The Theme Park History of The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man (Universal's Islands of Adventure)

The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man is a motion based, 3D dark ride that opened at Islands of Adventure on May 28th, 1999 and Universal Studios Japan on January 23rd, 2004. Based on Marvel Comics’ Spider-Man, the attraction is a hybrid ride combining special roving motion vehicles with 3D projection, elaborate physical sets, and both practical and tactile effects. In this episode we take a look at the history of Islands of Adventure, how a failed deal with DC Comics paved the way for Marvel, the new technologies and techniques used for the attraction, the deal between Marvel and Universal and how that affects Marvel’s parent company Disney, and the upgrades to the attraction in 2012.

Music Used


The Avengers Epic Medley Orchestral Cover by DAGMA
DAGMA’s Soundcloud

Videos Used (In Order)

The Amazing Spider-Man Ride (Niagara Falls, Canada) by Blacklight Attractions

The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man Now Open with Stunning Enhancements!

Universal Studios Florida TV Ad

Universal Orlando Resort Aerial Time Lapse - 1984-2013 by Nick Chandler

The Making of Disneyland's Indiana Jones Adventure

Behind The Scenes - The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man - Ultimate Special Effects

The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man - Behind The Scenes

Universal Studios Escape Orlando - The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man - TV Commercial (1999)

The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man Ride Queue by Kingman Mais

The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man Full Queue Cartoon by Nick Cagnetti

The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man Queue at Islands Of Adventure by iThemePark

The Amazing Adventures of Spider Man Islands of Adventure HD by ParkToPark

The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man The Ride 4K by ThemeParkGroupie

The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man Ride POV HD 60 FPS by Our Themed Life

The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man Ride Islands of Adventure POV in 4K by Creative Endeavor Video

The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man POV (No Double Vision) by jkwana

The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man Ride at Islands of Adventure On-Ride Video by Theme Park Stop by Alicia Stella

Spider-Man Shop Marvel Super Hero at Islands of Adventure by iThemePark

The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man Ride Sizzle Reel (2017)

Planning Your Adventure at Islands of Adventure

Disney to Aquire Comic Book Giant Marvel by VOA News

Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! Grand Opening Celebration

Iron Man Experience Coming to Hong Kong Disneyland in 2016

Ant-Man and The Wasp: Nano Battle! Coming to Hong Kong Disneyland in 2019

The Avengers Monorail Debuts at Walt Disney World Resort by The DIS

Islands of Adventure Promotional Video (1999)

Universal Announcement For Upgrade to Spider-Man Attraction

The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man: Scene 1

Grand Reopening for Spider-Man ride at Islands of Adventure by Attractions Magazine

The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man

Flat Stan Lee Rides The Incredible Hulk Coaster

I take no credit for any of the footage used in this video. Use the above links to view the full footage and give those videos the views they deserve.

Sources Used/Cited