I'm a longtime fan of Islands of Adventure, and honestly, I think it would be incredibly difficult to rebrand all of Marvel Super Hero Island. I think that part of the park may be treated like other Marvel deals: Disney takes over as soon as the contract with Universal is up. At least it would give Universal time to figure out what to do. If there is no contract, rehabbing and redesigning that entire portion of the park will be a giant pain. I think the larger problem is figuring out something just as exciting to put in its place - I don't think there's another brand as worthy as Marvel for the number of thrill rides in that area.

Posted By Tiffany Nevin on August 31, 2009, 12:16 PM

My family and I love Universal Studios in Florida and the Marvel area is one of our favorites -- especially the Spider-man ride. I'd hate to see that section go away because we don't care for Disney World that much.

The only way we'd start visiting Disney is if they made a theme park based solely on the Marvel characters. But if they just had a couple of superhero rides at Magic Kingdom, it wouldn't be worth our time to go.

On the other hand, this could be a great shot in the arm for the comic book business and the Marvel motion pictures.

Posted By kh_blogger on August 31, 2009, 12:17 PM

Money talks! Whatever happens will benefit the visitors so let the wars began!

Posted By Kerry on August 31, 2009, 12:18 PM

There were rumors years ago that Universal's theme parks could be sold to Disney. Never happened. However, how Universal operates a theme park that is filled with it's competitors characters escapes me.

If IOA stayed unchanged, it means Disney gets revenue from it's own parks and makes money on those going to Universal. However, you just can't retheme something like the Spider Man attraction which is based ENTIRELY on that one character.

This is indeed interesting. I am sure Universal knew this was coming.

Posted By Ryan Helaey on August 31, 2009, 12:26 PM

As a fan of both Universal and Disney - I'm sure it will be great all the way around. That being said - Universal could do with some upgrading in that park and maybe this will be the kick in the pants to get that started. With the exception of the Spiderman ride, the rebranding would be no big deal as the Hulk, Stormforce and Dr Doom rides are generic theme park rides anyway.

Posted By KenInCT on August 31, 2009, 12:27 PM

I can't see Disney allowing Universal Orlando to continue to use the rights of these characters past whatever contracted date is in place. Aside from their being huge potential to bring Marvel's presence into at least two theme parks (Studios and Epcot,) the blow to Universal's integrated land will be great. The Spider-Man ride will have to close, completely, and the rest of the joint will be rethemed generically.

Posted By Aaron on August 31, 2009, 12:52 PM

I love disney world I'm glad they made this move.

Posted By jay smith on August 31, 2009, 1:04 PM

I think the thing that makes the most sense is for Universal to put the transformers ride they are currently working on for LA and Japan where spiderman is. Universal already said that they would not give the ride to orlando due to the fact that it utilizes the same technology as spiderman - but now this changes everything and think they will probably look into changing this now

Posted By Matt on August 31, 2009, 1:21 PM

One comic publisher is now spoken for. You still have Dark Horse (Sin City, Hellboy, Evil Dead) and Image (Spawn).

DC is tied to Warner Bros., but how finite is their deal with Six Flags?

Posted By Jarsh on August 31, 2009, 1:45 PM

Big Disney fan here and I am happy for Disney because the Marvel Franchise has become quite huge these past few years with the Iron Man movie and now the sequel coming out May 2010 and also X-Men as well. However, Universal will feel a pinch BUT, they are opening Harry Potter World next year. I don't think that Universal will care that much, they will just replace it with something else. Go Disney Go!

Posted By Adrienne on August 31, 2009, 1:53 PM

As a visitor to Orlando for the last 20 years. We saw Islands of Adventure grow from the first day we visited a sneak preview of the park back in 1994 to what it has become today.
I think Universal has a major headache to make sure Islands keeps its appeal. BUT, I hope Disney makes the most of this by building a brand new park and not just adding a ride here and there.
This is the perfect time to add a fifth park to WDW and make it a force that cannot be matched.
As for Universal, they are already introducing Harry Potter to Islands, they will now have to bring in Transformers and one or two other exciting additions so that the change doesn't swallow up the appeal of the park.

Posted By Gareth Edwards on August 31, 2009, 2:12 PM

Was really good to find some people posting on this. I cannot see disney allowing universal studio's to use the name anymore. if they force of universal studios I really hope they bring some of those rides into disneyworld. I am huge disney fan ( married there, annual pass holder, dvc holder) BUT...always felt that spider man was the best ride in orlando. I hope if this happens they take that ride and stick it somewhere in hollywood studios. only time will tell.

Posted By Andy D on August 31, 2009, 2:38 PM

I don't think they will have to close Spiderman, I'm sure they could come up with something to re-use they technology etc. They managed to change back to the future into the Simpsons without actually changing that much of the technology used.

There is also talk that Disney are putting an offer in for Busch Gardens and Seaworld etc as the owners InBev want rid of the theme parks to focus more on the drinks market

Posted By Damian on August 31, 2009, 2:42 PM

i dont know what to think of disney now owning marvel. i mean,whats spiderman gonna do now, shoot out rainbows instead of webs? and when the hulk gets angry, he's gonna sprout mouse ears!! i think this may hurt universal, but they'll make a comeback next year when they open there new harry potter section of the park...cant wait!

Posted By hayley mccollum on August 31, 2009, 2:46 PM

Great, it's good to know that seeing my Marvel characters at a theme park will probably be unaffordable once Disney gets ahold of it. Score another one for the corporate big RAT.

Posted By RonnyC on August 31, 2009, 3:00 PM

Agreed with what many others are saying. The only thing that makes sense is letting IofA have Marvel Super Hero Island until the contract term is up. At that point, Uni will announce a rehab of the land and theme it to something else they can get rights to.

Universal has smart lawyers working with them - - there had to be language in the contract re: the contingency that Marvel and the rights to license their characters were bought out.

The only question for me is how long until this contract is up? I'll be coming out to Orlando this Sept. and will be riding Spiderman for all it is worth. :)

Posted By Drew Grgich on August 31, 2009, 3:10 PM

Maybe they will just hitch the whole thing onto Hasbro. Transformers and GI Joe are both movie franchise now; throw in a couple of other lines like Battle Beasts, MASK, and maybe Pokemon. (Does Hasbro own Pokemon's rights?) Rename it Hasbro Super Island or some crap like that and you are good to go.

Posted By ECC on August 31, 2009, 3:22 PM

... marvels screwed... universals islands of adventures screwed... what next are they gonna buy ? seaworld, DC comics ?

Posted By who cares on August 31, 2009, 5:01 PM

I have been hitting up Disney World since I was 9 months old and at 32 I believe they are some of the smartest marketers in the world. I commend them big time for taking this sale. I don't see it as them screwing over Universal or anyone for that matter...I see it as them capitalizing on an opportunity in a FREE MARKET ECONOMY. Seems lately we need some big names to remind Washington and many in the newspapers that we still have that type of economic system. Just try to step in and intervene on this one, President Obama...JUST TRY.

Posted By Brent Shag on August 31, 2009, 6:22 PM

This should be a matter of pleasing the fans. I, personally, would be devastated if the Marvel Island of Adventure had to change. The Spider-Man ride is my absolute favorite, and I just love the unique environments in general.

They really should work it out so that Universal keeps Marvel. It would just be so damn depressing to see that island go through a change. The rides and everything are so iconic (for me).

*sigh*

Why does this kind of stuff have to happen? ;~;

Posted By Matt on August 31, 2009, 10:56 PM

Im pretty upset this happened becasue I love universal and the marvel island park and I will be upset to see it gone but at least its going to disney and hopefully they make it into a seperate park or half of another park or something....but if i was universal i would maybe try and buy D.C. and change marvel to a D.C. park and call it D.C. world maybe...and they could change the spider-man ride to a batman ride maybe and have the joker and other batman villians in it possibly.

Posted By Vince on September 1, 2009, 12:38 AM

Unreal....I've ben going to Universal Studios-Florida since it first open now this nonsence.... I love the Islands of Adventure,were they asleep at the wheel to let this happen?? I think Disney has lost its way..I saw the Power Rangers at MGM,is the Hulk and Storm how going to be in the parades with Tinkerbell?? Give me a break!

Posted By Greg on September 1, 2009, 12:40 AM

hopefully they'll take out the dr doom ride first!

Posted By Master33 on September 1, 2009, 2:40 AM

I think Disney made a very great move. They say they have extra land to build another theme park. That would be great if they had a park just for Marvel Comics. Love X-Men & Wolverine.

Posted By Dawn P on September 1, 2009, 8:23 AM

Universal needs to get a deal with DC and re-theme that entire area of the park with DC Comic characters. That was the original plan before the park was built anyways. The Hulk coaster was The Green Hornet coaster in the beginning stages.

Posted By The Music Elitist on September 1, 2009, 9:29 AM

Interesting move...I love Disney and I love Marvel.

I don't want disney to make marvel more family friendly. I would hate to see characters like the punisher to disappear because killing criminals doesnt fit the disney theme.

This deal could be huge for Disney and Marvel, a whole theme park dedicated to Marvel has been my dream since the 80's.

Posted By Nick Centonze on September 1, 2009, 12:13 PM

To those of you saying that seeing a Marvel character at a theme park will be unaffordable - Universal is the same price as Disney so it will remain just as unaffordable as it is now. I am happy about this news. Universal is such a 90s, extreme, bratty-kid concept anyways. Its time to let it die. Disney is constantly reinventing itself and has a better brand overall. Its good for Disney, good for Marvel, good for comics, and GREAT for the consumer.

Posted By Keeper of Chimps on September 1, 2009, 12:17 PM

i smell merger... best thing universal studios could do now is come up with a price tag for their parks. They're in a lose, lose situation. Seal up your lose ends and look to sell. As for Disney... Building a new park with Marvel rides would be more costly in the long run for disney between buying up new land and doing the actual build out. If they buy out Universal they can make it a easy transition if they let universal studios continue to run as it has, put a suttle disney flare on it and set up a new transportation system to and from the new parks. Look for them to atempt to aquire Universal for a small multi billion dollar fee first before building any new parks.

Posted By TacoMan on September 1, 2009, 12:53 PM

Universal better go after the DC comics characters for their rides now that they have lost marvel! Maybe Superman will replace the Spiderman ride.

Posted By Andy on September 1, 2009, 1:37 PM

Wow, who saw THIS coming. Disney now has a line into the male tween market. I hope this means that the rumoured 3rd gate at Anaheim will be a coaster park. Lets see, family themed park...check,...adult themed park...check,check...tween/teen/young adult themed park...check,check,check.
No wonder Disney never considered buying Six Flags Magic Mountain...

Posted By james on September 1, 2009, 2:53 PM

"As for Disney... Building a new park with Marvel rides would be more costly in the long run for disney between buying up new land and doing the actual build out."

I don't think you realize how much land Disney already owns in Central Florida. All four of their main Parks and resorts and water parks and Downtown Disney AND the friggin TOWN of Celebration, Florida take up less than half of the land they own. The only costs involved in doing a Marvel Park would be designing and actually building it.

(and little known fact is that Universal hired Disney Imagineers away from Disney to design the Spider-man ride in the first place. And John Lassiter is also in charge of Disney Imagineering as well as animation and Pixar...so a Marvel Park at WDW could be ten Times cooler than anything we have now at IOA.)

Posted By Jason on September 2, 2009, 2:29 AM

Me and my family love disney and have bought a share home over there.

We would love disney to build another park

i hoppe it changes from marvel because it isn't disney

Posted By Laura on September 2, 2009, 4:33 PM

My kids were not happy about this merger. They complained about kiddie disney interfering with their superheroes. I agree. How Disney plan to market Marvel which is geared to an older audience baffles me. Will Hulk now not be so angry. As for Universal I am wondering as well how will that work. We spend more time at Universal than Disney because Disney is geared to little one not older kids and preteens. My kids love Universal and Island of Adventure. Hands down the best ride in Orlando is the Spiderman. How is the Big Corporate Mouse going to handle this coup?

Posted By Ericka on September 3, 2009, 12:27 PM

I hope Disney doesn't mess around too much with Marvel, like in this funny parody of the situation.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrAwJzda69I

Posted By Pablo Escobar on September 3, 2009, 12:49 PM

I heard they are thawing Walt Disney out to come back and Run the new park--Any truth to that Thanks PS I will buy stock then

Posted By Ray gillert on September 3, 2009, 1:52 PM

If Universal wants to continue to be competitive in the Florida theme park business they are going to have to somehow strike a deal with DC and change the Hulk ride to Superman, Dr. Doom to the Green Lantern or Flash and Spiderman to Batman. Spiderman is a very good ride, but I think that the best ride in all of Orlando is Revenge of the Mummy. I had heard rumors that Universal was planning to close up Universal Studios in Orlando. That may change now.

Posted By Mike on September 3, 2009, 2:32 PM

I for one like Universal Studios better than Disney World. I love Disney, but i think Universal is better set-up and the staff are much friendlier than Disney. I think they have given Disney a ride for their money for years now. When we go each year we go to Disney and then to Universal both. I don't think they have a thing to worry about. I just wonder how disney is going to incorporate the Marvel Comics into their park. It just doesn't seem Disney. Universal would have no problem changing that to another theme. They will continue to do great and I think that competition is good for both parks.

Posted By bedilia on September 3, 2009, 3:26 PM

I have been traveling to Disney since I can remember and it is one of the greatest things a family can do! I have rarely seen something done below outstanding, and they always seem to please the fans at hand...that said, I think the comments that Disney will de-superfy the heroes and villains of Marvel to make it more family oriented are crazy! They know that wont fly and they arent stupid...quite the contrary in fact! I think Marvel fans should be excited to see what a proven, and amazing themed park brand does with this opportunity! Disney rocks and I am excited!

Posted By bigDisneyFan! on September 3, 2009, 3:53 PM

I live in California and took my nephews to Universal Studios, Floria to the Islands of Adventure featuring Marvel Comics. We loved it!! They couldn't stop talking about The Spiderman Ride and the creativity at this Universal Studios compared to the one in California. We were going to go this past summer but didn't due to financial reasons. I hope it's not too late!!! I'd like to go next summer when school gets out.

Posted By vlew on September 3, 2009, 4:04 PM

Have you ever wondered why whenever you see a computer in a Pixar film it's a Macintosh? Could that be because Apple sold Pixar to Disney? Nah, it's gotta be because Macs are so superior to PCs, right?

Posted By James Michalek on September 3, 2009, 5:37 PM

I belive Universal is big enough to hold its own. As a huge Disney fan I also know that Disney can do Marvel in a way that won't freak out the little ones and yet entertain all Marvel Comic fans so good for them, no one will be horribly disappointed I'm sure.

Posted By sandra on September 3, 2009, 6:00 PM

As a Universal exec, I can explain to you what is happening. Disney has purchased Marvel; however, Universal has rights to use Marvel east of the Mississippi River. These rights will continue despite the new owner of Marvel. Thus Universal will continue with IOA, but it probably will not add addtional Marvel rides. (Check out our Harry Potter park that will be coming soon!)

On a side note. If Disney decided to make movies or build rides in California, Paris or Tokyo; that would be allowed under our current licensing agreement (as we only purchased east coast rights). To go one step further; as we see it, if Disney makes a Marvel Comics movie (and we all know Disney makes some great movies), then that would probably increase attendance at our parks--as people always wanna ride the rides after watching the movie with their favorite super hero.

Thanks and see you at Universal soon!!

Posted By Howie on September 4, 2009, 6:29 AM

As a former Universal employee who frequented the parks a lot the news of the merger immediately brought this question to mind. I must say I love The Marvel Superhero Island. There was no better way to unwind after a day of work than just walking over to IoA and hopping on the Hulk. I can't imagine what Disney will do to the Marvel Characters or even worse Universal, if they were to buy them out. I remember during the Universal orientation how much they stressed that Disney was the little kids park and Universal was the teen and adult park. I just can't imagine the parks remaining the same esp. Halloween Horror Nights which is a 17+ event. I did do a little research into the how the Disney Marvel merger would affect IoA and came across this very informative site.

http://www.deadline.com/hollywood/universal-vs-disney-over-marvel-characters/

Posted By Justin on September 4, 2009, 6:29 AM

I have been to Universal and had a blast and agree with others this is my and my sons favorite part of the park. I don't think its fair that they have to do a remodel because Marvel sold out to Disney. If Disney wants to put a few marvel inspired rides up fine! BUT don't copy what is already at Universal and don't make them give theirs up. We are all adults (I hope) so come to an agreement and work this out!

Posted By Jessica Wykert on September 4, 2009, 8:52 AM

James, the reason all computers in Pixar films are Macs--as well as some of the sound effects in Wall*E that mimicked Mac sounds--is because Steve Jobs was the CEO of both Apple and Pixar. (It had nothing to do with Disney owning Pixar, as most of the films were made before the merger.) You'll also find that many of the sound effects are homages to the Star Wars films, because Pixar was originally a division of George Lucas's Industrial Light & Magic before it was spun off as its own company (with Jobs as CEO).

Posted By Anthony Falcone on September 4, 2009, 9:53 AM

Disney sucks! Universal should buy out DC comics ;-) that would make an interesting themepark war!

Posted By Eric on September 4, 2009, 3:00 PM

No need to panic people if you read the link in my previous post, Universal has a perpetual contract to the rights of an Marvel characters currently in use. Meaning the rides will not be changing only they cannot put up any new rides. Also they hold an exclusive right to the Marvel characters east of the Mississippi which means no Marvel park for Disney in Florida but maybe out in California. Basically the parks had nothing to do with the merger. If that were the case Disney got itself a pretty crappy deal considering the existing contract with Universal won't allow them to use any of the characters on the east coast.

Posted By Justin on September 4, 2009, 4:58 PM

Universal Theme Park Hollywood dropped popular live show "Spiderman Rocks!" after much advertising and a boom in attendance. Rumors ensued, but news finally revealed the show's cancellation had been because of the unfortunate loss of its contract renewal with Marvel - Why? Something was rumored about outstanding late and unpaid fees to Marvel. This change came as a mysterious surprise at the time to the show's cast and crew, and a shock to guests who wandered the park asking where was the Spiderman show they'd seen on all the billboards and commercials? From its opening, the show had been constantly packed and unfortunately had a very short run considering its popularity. No doubt if it weren't for contract negotiations and payment schedules turning sour, Universal Hollywood would still be running this show as well as cashing in on much future use of the Marvel characters. Consequently, all Marvel costume characters and branding were gradually pulled from the Hollywood theme park. That meant the loss of costume character photo-ops, merchandising and a couple of cool little features such as a character parade with four-wheelers and a seasonal outdoor show with characters jumping off buildings and live Spidey gliding overhead on a slide-for-life wire. Also, prior to a lot of "de-contenting" at this park, the Hollywood theme park used to have a nice spontaneous outdoor show on its lower lot featuring X-Men characters and a following photo-op. It's too bad that apparently Universal and Marvel couldn't maintain a mutually acceptable deal (this collapse seemed to begin sometime after NBC bought out Universal Studios Hollywood) but it was only a matter of time before these changes would make their way over to Florida's park as contract schedules come toward an end. We'll all be curious to see what, if any, "generic" modifications can be made (particularly to the Spider-Man ride which seems an impossibility to re-create without Spidey) to keep the Marvel section's rides in use somehow at Universal Florida. Hopefully Universal Florida will not take its cue from Universal Hollywood, which seems to be offering less and less content to its guests for the price of admission (Another recent drop from UnivH: no more classic characters such as Marilyn Monroe, The Marx Brothers nor classic movie monsters, alas!)

Posted By M on September 15, 2009, 6:44 PM

Hey, before posting, maybe I should have finished reading the other comments first? Thanks for the additional info, particularly re: Universal retaining certain east coast rights.

Posted By M on September 15, 2009, 7:01 PM

It may be like the Disney MGM deal. When their contract broke Disney was able to keep all MGM materials already existing in the park but could not keep any characters wandering the parks and could not add to their collection. Disney slowly traded that material out for purly Disney items and even changed the name of the park. But it is always a possibility.

Posted By Janice on September 16, 2009, 4:53 AM

What the blink happened to anti-trust laws?

Posted By Sara on September 17, 2009, 3:53 PM

Isn't The Island of Adventure in Orlando where they are building the Wizarding World of Harry Potter to be opened in 2010?
I am pretty sure it is and what will happen to it if Disney takes over? They have been building it for a year or so and it promises to be pretty amazing.
I sure hope this takeover doesn't stop it. I know a lot of people have been eagerly awaiting the opening.

Posted By Patti on September 19, 2009, 12:57 AM

UGH disney is taking over everything!!!! what will happen to universal after this? i love universal!!!!

Posted By jenna on September 19, 2009, 2:16 PM

++++ !!!!!

What the blink happened to anti-trust laws?

Posted By Sara on September 17, 2009, 3:53 PM

+++++++++++++++
This should be the very first intelligent comment of the whole thread !
YES, Sara, thanks for mentioning !

Posted By Wig on September 23, 2009, 3:22 AM

Listen first off disney Rules but Universal can not buy the rights to DC cause Six Flags already has them and thier not giving up batman and superman any time soon so say good bye to universal

Posted By martyn on September 26, 2009, 5:24 PM

Sara and Wig, I don't see how anti-trust laws would even be relevant in this case. Marvel's main line of business is comic books, an industry Disney has barely any presence in. And lest we forget, DC Comics is owned by AOL Time Warner, and has been for years. So having a comic book company purchased by a huge media conglomerate doesn't seem to raise any red flags in my eyes.

Posted By Anthony Falcone on September 30, 2009, 9:30 AM

The prime solution in my opinion is for Universal to buy out DC Comics and turn their rides into characters based on those books. With Batman movies making a come back I could see Spiderman ride turning into Batman, Hulk urning into Superman and etc. Besides, Xmen ride at Universal is ho-key and wouldn't be a great loss. Dr. Octivious ride could easily be rebranded as well. All in all t gives Universal an excuse to face lift that section of the park.

Posted By Gabriel Haze on October 18, 2009, 3:21 PM