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2. An underwhelming presentation

A common refrain heard from reviews across both locations revolves around what is generally considered to be an underwhelming level of polish and a lackluster overall presentation that runs throughout the entire attraction, from its entryway to its concluding gift shop.

The “exhibits” that populate at least one of the seven massive domes that comprise the Experience have been described as obviously plastic in appearance – one professional reviewer commented that Captain America’s shield and Thor’s hammer looked like they were “likely purchased at Dollar General this last Halloween” – while the much-touted, first-of-its-kind 360-degree 3D-stereoscopic dome has been consistently lambasted for producing sore necks and overstrained ears, the latter being a product of way-too-quiet speakers and way-too-many guests being crammed into the space, generating a great deal of noise (and sharp elbows).

(This would seem to be the product of the attraction’s $30 million budget, which, as we’ve noted before, is only a fraction of the amount that Disney and Universal spend on the likes of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter or Pandora: The World of Avatar.)

Indeed, the criticism of the various individual attractions, whether they be the interactive games or the 3D/4D films, being too quiet is one of the most prevalent comments heard wading through the reams of published reviews – which has, of course, a huge detriment on one’s ability to not only enjoy, but to also simply follow, the overarching narrative.

Rounding out the list is a collection of smaller, more random, but nonetheless noteworthy complaints:  visitors aren’t able to retrace their steps back into previous domes; purses and strollers aren’t allowed inside, a fact which doesn’t seem to be (overtly) advertised; and the $10.00 parking fee (which also seems to catch most guests unawares) is cash only.

3. It’s overpriced

This is the shortest and the simplest of the three reasons for the Marvel Experience’s overwhelming unpopularity thus far, but it’s also perhaps the single most understandable consideration:  the cost of the attraction, at every single step of the way, can be quite prohibitive.

Base tickets start at $27.50 to $34.99, while a more luxurious “SHIELD Special Operative VIP” option runs for $99.99.  The aforementioned parking fee (did we mention that parking has, to date, been exclusively in dirt lots?) is $10.00, while concessions hover in the Orlando theme park range (such as $4.99 for a pretzel or $7.99 for a slushie).  The gift shop is, by far, the single most expensive part of the experience, with souvenir photos running between $19.99 and $29.99, and other items – some widely available in stores, others unique to the event, such as a photo booth – running the gamut from $24.99 to $999.99(!).

All in all, a family of four can expect to easily drop $150.00, and that’s not including any souvenirs or refreshments.

 

The Marvel Experience will be at Del Mar, California from February 7 to February 22 before moving on to San Francisco from March 4 to March 22.  No further locations have been announced thus far.

 
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