Why Should Disney Create A Theme Park Attraction Shared Cinematic Universe?

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is one of Disney’s biggest cash cows. What about creating a series of films centered on some of Walt Disney World/Disneyland’s biggest theme park attractions? Similar to the MCU, this could launch a giant connecting story. And with the popularity of these attractions, Disney would make serious money off of this.

We’ve already had a few movies based on Disney rides. There’s been Pirates of the Caribbean, a film franchise juggernaut, and Haunted Mansion, a not so well-received film. In 2020, we get Jungle Cruise starring Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt. And for what it’s worth, this would be the perfect jumping-off point for a theme park ride shared universe.

Imagine Jungle Cruise being the set-up for films based around Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Space Mountain, a new Haunted Mansion, Matterhorn, or It’s A Small World. The Walt Disney World/Disneyland faithful would eat this up. A series of interconnected movies based on these properties would be a massive success for Disney.

While an overall story would need to be worked out, the possibility of how to make these films go together would be intriguing. The attractions are vastly different from each other. However, the minds at Disney Creative (both film and theme park) can work together to create a magical world.

If Disney were to do this, they’d probably get some A-list talent to be featured in the films. With The Rock in Jungle Cruise, the star power will drive that film to big gains at the box office. Like Marvel, the casting would be perfect for the films. This, and the appeal of classic Disney attractions would really bring this possible shared universe to life.

There are a lot of hardcore Disney World/Land fans out there. That alone will draw people into the theater. Creating a shared universe is the perfect opportunity for Disney to expand its reach to those who don’t frequent the parks often.

In addition, these should be good movies as well. Taking out Haunted Mansion, Disney Studios has had success with this kind of theme park attraction film before. They know what they’re doing. If a theme park shared universe is done anything like Marvel, this could be a major new project for Disney. One that will not only help sales at the theaters but the theme parks as well.

Guests might visit the parks more based on these movies. While Disney doesn’t have an issue attracting new visitors to the parks, a film shared universe would create more interest, as tourists and fans of the films would want to see the rides the movies were based on. This has certainly worked for Pirates of the Caribbean, which even added characters from the film into the ride.

In the end, this is a great idea for Disney. It’ll garner revenue for their movie studios and theme parks. Fans would love for this shared universe to actually happen. Think about it, Disney.

Image Source: Disney