I bet they can tap Ironman.
But where to put it? DHS?
As for a land im sure many want to come to DHS, Marvel will sit nicely where the backlot tour is. It can sit in the middle of pixar place and streets of america. The major characters should be used(xmen, spiderman, fantastic four, and the avengers). They can and will do a really great job with a Marvel land and will be the perfect addition to DHS. Im positive they can do it much better than universal!
As for other thoughts in my mind, Does this mean the marvel park planned for Dubai would reside under the disney name. And would the spiderman musical coming out next year become part of disney theatrical?
Thats my predictions in the short term!
But can I hear Rock N' Roller Coaster Staring Ironman?
But at Disneyland? Whole 'nuther story there.
Marvel seems a horrible fit for Disneyland Park, and tough for Disney's California Adventure, given the current renovation plans.
Can anyone say "third park?"
Stick the characters in an afternoon parade at DCA for now, then build 'em a new park for 2016?
I Respond: I'm gonna try and forget you ever made such a suggestion.
Both Disney and Universal competed to get Rowling to give them the rights to Harry Potter. Universal simply won out based on her favorable view of The Lost Continent and Seuss Landing.
In Florida, the properties would fit right in at Disney Hollywood Studios. Between now and 2021 (the 50th anniversary of WDW) WDI could put two Marvel themed attractions or shows into the park, upgrade Star Tours and/or the Great Movie Ride and suddenly DHS could be the best park in Orlando.
This just in, Disney will retheme most of its
rides to Marvel.
Jungle Cruise will become Adventures in the Savage Land staring Ka-Zar, loin cloth and all.
Tom Sawyers Island will become Genosia, with Magneto granting safe haven to all mutants.
Space Mountain will become the Fantastic Fantastic 4 ride featuring Galactus.
Cinderella’s Castle will become Dr Dooms Castle, equipped with Water spraying Doom Bots.
Liberty square will be rethemed to WWII Europe with 3 daily street shows featuring Red Skull and Capitan America
The Haunted Mansion will be rethemed Ghost Riders HWY to HELL.
Stitches great escape will remain untouched
Theme parks come third in this deal, after TV and movies. And Disney will place its Marvel theme park attractions wherever it feels they will most appeal to tweenager boys.
Nothing is going anywhere soon.
I Respond: So they stay in DHS. I think they'd fit nicely in the Studio park in Paris, as well. Or perhaps their own Disney gate in Florida. As IOA has shown, the Marvel characters work well in theme parks.
Brian writes: Thats the problem if your a Marvel fan. Disney dosn't need Marvel.
I Respond: Oh really?
As Bllomberg Press reported today, in the third fiscal quarter of 2009 Disney's film studios reported "a loss." As in red ink.
Bloomberg continues: "At a time when movie franchises dominate ticket sales, Marvel has produced a top 10 picture almost every year this decade.
Three “Spider-Man” films have taken in $2.5 billion worldwide for Sony Corp. since 2002, according to film researcher Box Office Mojo.
“X-Men Origins: Wolverine,” distributed by News Corp.’s Twentieth Century Fox studio, has taken in $179.8 million in U.S. theaters this year, to rank eighth. It has pulled in $363.4 million worldwide, says Box Office Mojo, which is owned by Amazon.com Inc.
“Iron Man,” released by Viacom Inc.’s Paramount Pictures in May 2008, generated $585.1 million worldwide and was the second-biggest U.S. release of 2008, according to Box Office Mojo.
Come on and check out the (DISNEY OWNED) Franchise Train.
Iron Man 2 (May 2010)
Thor (May 2011)
Captain America (July 2011)
Spider-Man 4 (2011)
The Avengers (May 2012)
As far as everything else it's probably a great move for Marvel as long as Disney does the same thing they did with Pixar. Leave them alone and let them do their own creative thing.
Disney will get no part of the Spiderman Movies or X men franchise until their pre existing contract is up. With Spiderman 4 on the Horizon and a Magneto Spin off in the works Disney will have to wait to capitalize on some of Marvels biggest characters. That was one of marvels biggest mistakes. The first Movie they controlled was Ironman and that showed that Marvel knows how to make a Superhero movie.
I Respond: If you are talking about whether or not the Disney parks will "get" a Spider-Man or X-Men themed attraction, I'd respond with "So what?" Marvel has 5,000 characters to choose from. Further a Spidey attraction has already been done. A solid Iron Man attraction would be fine.
This was a huge win for Disney and may have turned Stan Lee into a billionaire.
Oh, this is a great day!
TV is probably where you will see the first signs of product from this deal. Expect many new Marvel cartoons on the Disney Channel. Perhaps a major show on ABC.
The internet should get a major Marvel/Disney push as well.
As far as movies go, Disney is going to have to wait for Sony's deal with Spider-man and Fox's deal with X-Men, Fantastic Four and Daredevil to run out before Disney can make much from those properties.
Distribution deals are already in place with Paramount for The Avengers characters, but Disney can profit from those. They just will lack the Disney branding.
In other words, Disney won't really be able to attach their logo on significant Marvel films for a decade.
While there are 5,000 Marvel characters, Most people outside of the comic community probably couldn't name more than 100 of them. The rest are very fringe.
The theme parks are going to be the last place to see significant change from this. Like Robert said, expect a parade at DCA, but not much else until the 50th anniversary of WDW.
Universal has the rights for the east coast. Disney is probably going to want to buy them out, but Universal will ask for a boatload of money. Don't expect this to happen for at least 10-15 years. The one place you can might see something is in a third Marvel gate at Disneyland.
This is a great deal for the future of Disney, but everyone is going to have to be patient before we see anything significant come out of it.
I respond: I'm not sure what you mean by "make much." If Disney owns Marvel they will certainly benefit financially from the revenue generated by the films. Miami Herald: "Iger noted (today) that when it bought Pixar, that company also had third-party licensing agreements."
Raul writes: ... Disney won't really be able to attach their logo on significant Marvel films for a decade.
I Respond: Does that even matter? I don't recall Disney slapping its brand on the Muppets to any great extent.
Raul writes: While there are 5,000 Marvel characters, Most people outside of the comic community probably couldn't name more than 100 of them.
I Respond: So Disney has 100 characters to draw from? In terms of attraction development they only really need one, right? I suggest Iron Man.
Raul writes: The theme parks are going to be the last place to see significant change from this.
I Respond: I don't understand what you mean by "significant change." But if you are claiming it will be a long time before an attraction opens ... five years.
Raul writes: Universal has the rights.
I respond: To what, exactly? The Orlando Sentinel: "Marvel also has various deals with the two-park Universal Orlando. The agreements governing two of Universal's hugely popular rides, The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man and The Incredible Hulk roller coaster, appear to be virtually perpetual deals. According to Universal's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Universal Orlando retains American rights east of the Mississippi River for as long as its ATTRACTIONS are in operation."
If the rights related specific characters are limited to those associated with attractions, then Disney can't build rides in Orlando based upon Spidey, Hulk, Storm and Dr. Doom -- but why bother when there are already attractions based upon those licensed properties?
I imagine that in the very near future we will learn if Iron Man is a free agent, if so, it would be a tempting add to DHS for the 40th anniversary.
I just pulled this from 'Marvel Entertainment 2008 Annual Stockholders Report.'
Destination-Based Entertainment
We license our characters for use at theme parks, shopping malls and special events. For example, we have licensed SOME of our characters for use at Marvel Super Hero Island, part of the Islands of Adventure theme park at Universal Orlando in Orlando, Florida, and for use in a Spider-Man attraction at the Universal Studios theme park in Osaka, Japan."
Please note the use of the word "some."
From our review of the licensing agreement, it appears that Universal has rights to the characters that are integral parts of its attractions, as well as those characters’ “families.” So, if they have a Storm attraction, they get the whole X-men family.
Under that logic, I don’t think Iron Man is off limits for the Florida park.
ZOINKS!
BRING ON THE IRON MAN at DHS!
To take it a step further, if Universal wants to open another version of Spider-Man (arguablly their BEST attraction) at another park they would have to negotiate with ... Disney. If Universal wants to expand Super Heor Island (unlikely, but stil ...) they would have to negotiate with Disney.
This is one of the most intriguing developments in ... well theme park history.
I think it is wishful thinking to expect a major Iron Man attraction at DHS for the 40th. The plans would have to be designed. Unless, there is an existing concept at WDI that could easily have the character slapped on.
The legal battles that could be formed over the word "families" is another wrench in the socket. Universal could argue that the Marvel characters have co-existed with each other in many comic books. That would also delay any Marvel attractions at WDW.
Either way, I agree that these are going to be interesting upcoming years for the theme park industry. The only way that Universal can trump Disney is if they team up with Blackstone and buy the Busch parks.
Let's just hope we never see a Spider-Man III ride... ugh! ;)
Spider-man 2 was so good and set-up a part three so well. Pity. Hopefully, parts 4 and 5 and rectify this.
I Respond: While I obviously have little knowledge of the specific contract terms (and I am assuming the same of Raul) the Sentinel reporter I exchanged emails with wrote: "From our review of the licensing agreement ... I don’t think Iron Man is off limits for the Florida park."
And sure, legal acion would be a hassle. but it would not halt the design of an attraction -- or at least blue-sky concepts.
If I'm at Disney, I am considering a Manta-like suspended coaster, themed for Iron Man. The kicker ... make it an indoor-outdoor coaster.
Toss a new Star Tours film, a revamped GMR and another B-List feature (a la American Idol) and DHS becomes one of the top three parks in Orlando -- quality not attendance.
John Lasseter, himself, got so excited at a meeting between Marvel and Disney last week, lawyers had to stop him from torpedoing the deal.
My point with the contract is that the legalese seems to be grey enough that it will prevent anything significant from being built at WDW, with Marvel characters, for a couple of years.
They switched to Marvel, probably because Six Flags already had a contract in place for the DC characters. At the time, Marvel was in financial straits and the contract was more financially beneficial for Universal.
IOA acctually had plans for the Marvel Island to be Gothom when planning began. I can't find the link but the plans looked amazing.
I can only hope Disney decides to build a Pixar/Marvel Park. I'm not going to get my hopes up but a boy can dream can't he.
Here's a link to Gotham Island info
http://www.comics101.com/guestlecturer//?mode=project&action=view&project=Guest%20Lecturer&chapter=85
TH - why the ill replies? In typical TH fashioned replies... TH writes.... "And (once again) to hell with the idea of building a fifth park. Use the money to add more attractions to the existing parks rather than waste eight or nine figures on back of house support facilities that would be required in the construction of a new park."
My reply.... TH why the attitude? Brian just suggested a dream of something he may desire. I have to agree with him. This in NO WAY makes either of us experts, but just suggesting a dream scenario. I'm sorry to state, but I do not think any Marvel character implemented within an existing Disney park would fit well or even should be suggested!
The acquisition of Marvel by Disney opens up NEW areas to explore in theme parks! I still think that in time, Disney may be able to work this into the Theme Park area.
Until then, like Brian stated, I will dream, and I hope Walt is looking down on us all and thinking the same! With Dreams, comes imaginable possibilities that the future holds! What a great thing for someone to believe in. God bless you Walt, and may your dreams for the future continue even in this troubled time.
Okay, why would Warner Brothers be interested in selling the DC characters rights to use in the park. Why would Universal spend any money to retrofit really successful attractions that already have affiliated licensed properties that are paid for? Also why would Universal spend millions more when they just spent millions for the Potter rights?
Jeff,
You get more bang (and more dreamy-dreams) for your buck by adding new attractions to existing parks.
Also Walt is not dead. He's in a state of suspended animation (cryogenics). Just like my friend Jungle James Rao.
TH, if Walt hasen't passed, then please show me the way to "suspended animation" like James. Now that's an E-ticket to dream of! :)
Now I know Universal won't touch Marvel Island until they absolutely have to but I'm talking about the future of the park. Universal won't want Marvel in there park any longer than they have to have it since the mouse now controls it. People already think Universal is a part of Disney, the last thing they want is for people to confuse there park with Disney.
Jeff
I couldn't agree with you more, people are afraid to dream big. Now that I think about it why should we dream, we should just ask TH to tell us what he thinks and agree with that.
Finally
TH writes: I'm a moron
I respond: I couldn't agree more.
What kind of coaster would you make themed to Spider-Man?
And you can really theme any kind of coaster to Superman and have it be a success.
- Release Wizarding World of Harry Potter succesfully
- Get themselves the rights to DC characters to take over Marvel Island
-Buy Busch Entertainment, which in turn of losing Marvel would lose Disney the chance for a cruise line port at Sea World ORlando, plus give Universal an equal number of parks to Disney, but more water parks and Discovery Cove
-Get Dreamworks, who is looking for a new partnership
If they can do this, it would, ultimately, beat out Disney's big group of Disney, Pixar, ABC, and Marvel, compared to Universal, NBC, Harry Potter, Dc Comics, Dreamworks, Sea World, Seseme Street, and Busch Gardens franchises!
I Respond: Well I guess you could ask me. But I suggest you seek more than one person's opinion before drawing a conclusion. For example:
Amanda Jenkins
Posted March 19, 2009
I completely agree. Forget putting in a new park, just keep adding to the existing ones.
Sylvain Comean
Posted April 28, 2009
New attractions at the existing parks, absolutely. All four WDW parks need new attractions,
Noel G
Posted February 16, 2008
What Disney should do correct me if I am wrong here guys they should expand their parks and build more parks in the Australiasia (sic) region.
Darrell Shimel
Posted August 9, 2006
The parks they have now need way more work before they think about another gate.
Tom C
Posted August 9, 2006
I agree with Darrell, the parks they have now need more work, plus, there is not enough attendance to warent a new park right now anyway.
Ben Johnson
Posted August 16, 2006
as far as necessity (of a fifth Disney park), totally unneeded, fix what you have, MGM DAK both barely entertain over a half a day.
PM 24-7
Posted August 19, 2006
For Disney, building new parks is a waste of time, right now, as there doesn't seem to be a new niche that any other competitor is filling.
Gareth H
Posted August 26, 2006
So to add another park … would be pointless
Ashley Ferguson
Posted March 13, 2008
a new theme park would make it more interesting to go to something new but how about just taking the money and adding more themes into the parks you have already and making things up to date now?
Tim W.
Posted July 7, 2008
i think that they should foccus on making improvements to all 4 other disney theme parks before anything.
Carlos Pacheo
Posted July 8, 2008
First, I think the best way to go is to make the parks Disney already has BETTER.
James Rao
Posted July 11, 2008
“While I would love to see another Disney park at some point, I think (like many others have stated) there is a lot of work still to be done in the existing parks before moving on to something new.”
Of course there are TPI posters who disagree. Reviewing past threads there are some very creative ideas. The board offers a means to express those ideas -- and for others to comment on them.
Even those of us who some regard as(ahem) "morons."
Well "implausible" might be a better choice of words -- especially due to Universal's enormous debt that they need to restructure early next year and (as I understand it) the real possibility that Spielber may exercise a butout clause in his consulting contract (potentially costing Universal hundreds of millions).
But as you note "...but how many people really thought Disney was going to go plop down 4 billion for Marvel out of nowhere?"
Hmmm .. it was a surprise. But there's a difference, isn't there?
Your strategy focuses on investing heavily in theme parks (destination entertainment). The Marvel deal includes films, toys, video games, DVDs, television and revenue streams other than theme parks.
For now they will collect money...lots of it, pure and simple. Money from merchandise, box office receipts, comics, etc will be rolling in. In a few years they will make plans to incorporate Marvel into their theme parks, but I don't think that the Disney properties (especially Orlando) will see Marvel for a couple of years. If IOA is still using Marvel then, look for Disney to attempt a buyout. Until then, you still get to go to IOA for your Spiderman fix.
Hulk becomes Superman ride, Superman is trapped in a Kryptonite cell by Lex Luther(the Tunnel), then we here here Superman say something like " I must get out, Must save the city" The beginning of the Superman Theme Plays soft and grows louder and you then break free of the cell(shoot out of the tunnel) and the ride starts. Repaint it Red Blue and Yellow
Spiderman Ride becomes a Batman ride. Batman has as many or more bad guys to choose from as Spiderman. You have Joker, Cat Woman, Penguin, Killer Croc, Scarecrow, Harley Quinn, I could go on and on. It would take some work but the overall Idea could be the same.
Re theme Doom Ally as a the Jokers Funhouse, with the Doom Ride being one of Jokers big Jokes where you think you're going to Die but you don't.
I know this is out there but I just wanted to share my Ideas.
Chicago Tribune: "If it works out, Marvel's chief executive, Isaac "Ike" Perlmutter, 66, will pocket a hefty payday. His 37 percent stake in Marvel is now worth about $1.5 billion."
I Respond (with all due respect): It seems to me Disney has no motivation (reason) to "buy out" anything from Universal. Every report indicates that Universal's licensing agreement is for specific characters (Spider-Man, Dr. Doom, Hulk and Storm (X-men) and that the agreement is limited to theme park placement east of the Mississippi.
Then there's this from the 'Marvel Entertainment 2008 Annual Stockholders Report: "We license our characters for use at theme parks, shopping malls and special events. For example, we have licensed SOME of our characters for use at Marvel Super Hero Island."
Not the use of the phrase "some of our characters."
Then there was the email reply I received from Sara Clark The Orlando Sentinel reporter covering the story: "From our review of the licensing agreement ..."
Meaning the Sentinel has reviewed the agreement.
Ms. Clark continues: "... it appears that Universal has rights to the characters that are integral parts of its attractions ... under that logic, I don’t think Iron Man is off limits for (a Disney) Florida park."
In short, Disney doesn't need the characters licensed by Universal to give Marvel a presence in their parks.
But why would Disney even want to build a Spider-Man or Hulk attraction, when its already been done? How does that benefit the company's bottom line?
Of course this is my interpretation, so if you think I am wrong, by all means, punch me out.
When Disney rakes in video game licensing money in September (Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2) and box office licensing money next May (Iron Man 2) stockholders will be happy.
No buy out necessary.
Last year, Marvel had $676 million in revenue, of that only $367 million was income. $47 million of the income came from comics. That's under 13%.
Last year, Disney had $37.8 BILLION dollars in revenue and made $4.4 billion in income. That means once Marvel is added in to Disney, they'll only make an additional ONE PERCENT.
I can't see with those figures why else Disney would make this purchase other than to try and bring Universal to its knees.
You wrote: Last year, Marvel had $676 million in revenue, of that only $367 million was income.
You continued: Last year, Disney had $37.8 BILLION dollars in revenue and made $4.4 billion in income.
$367 million is actually 8.25% of $4.4 billion.
And this is TOTALLY an academic question: where do you get 1%?
From a purely financial standpoint, this is an absolutely brilliant move for Disney. Even if they overpayed now, they will no doubt recoup their initial buyout and earn much more in return. Disney fans are saying how horrible this is that they could possibly see Captain America walking down Main Street, and Marvel fans are predicting Doom and Gloom because their beloved comics and films will be ruined by Disney's interfering suits. Personally, I think that Disney will just let Marvel be Marvel, and give them the ample financial support and advertising that they really didn't have before. I don't think that we'll see them in the parks anytime soon, but regardless, this wasn't done to spite Universal and it was still a very good buy for Disney.
Not only are they going to get the boy teenagers but they are also going to get the 20, 30 and 40 year old males either watching the movies, dvds, comics and merchandise. Who isnt going to buy shirts and stuff at the park? I would love a shirt with Spiderman flying around the Tower of Terror, or the Hulk ripping apart the Tree of Life?
If Disney wanted to the could sell ice to escimoe's.
But I know TH has said this a couple months ago where construction cost have gone down over the past year with the recession because of construction companies just looking for work. So I wouldnt be surprised if WDI has known about the deal for awhiling and were preparing for the transaction and will reveal the attractions at D23 convention or buy the new year. So all I gotta say is by-by Backlot Tour and Catastrophe Canyon you were good while it lasted and hello Iron Man and Captain America!
I have seen that happen before ... first hand.
Seriously?
What are all of these parks in the business for? To entertain guests? No. To make money.
Unless a business is a non profit, making money is the game. Is any major themepark in the US listed as a non profit? Nope! So making money is the idea.
Lets look at this. Disney buy Marvel, big to do in the press. Big talk everywhere "Oooh, Disney will do this, Universal will get rid of that"
All this talk is publicity, its news, and all it does it get Both Park owners out there.
Disney didn't buy Marvel for the rights to build park attractions, they did it because they want to make money from movies, TV shows and licensing (And comics of course). And they will. Its a very long term investment, but like so many other purchases, who's to say that at some point down the line it won't get sold on again!
Universal out ZERO financial outlay on this purchase but they benefit from the publicity.
"Mom, I wanna go see the Marvel Superheroes"
"OK Timmy, lets go to, Ummm, UNIVERSAL next year and see them"
Ca-CHING Universal
Ca-CHING Disney.
Most tourists, people who take a one, two, or even three week vacation to Florida, will hit a few of the parks here, not just Disney, or Universal, or the Worlds of Discovery parks.
WoD parks benefit too from people coming to the area to see the other attractions.
Why is it that you see so many billboards from the airport, on the way to the hotels or down any interstate, advertising the parks and attractions? Because once people get here they decide to do something other than what has already been booked. Kids, the ones who stare in awe out of the car windows, the adults who look around and see the billboards and what they have to offer, make those decisions to go where they want.
Parks make so much $$$ from the other parks news and advertising.
Other parks will win from Harry Potter opening. Tve amount of Brits I know who are making secial trips over once it opens, just because the kids are in love with the HP movies!
These same Brits will come over for 2 weeks minimum. 5 days at Disney, a few days at Universal, a couple at Seaworld, busch, then add on a water park or two.
It's win win for everyone!
The only losers in the themepark industry are the ones who don't spend money of attractions, aquisitions or advertising, and so far, all of the Orlando parks are doing a pretty good job of making sure they are seen!
He posted: Last year, Marvel had $676 million in revenue, of that only $367 million was income.
He then posted: Last year, Disney had $37.8 BILLION dollars in revenue and made $4.4 billion in income.
$367 million is actually 8.25% of $4.4 billion.
I'm just trying to understand how he came up with 1%.
Tony: "I hear ya!"
And there's a nice silver-lining associated with this arrangement. Using the Spidey example again, (as I understand it) while Sony holds the film rights it also shoulders the production costs. Meaning while Disney earns its percentage based upon the licensing agreement, it does not have to risk investing the millions of dollars associated with producing a Spider-Man film.
And you know what else, because of Disney's corporate heft (as in "our lawyers are bigger than yours") you can be DAMN SURE that Disney is going to collect every dime of the revenue owed to them.
While the Walt Disney Co.'s $4 billion acquisition of Marvel Entertainment Inc. does not pose a near-term threat to the future of Universal Orlando's popular Marvel-themed attractions, it could still create headaches for the resort.
In taking over Marvel, Disney will inherit the theme-park licensing contract Marvel has with Universal — along with all of the rights contained within it. As a result, Disney is poised to gain veto power over some of Universal's marketing materials, audit rights over some of its finances, and more.
That's on top of the annual licensing fees and merchandise royalties that Universal pays to Marvel — but, soon, to Disney.
"It's an unusual situation. Awkward is a good word for it," said Harold Vogel, a stock analyst and author of Entertainment Industry Economics. "They're obviously competitors, and there's an interest in keeping aspects of these deals private. And now Disney will have some access to it."
Universal declined to discuss fallout from the Disney-Marvel pact Tuesday, beyond reiterating comments made Monday that both Marvel Super Hero Island at Islands of Adventure and Marvel characters such as Spider-Man and the Incredible Hulk will remain "an important part" of the resort.
Muetti, a Disneyphile like me, assuaged my fears and doubts of seeing Spidey hosting a character breakfast with Donald - she predicted that the more adult stuff would remain at UO, while the heroes would allocate to WDW, but it has to happen once the pact expires in the future.
I would find it cool if Universal got the rights to Dc Comics which would be even better for Marvel Island as DC comics is easyier to build rides for. And if not, they can transform Spidy to the Transformers ride like Uni. hollywood is getting. I could also see it being awesome if they changed MArvel Island to a futuristic theme and created a large Star Trek Ship with different rides in the ship, among which including Doctor Doom's Fearfall and Storm Force Acceleration.
All analysis published regarding the motivation to buy Marvel is because it fills the need to provide entertainment for "tween boys" -- a demographic that Disney neglected in favor of Hannah Montana, the 'High School Musical' franchise and the Jonas Brothers (all entertainment aimed at "tweener girls"). With this in mind the Marvel characters will be a PERFECT addition to the new Disney XD channel -- that is aimed at a target market of male children from ages 6 to 14.
Further analysis is that Disney has the worldwide marketing power to dramatically elevate the Marvel characters' visibility all over the planet.
Further the decision does not have any detrimental impact upon Universal's business model. They can continue to use the licensed Marvel characters in perpituity. As Mr. Vogel pointed out the circumstance may be "awkward" but -- in my opinion -- IOA is still home to the best dark ride and the best coaster in Central Florida.
Considering it is widely accepted Disney's main motivation was to dramatically expand the Marvel brand and increase its gross revenues and profit, and also considering that there is no really detrimental impact upon Universal's business model, How can this be an example that Disney is "playing dirty?"
Though like I said, buisness is buisness. Though Disney is not taking to the Marvel buy very well though, as while it turns out, they can't break the already made contracts with any studio for movies (with attractions however, they can), and they have said the only place MArvel is going to find a place in the parks is as a sort of MArvel Weekend (think a version of Star Wars Weekends), which really isn't taking the chance of owning Marvel to use. Basically, they will be taking all of the great Marvel in Universal and not even relinquishing it at their own parks. How very "nice" to all of the people who love Marvel Attractions.
Mr. Markham: Universal and Disney have been rivals for years, firstly.
I Respond: Not much of a rivalry. Despite the fact the Universal Creative designs better attractions Disney dominates Universal. Magic King attendance in 2008 17 million. Universal attendance in 2008 6.2 million.
Mr. Markham: Universal seemed to supposedly take Disney's idea for a future Harry Potter attraction.
I Respond: And (if that is true) would that be an example of Universal (ahem) "playing dirty?"
Markham: And three, just when Universal starts to really advertise "the only place you can meet a superhero" and "where heros live" and "Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man voted best attraction", Disney goes and buys Marvel.
I Respond: "Just when?" They've been pimping Spidey and Hulk since the park opened in 1999 -- as in a decade ago. having said that, there is no indication that Disney intends to use any of the Marvel IOA characters at the Disney theme parks. As for "the only place you can meet a superhero" you'll find The Incredibles at DHS.
Mr. Markham: Though Disney is not taking to the Marvel buy very well though, as while it turns out, they can't break the already made contracts with any studio for movies ...
I Respond: "As it turns out?" Are you implying that Disney only found out about Marvel's licensing deals AFTER they bought Marvel? Give me a break!
While there are third party licensing agreements related to the Marvel properties there is no denying that the films (which generated millions for Marvel) will also generate millions for Disney. The DVDs, toys, publications, video games and other products (which generated millions for Marvel) will also generate millions for Disney.
Mr. Markham: (with attractions however, they can), and they have said the only place Marvel is going to find a place in the parks is as a sort of Marvel Weekend (think a version of Star Wars Weekends).
I Respond: "They have said?" Who exactly is "They?" I don't expect Disney to put Spider-Man or Hulk in their parks. Those characters already have a presence in a major theme park. If I were a betting man, I'd say "if" (and or "when") Disney puts a Marvel character in their parks it would be Iron Man.
A side note: As I noted in the previous post, there is no reason for Disney to use this deal to hurt Universal. They own Spider-Man and Hulk and Dr. Doom and Storm. Those characters have a major theme park presence that does not cost Disney one thin dime.
After this is in place, then they will start to move the characters into the parks. If you really think about it, the majority of the Marvel comics are dealing with adolescence angst and can be a bit on the dark side. Not really the realm of Disney. Both do make some pretty good villains.
I can see them using this as a way to either redevelop some of the parks, or creating totally new ones. I was always a Marvel fan, I was not much of a DC reader. I am also a big fan of Disney. This being said, I am anxiously waiting to see what Disney can do with Marvel.
Another thought, could this be the first steps in acquiring the parks that have Marvel characters? Stupid on my part, but interesting to ponder.
I do not think the theme parks really crept into their mind, but they wouldn't mind having a couple of Superheros here and there.
Disney just wants you to watch their stuff.
I Respond: It's true. I woke up early this morning and Hannah Montana was standing in my backyard. So I say "Hannah Montana, why are you standing in my backyard. And she said, "I already stood in your front yard. And I wanted the best of both worlds."
Weird, eh?
As for the whole merger part, I'm not a comic book fan, Marvel or DC, but I see the money and needed areas for Disney to fill. As it's been pointed out, it's not going to change really anything for Universal, unless they wanted to build a new ride in Marvel, then Disney would have to approve as well as advertising I think they would get a say now too.
As for what Disney does with Marvel going forward, hopefully better than the Muppets, as I've yet to really see anything develop after purchasing Jim Henson productions. Yet still love the old guys and attraction at DHS, even if an older attraction. Guess for all of us with Marvel it will be the wait and see game.
TH, you brighten up my dull mornings with your literal translations of mine and others posts.
Still, Disney can now get into the Superhero arena. Somebody should buy DC.
With the exception of Batman in recent years, Marvel has owned DC comics movies repeatedly at the box office. It's no secret that Warner would like to emulate a lot of what Marvel has been able to do with there properties and create a steady stream of movies featuring there iconic characters as well.
Not too long ago it was announced that a Justice League movie was in the works, with offices for preproduction opening up in Australia. The writers strike, as well as what was said to be an inability to get the script finalized (I guess the two would go hand in hand) eventually led to the demise of the project. In the wake of the JL movie, Warner/DC opted to take a page out of Marvels movie making book, and instead release individual character movies to introduce each hero, culimanating in a blockbuster Justice League movie, much in the way Marvel is working towards there Avengers movie.
With all of this, I highly doubt Warner will be selling off DC anytime soon. Chris Nolan is penning the next Dark Knight movie write now, which I'm sure will be another huge success for the studio. The long term success for all of the DC universe movies is something I'm sure Warner is banking on. The closest I could see to DC showing up in IOA would be another licensing agreement, such as was the case with Marvel. It could happen, especially with the restructuring within Warner/DC Entertainment, and the fact that Six Flags hasn't exactly been lighting the world on fire with there rights to the brand.
Although, there are more Six Flags parks across the country than there are any other park, which may see greater exposure for the brand as a whole. Perhaps DC has been content with the merchandise end of things, having products in so many different parks. Maybe things will change now, and quality will become a major factor as well. Though I must admit, I have enjoyed some of the Six Flags/DC barely themed coasters over the years. Still, a Justice League type of Spiderman ride gets me giddy when I think about it.
Now, MOVE THAT BUS....err I meant, CLOSE THIS THREAD!!!!