Marvel in Hollywood Studios?

[Animaniac93-98]

I think the "Marvel must come to WDW" crowd has this image of Disney putting all it's top minds in a room desperately looking for some way around the Universal contract. They don't realize that Disney doesn't care one bit about putting Marvel in WDW. If they had any idea how little Disney thought about Marvel at WDW they would be shocked. These people are putting more effort into changing the status quo than Disney is.

Exactly, especially when Disney is already making money off Marvel merch in WDW and has figured out a way to have moving billboards too. Why would they want to dump $150-$200 million on a ride that doesn't generate revenue itself and would require more legal trouble than it's worth?

 

[Captain Chaos]

I think the "Marvel must come to WDW" crowd has this image of Disney putting all it's top minds in a room desperately looking for some way around the Universal contract. They don't realize that Disney doesn't care one bit about putting Marvel in WDW. If they had any idea how little Disney thought about Marvel at WDW they would be shocked. These people are putting more effort into changing the status quo than Disney is.

And for all we know, Disney DID have all their tops minds gathered around a table, with bottles of vodka and veggie wraps all waiting to be devoured as they scanned the contract for any loopholes... Sure, DTD may be a loophole, but is it one they would be willing to exploit? Probably not... Not after they have one of their bean counters do an Excel spreadsheet detailing how much they make from Universal paying the royalty fees and portion of the merchandise sales compared to how much lawyer fees and bad publicity would cost...

In other words, it just is not worth it... Reap the benefits of the success of the movies, receive royalty fees, and do not have to spend a dime...

 

[Animaniac93-98]

I could see Disney making a Marvel complex at DTD with food, merch, character meet/greets and maybe some "activities" (not rides), but that's it, if ever, and not likely.

 

[lebeau]

And for all we know, Disney DID have all their tops minds gathered around a table, with bottles of vodka and veggie wraps all waiting to be devoured as they scanned the contract for any loopholes... Sure, DTD may be a loophole, but is it one they would be willing to exploit? Probably not... Not after they have one of their bean counters do an Excel spreadsheet detailing how much they make from Universal paying the royalty fees and portion of the merchandise sales compared to how much lawyer fees and bad publicity would cost...

In other words, it just is not worth it... Reap the benefits of the success of the movies, receive royalty fees, and do not have to spend a dime...

Not to mention building Marvel stuff everywhere else in the world that they want to. They really don't care if East coast fanbois need to by a plane ticket to see Disney's version of an Iron Man attraction.

The only people bothered by Disney not using Marvel at WDW are a few fans who can't come to grips with reality.

 

[lebeau]

I could see Disney making a Marvel complex at DTD with food, merch, character meet/greets and maybe some "activities" (not rides), but that's it, if ever, and not likely.

A Marvel store wouldn't surprise me at all. I would bet against food and meet and greets. Maybe some activities like the ones at your local Disney Store.

 

[Animaniac93-98]

I would bet against food...

C'mon, you don't want a Lokitini and some Hawkfries?

 

[GLaDOS]

I could see Disney making a Marvel complex at DTD with food, merch, character meet/greets and maybe some "activities" (not rides), but that's it, if ever, and not likely.

With the theming direction they're going with Disney Springs, I don't see that happening.

 

[lebeau]

C'mon, you don't want a Lokitini and some Hawkfries?

Nice. I'd eat there if it was offered. But I'm guessing Universal wouldn't allow a Marvel-themed eatery.

If they do allow it, I'll be first in line for a slice of Captain America's old fashion apple pie*.

*Super Soldier Serum not included

 

[danlb_2000]

I could see Disney making a Marvel complex at DTD with food, merch, character meet/greets and maybe some "activities" (not rides), but that's it, if ever, and not likely.

There actually is a clause in the contract allowing Marvel to develop their own "retail concept", but they can't build it within 60 miles of Universal


"To the extent and in the territories that MCA has exclusive theme park rights, such shall not prohibit (except for the limitations described below) Marvel from itself developing or licensing its planned Retail concept which may include interactive elements as a major or minor element (presently intended to be called “The Marvel Action Universe” and referred to as such herein, but which may also be called “The Marvel Universe” or another name chosen by Marvel). The Marvel Action Universe will consist, inter alia, of the sale of comic books, trading cards, software, licensed or Marvel produced merchandise, the use of electronic games and/or pinballs or other coin operated games, and may include one or more virtual reality and/or simulator ride using Marvel characters or other themes. The following restrictions shall apply to The Marvel Action Universe (or elements thereof whether owned or licensed by Marvel). "

 

[Animaniac93-98]

There actually is a clause in the contract allowing Marvel to develop their own "retail concept", but they can't build it within 60 miles of Universal.

Interesting. Did not know that, but now I do.

Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go and make several other threads asking this same question I just had answered.

 

[lego606]

Interesting. Did not know that, but now I do.

Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go and make several other threads asking this same question I just had answered.

No less than 10 is acceptable.

 

[lebeau]

Be sure to post a poll about the Indiana Jones ride (which to my knowledge has never been discussed here at WDWMagic) in the News and Rumors section. Twice.

 

[doctornick]

A Marvel store wouldn't surprise me at all. I would bet against food and meet and greets. Maybe some activities like the ones at your local Disney Store.

I think a Marvel store in DTD is very likely once they build out DS, beyond that I'm not expecting anything. Retail by itself would certainly be allowed by the contract and would only make money (as well as offer some advertising/brand awareness for Marvel) so to me it's a no brainer for Disney to pursue. Marvel stuff is already sold at WDW, so this is not really a change.

I think a M&G would be possible if they were eager to expand the Marvel presence, but if they did so it would be as a tie in to the films (i.e. more of an advertisement like the monorail wraps) than an attraction in and of itself. I disagree with others who think that it would not be allowed -- the way I see it, if Disney were inclined, they would have their lawyers sit with Universal's lawyers and find out what would be acceptable to both sides and within the limits of the contact. Since there is nothing particularly prohibiting a M&G outside of a theme park, something could be worked out. That said, I do agree with others that Disney probably doesn't care enough to bother so I'm not holding my breath.

 

[lebeau]

I think a Marvel store in DTD is very likely once they build out DS, beyond that I'm not expecting anything. Retail by itself would certainly be allowed by the contract and would only make money (as well as offer some advertising/brand awareness for Marvel) so to me it's a no brainer for Disney to pursue. Marvel stuff is already sold at WDW, so this is not really a change.

I think a M&G would be possible if they were eager to expand the Marvel presence, but if they did so it would be as a tie in to the films (i.e. more of an advertisement like the monorail wraps) than an attraction in and of itself. I disagree with others who think that it would not be allowed -- the way I see it, if Disney were inclined, they would have their lawyers sit with Universal's lawyers and find out what would be acceptable to both sides and within the limits of the contact. Since there is nothing particularly prohibiting a M&G outside of a theme park, something could be worked out. That said, I do agree with others that Disney probably doesn't care enough to bother so I'm not holding my breath.

But why would Universal ever agree to it? Having the Marvel characters in their park is a major selling point. I can't imagine they would allow any Marvel meet and greet at WDW without exhausting all of their legal options.

 

[danlb_2000]

I think a Marvel store in DTD is very likely once they build out DS, beyond that I'm not expecting anything. Retail by itself would certainly be allowed by the contract and would only make money (as well as offer some advertising/brand awareness for Marvel) so to me it's a no brainer for Disney to pursue. Marvel stuff is already sold at WDW, so this is not really a change.

I think a M&G would be possible if they were eager to expand the Marvel presence, but if they did so it would be as a tie in to the films (i.e. more of an advertisement like the monorail wraps) than an attraction in and of itself. I disagree with others who think that it would not be allowed -- the way I see it, if Disney were inclined, they would have their lawyers sit with Universal's lawyers and find out what would be acceptable to both sides and within the limits of the contact. Since there is nothing particularly prohibiting a M&G outside of a theme park, something could be worked out. That said, I do agree with others that Disney probably doesn't care enough to bother so I'm not holding my breath.

I am not so sure about the. See the clause I posted above.

 

[doctornick]

But why would Universal ever agree to it? Having the Marvel characters in their park is a major selling point. I can't imagine they would allow any Marvel meet and greet at WDW without exhausting all of their legal options.

I'm not saying Universal would "agree to it", I'm saying that they would concede that the contract doesn't prohibit it. Just like I'm sure Universal conceded that the contract didn't prevent the Marvel monorail wraps as long as they didn't enter the theme parks.

 

[CDavid]

There actually is a clause in the contract allowing Marvel to develop their own "retail concept", but they can't build it within 60 miles of Universal

Indeed there is, which makes me wonder if Disney might get a M&G or restaurant past Universal's lawyers easier than a merchandise concept. Again, not that I expect either, or even necessarily think it's a good idea.

 

[lebeau]

I'm not saying Universal would "agree to it", I'm saying that they would concede that the contract doesn't prohibit it. Just like I'm sure Universal conceded that the contract didn't prevent the Marvel monorail wraps as long as they didn't enter the theme parks.

Yeah, I don't see those as being remotely the same thing. An arbitor might disagree, but I don't see Disney pushing for it.

By your logic, Disney could put in a Spider-man ride as long as it was not in a theme park.

 

[CJR]

What end would it serve for Disney to push the legal envelope like that? M&Gs don't generate revenue directly, but the resulting legal mess could be expensive and result in bad press. And for what? A small M&G that actually could end up promoting the competitor's park down the road? I don't think so....Disney is not going to provoke anything like that. They are content with the current arrangement.

I don't see what a M&G at a store would do for Disney anyway. The idea would be to attract people into the store, but unless Disney charged you to meet the characters (which I don't think they've ever done), it would actually cost them money to do it. I do think a Marvel store will definitely open at Downtown Disney, but I don't see them doing a M&G there for the same reason they don't have Mickey Mouse M&G at DTD. That doesn't even take into account that Universal will probably fight the idea of it if Disney were to try it.

Based on what you just posted, I think it would be awesome for Disney to make a Marvel store with a lot of fun interactive elements. People can go in have a good time and make memories without walk around characters there. If they were to do it on the same level as the elements in World of Disney (like the spitting Stitch or the pirates cells), I don't think there would be a problem.

 

[BryceM]

It's completely and utter BS!

I honestly don't understand why some people are so eager to see Marvel junk at WDW when there is a perfectly good park that already HAS Marvel junk in it that they could go visit - UNIVERSAL. IT'S JUST DOWN THE ROAD, PEOPLE. YOU CAN RIDE THE HULK COASTER AND THE SPIDERMAN RIDE and all sorts of other stuff featuring ludicrous musculature in tights. Sheesh!

THANK YOU! And Islands of Adventure is a much better park than DHS, where everyone seems to want Marvel. I like DHS, but c'mon.

And if you want Marvel rides, it doesn't get much better than The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man or The Incredible Hulk Coaster... Like you mentioned.