characters.

"But there are great opportunities long term given the affinity people have in China for these characters. That's a hint to our parks and resorts group. We should be hard at work already designing and developing a Marvel presence in Shanghai."

The park's existing Marvel Universe attraction is set in the park's Gardens of Imagination. Inside, visitors can explore the world of Marvel, as well as get the chance to virtually try on an Iron Man suit and fight off an army of enemies, including Hulk. Guests can also enjoy Marvel-inspired merchandise, food and drink, as well as take part in an Avengers training session with characters such as Iron Man, Black Panther and Captain Marvel.

Iger hinted at the plans as Disney revealed its results for the last quarter, with the company's Parks, Experiences and Products division increasing revenues for the period by 5 per cent to US$6.2bn (€5.4bn, £4.8bn), with operating income increasing 15 per cent to US$1.5bn (€1.3bn, £1.15bn).

The increases were attributed to growth at Disney's domestic theme parks and resorts, increases in its consumer products business and cruise line and higher attendance and occupied room nights at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. Results at Shanghai Disney were comparable to the prior-year quarter as an increase from higher average ticket prices was largely offset by lower attendance.
RELATED STORIES
  Ant-Man leads the way as Disney unveils future Marvel additions for its parks


Disney has unveiled a new interactive attraction based on its Ant-Man IP, with a raft of other Marvel super-hero experiences lined up for the operator's parks worldwide in the coming years.
  The Void signs deal with ILMxLAB to create Disney and Marvel VR projects


Location-based virtual reality (VR) specialist The Void has partnered with ILMxLAB – a subsidiary of Lucasfilm – to create five new VR-based attractions featuring IP content from Disney and Marvel.
  Marvel, Frozen and Star Wars to feature, as Bob Iger announces major €2bn expansion of Disneyland Paris


Disney has announced a major expansion of Disneyland Paris, with the operator unveiling €2bn (US$2.46bn, £1.77bn) plans which will include new areas based on its Marvel, Frozen and Star Wars IPs.
  Chapek spills beans at D23 Japan as parks chief reveals details on multiple park projects


Disney’s parks and resorts chair Bob Chapek has shared details about the company’s development pipeline, revealing new details about its Marvel, Star Wars and Pixar bands across its theme park portfolio.
MORE NEWS
Mubadala makes €1 billion bid for Pierre and Vacances
Abu Dhabi-based investment firm Mubadala Capital has made a binding, fully financed €1 billion offer to acquire Pierre and Vacances SA, the European holiday resort operator behind the continental European Center Parcs business.
Disney confirms US$30 billion investment programme as it highlights its economic impact
Disney has reaffirmed its commitment to investing US$30 billion in its US parks and cruise business by 2033, using new America250 celebrations to underline the role its attractions play in supporting jobs, tourism and economic growth.
Expo 2030 Riyadh will create a permanent global destination
Expo 2030 Riyadh is being planned as a permanent visitor destination, with organisers confirming the six-million-square-metre site will become a Global Village after the event closes.
Australian waterpark acquisition creates new leisure attractions group
The owner of one of Australia's best-known waterparks has acquired a major competitor, creating a new attractions business spanning two of the country's largest visitor destinations.
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NEWS
'Huge opportunity for Marvel' at Shanghai Disney, says Iger
POSTED 09 May 2019 . BY Tom Anstey
There are great opportunities long term given the affinity people have in China for these characters. That's a hint to our parks and resorts group. We should be hard at work already designing and developing a Marvel presence in Shanghai
– Bob Iger
Disney chair and CEO Bob Iger, has hinted at an expanded Marvel presence for its Shanghai theme park in China, with the brand currently booming as its latest blockbuster – Avengers: Endgame – continues to surge at the box office.

Speaking during an earnings call, Iger revealed that regulations in China were limiting Disney's distribution of over-the-top media such as its upcoming Disney+ subscription service in the country. Iger also revealed that Avengers: Endgame has made more than US$600m (€536.2m, £461.8m) in the Chinese box office alone, showing the strength of the brand in China. This success on screen, says Iger, will flow down into Disney's parks.

"As it relates specifically to Shanghai Disney, we have a huge opportunity for Marvel there," he said.

"When we began designing the park, we'd only just purchased Marvel and we weren't really in early enough to do it, so we built something somewhat temporary in nature – just a tent that features Marvel franchises and characters.

"But there are great opportunities long term given the affinity people have in China for these characters. That's a hint to our parks and resorts group. We should be hard at work already designing and developing a Marvel presence in Shanghai."

The park's existing Marvel Universe attraction is set in the park's Gardens of Imagination. Inside, visitors can explore the world of Marvel, as well as get the chance to virtually try on an Iron Man suit and fight off an army of enemies, including Hulk. Guests can also enjoy Marvel-inspired merchandise, food and drink, as well as take part in an Avengers training session with characters such as Iron Man, Black Panther and Captain Marvel.

Iger hinted at the plans as Disney revealed its results for the last quarter, with the company's Parks, Experiences and Products division increasing revenues for the period by 5 per cent to US$6.2bn (€5.4bn, £4.8bn), with operating income increasing 15 per cent to US$1.5bn (€1.3bn, £1.15bn).

The increases were attributed to growth at Disney's domestic theme parks and resorts, increases in its consumer products business and cruise line and higher attendance and occupied room nights at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. Results at Shanghai Disney were comparable to the prior-year quarter as an increase from higher average ticket prices was largely offset by lower attendance.
RELATED STORIES
Ant-Man leads the way as Disney unveils future Marvel additions for its parks


Disney has unveiled a new interactive attraction based on its Ant-Man IP, with a raft of other Marvel super-hero experiences lined up for the operator's parks worldwide in the coming years.
The Void signs deal with ILMxLAB to create Disney and Marvel VR projects


Location-based virtual reality (VR) specialist The Void has partnered with ILMxLAB – a subsidiary of Lucasfilm – to create five new VR-based attractions featuring IP content from Disney and Marvel.
Marvel, Frozen and Star Wars to feature, as Bob Iger announces major €2bn expansion of Disneyland Paris


Disney has announced a major expansion of Disneyland Paris, with the operator unveiling €2bn (US$2.46bn, £1.77bn) plans which will include new areas based on its Marvel, Frozen and Star Wars IPs.
Chapek spills beans at D23 Japan as parks chief reveals details on multiple park projects


Disney’s parks and resorts chair Bob Chapek has shared details about the company’s development pipeline, revealing new details about its Marvel, Star Wars and Pixar bands across its theme park portfolio.
MORE NEWS
Mubadala makes €1 billion bid for Pierre and Vacances
Abu Dhabi-based investment firm Mubadala Capital has made a binding, fully financed €1 billion offer to acquire Pierre and Vacances SA, the European holiday resort operator behind the continental European Center Parcs business.
Disney confirms US$30 billion investment programme as it highlights its economic impact
Disney has reaffirmed its commitment to investing US$30 billion in its US parks and cruise business by 2033, using new America250 celebrations to underline the role its attractions play in supporting jobs, tourism and economic growth.
Expo 2030 Riyadh will create a permanent global destination
Expo 2030 Riyadh is being planned as a permanent visitor destination, with organisers confirming the six-million-square-metre site will become a Global Village after the event closes.
Australian waterpark acquisition creates new leisure attractions group
The owner of one of Australia's best-known waterparks has acquired a major competitor, creating a new attractions business spanning two of the country's largest visitor destinations.
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COMPANY PROFILES
instantprint

We’re a Yorkshire-based online printer, founded in 2009 by Adam Carnell and James Kinsella. [more...]
Vekoma Rides Manufacturing B.V.

Vekoma Rides has a large variety of coasters and attractions. [more...]
DJW

David & Lynn Willrich started the Company over thirty years ago, from the Audio Visual Department [more...]
Sally Corporation

Our services include: Dark ride design & build; Redevelopment of existing attractions; High-quality [more...]
+ More profiles  
CATALOGUE GALLERY
+ More catalogues  
DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

23-26 Aug 2026

Elevate Spa Riviera Maya Edition

The Riviera Maya Edition Kanai, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
29 Sep - 02 Oct 2026

Synergy - The Retreat Show

Pical Resort, Valamar Collection, Porec, Croatia
+ More diary  
 


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