The Marvel Experience takes place in a series of domes and tents.

Currently in Philadelphia, The Marvel Experience is an 80,000-square-foot attraction featuring interactive multimedia stations, 3D-animated movies, a 4D motion ride and lots of lines, despite the timed entry tickets. The premise is almost identical to the Marvel’s Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. The Exhibition that was recently on view in NYC, where visitors were asked to help the super group protect the universe, and a few of the interactive stations are similar. However, The Marvel Experience is a larger and louder event with more bells and whistles.

As we waited to enter, I talked to my kids about using their imaginations, and we also examined a series of superhero props, such as Thor's hammer and Captain America's shield. Once in the stadium, we were given black S.H.I.E.L.D. wristbands that indicated we were new recruits (for the uninitiated, the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division is the law enforcement agency of the Marvel universe). The wristbands didn't actually do anything, but they helped fuel the fantasy.

Learning about our mission in a series of 3D training videos.

Our group reported for duty and we began our training in the first tent. We watched an intro video hosted by Iron Man, who talked about the ongoing threat of HYDRA and why we were being brought on to battle the bad guys. The tent was dark and some of the video was very loud with explosive noises; I saw quite a few toddlers clutch their parents in fear. The storyline was also kind of tough for little ones to follow. The Marvel Experience is really aimed at school-age kids, otherwise you may have a lot of explaining and soothing to do.

At the next station, most of our group waited in line (yup, again!) to take turns interacting with superheroes on a large video screen. My kids decided it wasn't worth it, and instead perused display cases of weapons used by the Avengers. You could also get your photo taken (for a fee) with your favorite superhero background. Again, we moved past this in favor of a hands-on activity: an interactive area where you can manipulate screens to try to help S.H.I.E.L.D. I admit, the plot started to escape me at this point, but the kids had fun with the video game.

Next we entered an enormous dome tent where we viewed a brief, 360-degree 3D movie, as the Avengers continued to fight the bad guys. Like the Iron Man intro, it was very loud and scary for many of the younger kids in attendance, but extremely entertaining for the older set. Then we entered another dome that contained the highlight for my family: the 4D motion ride. Seated in a theater watching the screen before us, we felt like we were riding along with the superheroes as our chairs shook, rocked and rattled along with the action.

Make like Spider-Man at the moving rock climbing walls.

Finally, we hit an activity zone where you can make like Spider-Man by climbing a moving rock wall, navigate a laser maze like Black Widow, practice flying like Iron Man in a holographic simulator and smash villains with the Hulk. As you can imagine, the lines were quite long at these stations, so be prepared to wait. My kids really enjoyed the activities—once they got to do them.

There are lots of hands-on activities at The Marvel Experience.

Thing to Know Before You Go

Be prepared to wait. There are lines for basically everything. It's frustrating though inevitable. The timed tickets help and the staff tries to move visitors along, but there's only so much that can be done with an attraction of this magnitude.

It's best for older kids and adults. Although the tour says it's good for "fans of all ages," I can't imagine most preschoolers enjoying this, even if they love superheroes. Plus strollers aren't allowed, and there are height and weight requirements for some stations. Overall, the experience is best for children ages 7 and up. If you kid is easily frightened by loud noises or explosions, stay home.

The experience ends in the large souvenir shop so be prepared to walk quickly before the kids start begging for superhero T-shirts, posters, mugs and action figures.

No food or beverages are allowed inside and bags are searched at the entrance. Unfortunately, there are limited snacks available for purchase, all overpriced. We spent two and a half hours there (which seems to be pretty typical), so be sure to feed the kids before going!

Wear comfortable shoes as there is a good deal of walking involved. I watched a young girl with flip-flops struggle on the rock climbing wall, so sneakers are best.

The experience may differ from location to location. In Philly, we were in a giant stadium but in NYC it will be inside a smaller armory. So be prepared for things to be arranged differently.

The Marvel Experience is at the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia through Sunday, July 5. The rest of the tour has been suspended.