Land deal scores Disney less Universal competition

[PeterAlt]

Well, it's official. Universal has sold its Lockheed land. That land was planned for development of more Universal hotels and two new Universal theme parks. This deal locks Universal to its currently developed land of two theme parks, a few hotels, and CityWalk. It also means that it would not have land to develop new theme theme parks to compete with Disney's four. Disney has 28,000 acres, of which there is still land available for at least two new theme parks, several smaller theme parks, and dozens of new hotel resorts.

Universal, a few years ago, had purchased Wet and Wild. So far, that theme park continues to operate independently. Universal is in the process of being sold to NBC. NBC could add their brand to Universal theme parks, as Disney has added ABC to its theme parks, after it had purchased the network a few years ago. However, the current CEO of NBC expressed that he is not interested in Universal theme parks, and that he may sell the Universal parks after the merger is completed.

Last year, Disney seriously considered purchasing the Universal parks, but its current owner, Vivendi, would not sell Disney just the parks, but wanted a buyer for Universal's film division and music division as well. If NBC sells the Universal theme parks, Disney could be a likely buyer. One problem with this scenario would be that the Orlando parks are half-owned by Universal. If Disney buys Universal's half, they would have to live with the partnership they would inherit, or buy their partner's stake as well.

 

[tztowerofterror]

HOORAY!!!! Just imagine how much better Universal would be if it was owned by Disney! Thats just what it needs...a little Disney magic! :sohappy:

 

[BeachClubVillas]

Looks like Universal finally realized what I've known all along...they can keep building bigger and bigger rides, but they can never really compete with Disney, so why even bother to try??

 

[WDWspider]

I'll never knock a company for having drive. Better they try to compete with Disney then Six Flags. Hey, you want to be the best, you need to recognize who is the best. At least Universal is the next best destination in the world.

Poor Six Flags... Quantity over Quality all the way. :brick:

I'd hate for Disney to own Unviersal though.

 

[tztowerofterror]

they could change the name of universal studios to disney studios west side :lol:

 

[BeachClubVillas]

Originally posted by tztowerofterror
they could change the name of universal studios to disney studios west side :lol:

No, it would have to be "Disney Studios: The Dark Side"

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

 

[tztowerofterror]

ROFL :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

 

[DisneyFan 2000]

I think it would be nice to see what will happen to the parks if Disney was to buy them!!!

Sea World will die a slow death if this was to happen!:goodnevil

 

[ImagineerFan04]

That would stink. As much as i love disney and going to universal for it's thrills cause i'm a teen and i'm big on that stuff. anywhy on those disney specials on the travel channel about wdw they say that commpition is good and it keeps them on there toes to keep making new and exciting attractions. If disney buy universal they won't have any commpition.yes they will have sea world and busch gardens as commpition but that's isn't going to do that much.

 

[NemoRocks78]

Tztowerofterror and BeachClubVillas, you need to show some respect to Universal. They've tried their best at competition with Disney, and they have given Disney a run for their money. Both companies have very well themed attractions and areas. Islands of Adventure was built as mostly a thrill-oriented teen park, but small children can still enjoy it with Seuss Landing and more. Universal Studios has a mix of thrills and less-exciting stuff for the kids. They've got three great hotels and an awesome nighttime district, which I think is even better than West Side. And employees at Universal IMO are better than the rude people we've got at WDW. They're numbers 6 and 7 in attendance for the year, all below Disney parks. Only thing now is that they're going to add to the exisiting parks, with new attractions. They've still got SOME room on the existing property, if i'm not mistaken isn't there enough room for one more hotel? I say don't build the hotel but instead a water park. Universal Orlando still can give some big competition to Walt Disney World, but it'll take some time.

 

[Shaman]

The Walt Disney Company has its own troubles right now, some of which are directly concerned with their own themeparks...I doubt they will buy Universal parks and inherit a bigger set of issues and problems...don't get me wrong it could happen...but the chances are slim...atleast thats what I think....

 

[NemoRocks78]

Disney would never buy Universal. I can say that right now. No slim chances or nothing. If they did and I walk into IoA seeing Mickey and friends, i'll toss my annual pass right into the trash.

 

[DisneyFan 2000]

I heard there is still room for themepark #3!

And universal isn't bad at all! And just for general knowledge, The Lost Continent is all Imagineer work + Spiderman is Imagineering technollogy, so when you laugh at IoA you're laughing at Disney's face!:animwink:

 

[tztowerofterror]

Originally posted by NemoRocks78
Tztowerofterror and BeachClubVillas, you need to show some respect to Universal.

...it was a joke. all i said was that universal could use some "pixie dust" so to speak.

 

[AndyMagic]

Universal still owns enough land for a third park but the problem has always been that a small little school currently resides on some of their owned land. It's really sad what happened because Universal wanted to keep the land but Vivendi was strapped for cash so they struck a deal before they sold Universal to NBC. So now the parks got screwed over all because Vivendi wanted a few extra bucks before the sale.

 

[donaldduck1967]

Disney has enough problems with their own theme parks they don't need to waste money on Universal. When I was there in Sept the parks were filthy and paint was chipping on rides/buildings.

 

[PeterAlt]

But....

If its in Disney's Master Plan to build two more theme parks, it would make more economic sense to buy Universal's and just make changes so that they fit with the rest of Disney World.

 

[donaldduck1967]

yes but

If Disney does buy Universal then Disney would probably have to retheme all the rides associated with a movie, which is every ride, because only the parks would sold not the movie rights.

 

[PeterAlt]

Re: yes but

Originally posted by donaldduck1967
If Disney does buy Universal then Disney would probably have to retheme all the rides associated with a movie, which is every ride, because only the parks would sold not the movie rights.

No, the parks would have to come with the rights for Universal's movie licenses.

 

[DisneyFan 2000]

Re: Re: yes but

Originally posted by PeterAlt
No, the parks would have to come with the rights for Universal's movie licenses.

Now that would be cool!