With a massive new Universal Orlando Resort theme park built and open, and Disney tightening its grip on the Marvel universe, Universal may be preparing to say goodbye to one of its most iconic lands.
On a typical day, the rumble of The Incredible Hulk Coaster and the booming countdown of Dr. Doom’s Fearfall echo across Marvel Super Hero Island in Universal’s Islands of Adventure. But now, something’s missing—Dr. Doom’s Fearfall has gone quiet.
The drop ride is temporarily closed for refurbishment, which on its own wouldn’t be too unusual. But in the context of Universal Orlando Resort’s larger transformation—and the complex licensing web between Universal and Disney—the closure has sparked something more than just maintenance rumors. Could Marvel Super Hero Island be nearing the end of its era?
That’s the question fans are quietly asking.
A Universal Orlando Resort Land Built on Borrowed Time
Since Islands of Adventure opened in 1999, Marvel Super Hero Island has stood as one of its headlining zones, filled with larger-than-life comic book aesthetics and thrilling attractions. But behind the colorful facade is a deal as dated as a rotary phone.
Universal Orlando has scheduled Dr. Doom’s Fear Fall at Islands of Adventure for refurbishment and will be closed this week. – @insideuniversal on X
Universal Orlando has scheduled Dr. Doom's Fear Fall at Islands of Adventure for refurbishment and will be closed this week. @UniversalORL https://t.co/jBlhaLelY1
— Inside Universal (@insideuniversal) June 16, 2025
Long before Disney purchased Marvel Entertainment in 2009, Universal locked in a licensing agreement that gave them rights to use many of the publisher’s most famous characters—Spider-Man, the X-Men, Fantastic Four, and more—east of the Mississippi River. That agreement still holds, as long as Universal continues to pay the licensing fees and maintains the attractions.
But the landscape is shifting.
Marvel’s Rise, Disney’s Reach, and Universal’s Next Move
Marvel is more than just comic books now. It’s a multi-billion-dollar film and television franchise, central to Disney’s theme parks, streaming platforms, and merchandising strategy. Naturally, Disney isn’t thrilled that some of its most recognizable superheroes are helping sell theme park tickets for a competing brand.
And with Marvel Studios set to release Avengers: Doomsday, featuring Dr. Doom as a major villain, Universal’s choice to refurbish—or perhaps quietly retire—his attraction is raising eyebrows. Could this be the first domino to fall in an eventual reimagining of the entire land?
The timing becomes even more interesting when you consider what’s coming just down the road: Epic Universe, Universal’s highly anticipated fourth theme park, is slated to open in 2025. It represents a bold new chapter—and it may also signal that older lands like Marvel Super Hero Island are due for a reinvention.
What Could Replace Marvel Super Hero Island?
Nothing official has been announced. Universal is tight-lipped as always. But speculation is running wild.
In the past, DC Comics was reportedly considered for the space—long before the Marvel deal was struck. With Warner Bros. Discovery actively rebranding and relaunching the DC Universe, a new partnership could potentially resurface.
Others suggest Universal may tap into its own vast library: DreamWorks Animation, Illumination (think Minions), or even a revival of its Classic Monsters line. There’s also the possibility of an entirely original land built from the ground up.
Regardless of what comes next, one thing is certain: Marvel Super Hero Island is living in borrowed time, and Universal’s broader strategy seems to be evolving fast.
Holding On, for Now Universal Orlando Resort Fans
For many guests, the idea of losing iconic rides like The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man is hard to imagine. The land still draws large crowds and remains a nostalgic favorite for many.
But if theme park history has taught us anything, it’s this: nothing is forever. Just ask fans of Jaws, Back to the Future, or Twister.
For now, Dr. Doom’s Fearfall is down—but maybe not just for a tune-up. It may be the first subtle sign of a much larger transformation to come.
