Disney buys Marvel for $4-billion

[familyblackout]

This makes me a little sad. I like Disney for Disney characters. I don't want the parks, especially MK, to be changed to incorporate SpiderMan!!! It would definitely not be the same. Does anyone else feel this way??

YES! I can't tell you how sad I would be to see Spiderman, or Hulk, or... whoever at Disney World- even MGM. If I want some superheroes, I'll watch the Incredibles.
Frankly I found the Power Rangers a little annoying last time we were there. (Though there were huge lines to see them, so clearly I am in the minority. )
Seriously, though, weren't they popular when I was a preteen? When did they come back?

 

[princess-lola]

I do not think Disney buying Marvel is a good at idea at all!

 

[MJMcBride]

I do not think Disney buying Marvel is a good at idea at all!

why?

 

[MJMcBride]

If Disney puts any Marvel stuff in MK, it would be catastrophic.

would it be any different from Buzz being there?

 

[Minniemama350]

You're so right. My mistake

 

[RNtheRN]

I do not think Disney buying Marvel is a good at idea at all!

I wouldn't worry about it too much Lola. Disney doesn't spend $4B without a thorough plan. This deal was undoubtedly in the works for some time. I'm pretty sure they have a plan in place. Disney isn't the leader in the entertainment business for nothing. To be honest, I wouldn't mind if they incorporated Marvel characters into WDW parks or attractions. I've always thought the Universal parks were a bit low rent to begin with, on par with Six Flags and Busch Gardens. Disney will turn this into a home run.

 

[MJMcBride]

I've always thought the Universal parks were a bit low rent to begin with, on par with Six Flags and Busch Gardens. Disney will turn this into a home run.

I find Universal a bit better than Busch Gardens and both of those much better than Six Flags in terms of being "low rent"

 

[PirateFrank]

Folks,

this story in the sun sentinel outlines a bit of the licensing agreement that Universal had with Marvel. While Universal appears to have exclusivity rights to the use of some of the characters in theme parks east of the Mississippi, after this purchase is consummated, Disney will be able to squeeze Universal significantly. Among some of the 'pressure points' are:

* Veto/approval rights of any non-Marvel (now disney) characters inside of Superhero-land.

* Veto/approval rights on any Marvel (now Disney) advertising/merch.

* internal audit rights to universal's financials and budget calculations (to prove that Universal is spending the requisite amount on advertising and the license itself).


Read here:

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/orl-disney-marvel-universal-090209,0,7213696.story



I'm thinking it'll only be a matter of time before Universal puts an offer on the table to sell the rights back to Marvel (i.e. Disney) so they can re-theme superhero island.

 

[Liljam]

As someone who loves Disney so much that I don't venture outside of the pretty gates when I visit, I'm quite happy that Marvel will become part of this World too! As a child, Disney was Disney brand to me and when I was grown up and the Disney/Pixar merger took place, I was a little put off at first, but only because it wasn't what I was used to and I have trouble with change in general ! Now that I have a son that's going to be 2 years old ion Feb. and we'll be heading back to WDW then, I have noticed that the World is really full of pretty Princesses and Fairies and lots of things for girls. Sure there are pirates and the Fab Five but they appeal to everyone and, let's be honest, the whole Highschool Musical thing isn't going to stick (I hope not at least - it's okay, but it's not so character-ish.) Having the Marvel brand at Disney is like a dream come true for a mom like me! I love both of the brands a ton and I would be happy to see Spidey hanging out on the street fighting crime and climbing a building at DHS! I know my son would too. I'm such a Disney fan, I almost feel guilty putting a Spiderman shirt on him, but now I don't have to, - silly, I know, hehe!


ETA - after reading the article in the post above mine, it almost makes me feel less guilty about heading to IOA next trip... hmmm...

 

[MJMcBride]

Folks,

this story in the sun sentinel outlines a bit of the licensing agreement that Universal had with Marvel. While Universal appears to have exclusivity rights to the use of some of the characters in theme parks east of the Mississippi, after this purchase is consummated, Disney will be able to squeeze Universal significantly. Among some of the 'pressure points' are:

* Veto/approval rights of any non-Marvel (now disney) characters inside of Superhero-land.

* Veto/approval rights on any Marvel (now Disney) advertising/merch.

* internal audit rights to universal's financials and budget calculations (to prove that Universal is spending the requisite amount on advertising and the license itself).


Read here:

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/orl-disney-marvel-universal-090209,0,7213696.story



I'm thinking it'll only be a matter of time before Universal puts an offer on the table to sell the rights back to Marvel (i.e. Disney) so they can re-theme superhero island.

If same is accurate, I would think so. I can't imagine Universal would want to give Disney the ability to audit them

 

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

Those very rights that Disney would gain as owner of Marvel raises anti-competitive legal issues which brings up the subject of anti-trust.

Universal did not compete with Marvel; clearly Universal does compete with Disney. Disney would never be allowed access to a competitors books my virtue of a purchase of another entity the competitor was doing business with.

You can be sure that G.E.'s legal staff has already begun work on raising objections to the entire sale. Disney is going to have to make some huge concessions in order to get something this vast approved.

BobK/Orlando

 

[Kuffam]

I think the buying of marvel is to put the squeeze on US. In controlling marvel, Disney can stop US from adding new super hero theming to it's park.

I agree, that Disney had to add more content for boys (and men), but I think it is sad that they could not introduce/build their own brand like POC, Cars, Incrediables, or other content that appeals to boys.