Where Spider-Man Comes To Life

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

04 Apr 2007 03:48 PM

A few months ago I was watching a segment on ABC's "20/20" about Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. The story explored the incredible real estate development going on there--from massive resorts and casinos to floating buildings and what will soon be considered the crown jewel of the downtown area--Burj Dubai. If all goes according to plan, Burj Dubai will become the tallest building in the world (at an estimated 2,700 feet it will be nearly twice the height of the Empire State Builidng). Designers say the building should be complete by 2009, which means you can visit it if you plan to travel to the area to see an even more exciting attraction (according to my 11-year-old cousin)---Marvel Amusement Park.

If you have a young one (or a more mature one) in your life who is a fan of Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four and the X-Men start saving your money now. According to news reports, a new Marvel theme park is set to open in Dubai by 2011. The $1 billion park will be the first of its kind. Currently, Marvel owns a superhero island and rides at Universal Studios' parks in Florida, California and Japan, but according to the company, the park scheduled to open in Dubai will be the brand's first full theme park and the largest outside the United States. Marvel executives say they chose to build in the region because "Dubai represents one of the world's fastest growing economies."

Money aside, Marvel Entertainment, which licenses the comic book heroes says it wanted to create a place for fans to see their favorite characters up close and personal. The park will feature new thrill rides designed after Marvel favorites, including Spider-Man, the Incredible Hulk, and members of the Fantastic Four. Company executives say the new theme park will incorporate the latest technology and provide visitors will an experience they "will never forget."

Let's see... in 2011 my cousin will be nearly 16-years-old. I wonder if he will be as excited about the park then as he is now?

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Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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