marvel theme park

[TDSAXX]

I believe Universal still has to pay licensing fees to Marvel/Disney.

 

[MJMcBride]

I believe Universal still has to pay licensing fees to Marvel/Disney.

sure they do

and Disney has the right to audit Universal's books to make sure they get the right fees

 

[Metro West]

and Disney has the right to audit Universal's books to make sure they get the right fees

True and I don't see Universal going along with that for too long...but for right now they have no choice. I think Universal will start thinking about a new theme for that island with the latest and greatest state-of-the-art attractions to replace Marvel Super Hero Island sometime in the not so distant future...JMHO.

 

[PirateFrank]

sure they do

and Disney has the right to audit Universal's books to make sure they get the right fees

Yes!

And in addition to that, Disnel/Marvel will have the approval/veto rights on all advertising and merch of the Marvel area at IoA...and also stipulated in the contract is that US has to spend a specific amount of it's advertising budget on IoA's Marvel rides....and that advertising budget needs to be verifiable (meaning subject to audit).

So long as all of this makes it through anti-trust, this is NOT a deal that Uni wants to maintain long term. They're going to try not to blink, and leave anything on the table. But I suspect as soon as Potter world starts up, they're going to try to spend some money re-theming superhero island.


Granted, Spielberg can call in his debt instead of renegotiating and Uni's in a complete and utter world of hurt.



Uni is in some serious legal binds right now. I wouldn't want to be in their position....with Disney now maintaining some level of financial and operational control over one of their areas, Spielberg holding debt over their head and a huge hail-marry pass in potter....Things don't look good over there.

 

[thefirebuilds]

a CM told me that Disney is buying Citadel and I should invest now.

 

[TDSAXX]

a CM told me that Disney is buying Citadel and I should invest now.

Considering their track record on accurate info taking financial advise from a CM is only slightly better than investing with Madoff.

 

[tallgalaz1]

Here it goes. Hulk meets bambi, X-Men meets Mickey, and Superman meets Goofy. What is wronge this picture. some welcome it and few does not. It all comes down to the Disney botton line. What would Walt Disney do? He could be turning in his grave a few will say. But no matter what happends, Marvel stock holders will decide. It is worth some food to think about. No matter again what we feel about it. It made big news.

 

[fannatic]

From what I can understand, the Marvel deal with Universal only applies to those characters that are currently in use in attractions. Disney may be able to use any of the other thousands of characters. There is a rumor that Universal may change the Super Hero Island to a Hasbro theme. This way, they could use the Transformers and GI Joe. Supposedly, the new Transformers ride they are building for Universal Hollywood uses the same ride technology as Spiderman. I can't imagine that Universal would want Disney going over their books on a regular basis.

 

[MJMcBride]

Yeah I would think that Uni would want out of the Marvel business even without all of these littel tidbits in the contract. Assuming Disney will pay some cash to get the rights back, I would think Uni would take it

 

[waldiddy]

Here's an article I came across in Motley Fool about a 5th gate. this is from 2008, so is well before the recent Marvel news:

fool.com/investing/general/2008/01/31/disney-in-2010.aspx

So, it's interesting to hear that a 5th gate was indeed a 'go', but given the lousy returns I've enjoyed from some of the Fool's recommendations, I'm categorizing this '5th Gate' business as a huge rumor. Now this article talks about Disney Villains, but, imagine how cool it would be if they got the character rights from Universal and did a 5th park solely on Marvel. Imagine how different this park would be:

- the centerpiece could be Latveria, home of Dr Doom, with a giant castle in the middle of the park

- the entrance could be a street from NYC, a 'main street', if you will

- a whole section devoted to the science and technology from the minds of folks like Reed Richards (Mr Fantastic) and Tony Stark (Iron Man). It would be like a 'land of tomorrow', if you can imagine such a thing

- explore the hidden jungle kingdom of the Black Panther, long since lost to the passage of time, an entire land of adventure

In all seriousness, a theme park based on Marvel characters would rule. IOA, as others have noted, is very nice, but it's small. For example, queuing through the Daily Bugle and passing by Peter Parker's office was a huge geek moment for me ... I want more of that kind of thing!! Just think what Disney could do as far as a ride based on the Silver Surfer or the X-Men's Danger Room.

I like seeing the characters at IOA, but there weren't all that many the times we've been there ... a few X-Men, Spidey, Capt America. I wanna meet the whole FF, all the X-Men, all the Avengers, etc.

There's so much they can do w/ the Marvel IP ... what we're discussing on these boards is just scratching the surface.

 

[Metro West]

Here's an article I saw in the paper tonight and thought I would share:

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/orl-bk-disney-marvel-theme-parks-090909,0,7101088.story

 

[Businessgypsy]

Too much fun is being had with this across the interwebs:

http://kotaku.com/5349732/the-disney-marvel-team+ups-wed-like-to-see
http://www.penny-arcade.com/comic/2009/9/2/

 

[ChrisFL]

Here it goes. Hulk meets bambi, X-Men meets Mickey, and Superman meets Goofy.

I know what's wrong with it. Superman is DC, not Marvel

 

[WDW Enabler]

Well leaving csr resort today. We r sitting at bus stop waiting to go to beach club character breakfast. My dh was just asking cm about marvel purchase. He told dh that universal studios contract will run out in approx 3 years on these characters and then disney will build a new park based on them!!!!! Whoo hoo! Now! I also know that cast members don't always share factual information but a 5th park would b awesome! We LOVE disney!!!!!

I humbly disagree. Universals contract may expire but they have the rights to the Marvel Characters/Rides for as long as they make the required payments to Marvel (Disney). Only after Universal misses a payment to Marvel or they chose they no longer want the theming will Disney be able to use those specific characters.

next time talk to the bus driver they have better information.

Michael

 

[fannatic]

From what I've been reading, Disney will pay hardball with those who hold contracts to the characters, not only with Universal but also the other studios that have film rights. I can't imagine that Universal will want Disney and their lawyers looking over their books, (which they can through the Marvel deal). I think that Universal is trying to save face in this situation, with their comments. They probably already have something in mind to replace Marvel.

 

[MJMcBride]

I can't imagine that Universal will want Disney and their lawyers looking over their books, (which they can through the Marvel deal).

I have read elsewhere that in order to get this deal approved Disney will likely have to waive this right

 

[fannatic]

As far as I know, it's the same deal Universal had with Marvel. Besides this, Disney has the right to approve or disapprove of how the Marvel area is used. This makes some people believe that as of next year, Universal may not be able to have their Halloween nights at IOA. Disney may not approve of what goes on at the area and how it affects the brand. From what I understand, Universal gets the raw end of this deal. I feel for them, because I know that they are very in debt and the Marvel area has two of their most popular attractions. Marvel and Universal have reportedly been at odds since the park opened. Marvel has claimed that Universal owes them more on merch. and licensing rights. Marvel may believe that Disney has the muscle to get them out of the deal. I believe that the contract states that if Universal doesn't follow the contract details to the word that Marvel can pull out of the deal.

 

[Metro West]

This makes some people believe that as of next year, Universal may not be able to have their Halloween nights at IOA.

HHN hasn't been staged at any part of IOA since 2005...it's been at the Studios since and Disney has nothing to say about what goes on there.

 

[thefirebuilds]

Too much fun is being had with this across the interwebs:

http://kotaku.com/5349732/the-disney-marvel-team+ups-wed-like-to-see
http://www.penny-arcade.com/comic/2009/9/2/

i love that!

 

[fannatic]

Actually yes, Disney will have the final word on what goes into the Marvel land - this is through the deal with Universal. I've read about this. I don't know where HHN has been the last few years because I never go to it. It does seem like it would be better suited to the studio park.