Disney to acquire Marvel for $4 billion

[joonyer]

i just read about this in a newsletter today. I have not read all the posts so I am sorry if I ask a question that has already been answered. It seems that Universal had been having trouble getting their new coaster finished, plus they are doing the huge Harry Potter attraction. Is this just a money thing?

Universal's troubles with the new coaster (Rip Ride & Rockit) were related to design & engineering issues, not money. I think the coaster is finally up & running now. Someone else here may know more on that.

I don't know of any major problems with the completion of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, going in at IOA. It may be behind schedule somewhat, but I don't think that is anything really unexpected with a theme park construction project of that magnitude.

[Rhetoric2000]

Rip Ride Rockitt seemed to be working perfectly well when I rode it three times two days ago.

Harry Potter is not due to open until Fall 2010, they are making sure that they can create it to the highest standard before opening it, rather than rushing out a half-done job to cash in. For which I actually think they should be somewhat commended.

I kind of see where Marvel fans are coming from (I don't care how much they may be in the parks: Winnie the Pooh will never "say" Disney to me, nor will Alice) - but I don't think that style-mixing of the like that is being talked of here is going to come to fruition.

[Imagineer1981]

Universal actually has a long term licensing deal with Marvel that existed before the merger so it will still be valid until it expires. Disney cannot charge them royalties or anything like that until they have to negotiate a new contract later.

[TheVBs]

Universal actually has a long term licensing deal with Marvel that existed before the merger so it will still be valid until it expires. Disney cannot charge them royalties or anything like that until they have to negotiate a new contract later.

If they're paying Marvel for licensing, then they'd have to pay the new owners as well. It's not like they would get free licensing for the rest of the contract just because the company changed hands.