Disney to acquire Marvel About This Page:

[Shell_of_the_South]

Originally Posted by njsmama

I read a note on facebook that the Live Marvel characters haven't been seen at IOA/US since the contract expired.

This was at Universal Hollywood. They are still there at IOA - we had photos with Spidey not too long ago.

[Dopey Fan]

It would be great to have another park added. Instead of the Disney Villains it might just be a comic book park. There are so many comic book characters that they could really have some new coasters and more aggressive rides than in some of the other parks.

It would really compete with Universal.

[bradk]

the contract for the characters DID expire and was lapsed for a period of time (this was the same time they opted not to do the grinchmas), but i believe they got it back afterwards

[Shell_of_the_South]

From the Orlando Sentinel:

Universal's contracts apparently gives it exclusive U.S. rights east of the Mississippi River for theme-park attractions built around certain of those characters, notably Spider-Man, the Incredible Hulk, X-Men and Dr. Doom.

The article also has a quote from a Universal exec:

Marvel Super Hero Island at Universal's Islands of Adventure and the Marvel characters are a beloved and important part of the Universal Orlando experience. They will remain so," said Tom Schroder, a Universal spokesman... We believe our agreement with Marvel stands and that the Disney/Marvel deal will have no impact on our guest experience.

Here's the entire article:

Disney acquiring Marvel Entertainment Inc. -- OrlandoSentinel.com

So I'm not too worried about Spidey at IOA!

[Buffalogirl18]

Kudos to Disney! What a bold move! And one to show they are definitely not hurting financially at this time.

And, let's be realistic here for those who think they would actually allow Universal to continue using any Marvel characters/products/names in their parks - Disney is not going to spend $4 billion to acquire these rights only to allow that to continue, let's be real here people. They have very specific and definite intentions for this I am sure.

My guess is as far as the parks go, they would utilize it at DHS and DTD, those would be ideal places, and their target demographic that has been somewhat lacking are the "tween" boys - so this is perfect to fill that gap. That huge space we call the Streets of America is very lacking, the Backlot Tour has seen better days, there is still some land around DHS they could expand upon - there is room for them to add some Marvel attractions if they were so inclined. I for one have an 8 year old son who is excstatic about the idea and can't wait to see his favorite Marvel friends hanging out at WDW sometime soon! I hope that is what they have in mind.

I also read in the release that Pixar had a big hand in this deal coming together - which leads me to believe that they have some tricks up their sleeves as well - whether that means in the parks or on the movie screen we will just have to wait and see.

I just have to say, it's a very bold move, and one that makes me wonder - will they consider acquiring Nickelodeon next???

[CinderAbby]

The site for the Villians theme park is the old river counrty site, but where is the old river country site, I thought off from Epcot.

Well if this is what is rumored, it's never gonna happen IMO. River country is/was kinda part of Fort Wilderness - and it was tiny too. There's no way that I can think of that they can even do this - especially with FW being so close to the MK.

[DopeyGirl]

Originally Posted by Chris Dawson, Rochester NY

I know that Disney is planning a Villians theme park that is supposed to be built within the next 5yrs, so maybe that buying marvel is part of there plan to beef up the Disneys Villians theme park. I got to admit that is a smart buissness move on there end. Haveing Marvel heros at Disney Villians theme park would definitley bring in more buissness. The site for the Villians theme park is the old river counrty site, but where is the old river country site, I thought off from Epcot.

That rumor has been going around for YEARS. I, for one, am not going to put any stock into it until there is something actually put out by Disney and/or a park like this actually opens before I would believe it.

Besides that, if they built a park where River Country is, it would be SUPER tiny . . . and I think it might as well be swamp themed.

Anyhoo . . . I do think the Marvel deal was a good move. It is sure to bring numbers up a bit and they'll have something else besides pirates to appease the little (and not so little) boys.

[Wolfhunt]

Originally Posted by Shell_of_the_South

From the Orlando Sentinel:



The article also has a quote from a Universal exec:



Here's the entire article:

Disney acquiring Marvel Entertainment Inc. -- OrlandoSentinel.com

So I'm not too worried about Spidey at IOA!

If I read this right, Universal will probably keep the rights for ATTRACTIONS built around those Marvel characters that Universal has but Disney will be able to put the characters themselves in the Disney parks (probably DHS) but not build an attraction using them. Of course, there are so many characters in the Marvel universe that the possibilities are endless when it comes to attractions.

Knowing Disney, they already have a plan mapped out to take advantage of the Marvel purchase should the shareholders approve it.

[lesabrowning]

It is all very interesting. I heard about this first from my 18 year old son. His first thought was that finally Disney is doing something for boys! LOL

[Brandi]

Originally Posted by Diz

A friend of mine text me and said -

"This just proves that Disney is taking over the world."

My son just now said the same thing to me

[LLaffinPlace]

Originally Posted by ilovedisney247

I don't think we're going to be seeing Spiderman at DHS any time soon. CNN money has reported that the contract with Universal for Spiderman, Ironman, Dr. Doom and the Hulk is perpetual--so unless Disney buys out the contracts--which BTW are only for EAST of the Mississippi River--we won't be seeing them at WDW, but the possibility certainly exists for DL from my understanding.

On another note--I think this is a really good buy for Disney. Marvel is a diversified company that can now take advantage of the "Disney" platform to lower publishing and promotional costs. It also gives Disney accesss to several new fan target groups--including the comic-con goer and boys age 5-85!

Heather, you got in the explanation before I could, so I am glad I checked first! I believe the current contracts are in effect as long as Universal has the attractions, so that probably has the same effect.

As far as the characters showing up at DL, I am not so sure of that either even given that the rights are for East of the Mississippi. I think it might be much more likely to see them at one or more of the overseas parks and perhaps this is setup for the oft-rumored park outside Shanghai? Hmm....

Jennifer2003 is correct about Harry Potter--not affected at all.

[Dave Marx]

I'll admit that I haven't read the press coverage yet - I want to shoot from the hip on this one, because, in part, press coverage at times like this rarely scratches the surface.

First, Disney is acquiring an established franchise, with a huge existing revenue stream from licensing. Disney, of course, is one of the masters of product/character licensing, so the company knows it can make much or all of its money back on a combination of existing and improved licensing revenues in a reasonable number of years. Deals like this often happen because the seller has a shorter-term investment goal than the acquiring party (and we know Disney is in it for the long haul). It's possible that Marvel shareholders preferred cashing out now (with franchises like X-Men flying high), rather than face an uncertain future. For example, if you check the Wikipedia bio of Marvel founder Stan Lee, there have been all sorts of lawsuits flying around involving Marvel, Lee, Lee's new production company, Lee's former production company... I don't know the status of those suits (the biggest is for $5 billion), but I could understand the impulse to let Disney deal with the mess. Meantime, Disney has been down that road many, many times, and probably doesn't see the downside risk in the same light.

With the Power Rangers and Muppets acquisitions, we haven't seen a whole lot of new "exploitation" in the theme parks. The purchases presumably are justifiable on existing revenue flow, which includes a pretty penny from syndication of existing programs as well as product licensing.

Overall, I think the company is investing in the long-term value of owning as many characters/stories/franchises as possible. They may not know just how much value they may extract five, 10, or even 20 years down the road - characters have a way of going out of style, coming back into style, and going out of style again. Again, Disney is a master of managing portfolios of this sort, and is willing to take a calculated risk on extracting lots of value over the long lifespan lived by copyrighted characters.

Does Marvel "mix" with Disney? Look at the films produced by Disney subsidiary Hollywood Pictures and (former) Disney property Miramax Films. Consider TV series like Desperate Housewives... It's a diversified media conglomerate, and they've managed to present a wide range of entertainment without harming the core, family-friendly business. They don't have to call it "Disney's Marvel Entertainment Group" to make a profit. Marvel has its own reputation, and has to protect that reputation among its fan base. A too-close association with Mickey Mouse is probably as harmful for Marvel as the other way around. Disney will have to prove that they aren't dumbing-down the Marvel franchise. If they do try to dumb it down, Wall Street will be very quick to criticize the "waste" of $4 billion.

Far greater than the money involved in theme park attractions is the money to be earned by Disney in the movie business. First off, distribution. Film distribution companies take up to 50% of the movie's share of box office receipts. Just swinging future Marvel-derived movies into Buena Vista Distribution can be enough to justify the deal. Then, add the money that can be made by Disney Studios as the producer, by Disney/Pixar as a provider of CGI for live-action films (or for Disney/Pixar in the production of fully-animated films), Disney as distributor of the DVDs, Pay Per View, and cable TV rights... And don't forget we're talking world-wide revenues.

One of the interesting things about the deal with Universal is that Disney can accomplish many of the traditional goals of theme park "exploitation" of characters while leaving the characters and attractions at Universal's park. Every time Universal promotes a Marvel-derived attraction, it's giving Disney free publicity. The characters and rides can be kept "alive" in the public eye during times when they may be out of favor, helping to pave way for an eventual rebirth, even if Disney doesn't bother to build a single attraction. Neat trick.

[Jciambor]

Disney had its motives. Unlike many other film studios Disney didn't own any comic book properties they just want to extend into another market.

They probably have some deal with Universal. Disney cant be that low to leave Universal out in the cold.

[Disday]

I can't believe that Universal can use the Marvel characters for "as long as they want". This sounds like an exagerated statement by angry managers. If there are legal loopholes, Disney's lawyers will find them. Besides, these types of agreements usually have an expiration date. I believe that Universal abandoned the Marvel rights for California in 2007.

[Jciambor]

[quote=Dave Marx;2936310]Overall, I think the company is investing in the long-term value of owning as many characters/stories/franchises as possible.

And that Dave is the sad sad truth Disney wants to buy out all the film rights character rights and for that matter every single entertainment entity in the market to become the ultimatum in entertainment and overpower other companies. Isn't there a rule about capitalism where its supposed to be a balance of companies and not one company overpowering the rest of the market.

I mean buying out Marvel is one thing but Disney attempting to become THE entertainment entity of the world is a violation against The Sherman Antitrust Act. Walt when he was alive violated the act by eliminating all other animation business's and not creating a fair balance of business.

With to much capitalism from one company you essentially have a company ruling the country economically by running the countries market through the majority of licensed products. I prefer a healthy balance of business.

Sometimes I want to watch films, cartoons, and entertainment products and other entities not owned by Disney because honestly none of you even most loyal Disney fans want to have every single entertainment entity owned by Disney. Even you want off from Disney every now and then just like every other company.
Not them owning every licensed character in the market.