How Universal Studios Orlando Swindled Marvel

The Marvel Universal Studios Orlando contract has been a topic of a lot of discussion over the past few years. Many have wondered about three key questions when it comes to the Universal Studios Orlando Marvel deal. One, how did the Marvel Universal Studios Florida deal come to be in the first place? Two, what did the Islands of Adventure Marvel deal entail and how do the Universal Studios Marvel character rights work? And three, what are the implications today now that the Universal Studios Marvel characters cannot appear in Walt Disney World parks? All of that will be answered today as we take a deep dive into Universal Orlando Resort and the creation of Islands of Adventure Orlando.
Time Stamps:
00:00 Intro
01:04 How The Deal Came To Be
02:49 What The Deal Entailed And Why It Was So Bad
12:18 How The Deal Impacts The Parks Today
Universal Studios Orlando Contract Links:
Universal Studios Marvel Contract: www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/da...
Universal Studios Harry Potter Contract: www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/da...
Video Credit:
Marvel Cinematic Universe Montage: • Marvel Cinematic Unive... ​
Marvel Super Hero Island Islands of Adventure Orlando: • Marvel Super Hero Isla... ​
Orlando Universal Studios Montage: • Universal Studios Flor... ​
Spiderman Ride at Universal Studios Japan: • Spiderman Ride | Unive... ​
Twitter: / attractionidea

[@AttractionIdeas]

I should've specified this in the video, but one important thing to note is that Universal can only make changes to the land with Marvel's approval. And since Disney definitely won't approve any changes, the land is pretty much stuck the way it is. The one way around this for Universal is that the contract allows for the refurbishment and updating of current rides and facilities without approval. Which is how Hulk was allowed to be rebuilt and Spider-Man was able to be updated with new graphics. Also, as it turns out Disney could not get out of the contract when they acquired Marvel. All that grandstanding they did about honoring those contracts was just more of the typical empty statements that come from Disney execs. Should've done more research on that instead of taking that information for granted.

[@44bthknuckles]

Do a video on the relationship between warner bros and universal over dc comics if there is one?

[@nunyabeeness8506]

I was going to add this since you didn't cover in your video, but yea. I mean it wouldn't suck so much for us customers if MCA had gone full Mr. Wonderful mode and included the rights to completely revamp the land with ANY iteration of the characters/lore. They didn't so they can only refurbish crap and use cartoon iterations, not the MCU which is what everyone wants. And we are stuck with Dr. Doom and Storm rides forever.

[@dizzlethe7346]

My biggest thing with this is you KEEP saying that Uni is stealing or taken advantage of Marvel... You make it seem like everything should be handed to someone an not worked for. Like universal made marvel and all marvel had to do was grow. Marvel was about to go under an loose EVERYTHING! Universal an it's deal was the lifeline they needed and built an empire off of! Taking advantage of them along the way that you barely touched on lol... Universal kept the comics alive with the sales inside the park, Sure they bought them wholesale but who made thos comics? Marvel did, They made more then ever off of those comics. Making it so in the late 90s they could manufacturer there own toys also! Completely snowballing Marvel publishing into a world wide corporation able to do everything "in house" from comics to band aids. An anything they sell at universal they will make more $$ on then any other place bc of the extra % they have to pay wholesale or not so universal is it's best overall income chances with NO downside. Knowing that you have a place to sale Anything you make is something a seller can only dream of. An universal did that still kind of does too lol. The videos name to me should be "How marvel built an empire off the back of universal" Bc if it wasn't for universal we wouldn't have the marvel we do now. Sony "helped" along the way also. W/o universal putting marvel on blast could we really say DC wouldn't still be top? I can't

[@TombstoneDaDeadman]

@@dizzlethe7346 completely agree with this

[@AttractionIdeas]

I'm a bit confused by what you mean by this comment. I know Marvel obviously made money from the deal and it helped them stay afloat, though I'm confused how you can imply this deal has been good for Marvel. We obviously don't know how much money Marvel has made from this deal, but I can tell you right now it was not enough to be the defining factor in what made Marvel successful and saved them from bankruptcy. On top of this, you act like Universal has always been just as popular as it is today when that was far from the case. Before Harry Potter opening up in 2010, they were no more popular than SeaWorld. So to imply that somehow Universal's promotion of Marvel between 1999 and the start of the MCU was a major factor in their success is a bit ridiculous since Universal was not very popular in that time. By the time they did get popular with Harry Potter, the MCU was starting up and the opposite effect started to take place. The MCU's popularity has brought more people and more money to Universal due to its immense popularity. Unfortunately due to this contract, Marvel and Disney can't take advantage of that newfound popularity through their own parks or this deal because of this indefinite tag tied to it. As much as I like Universal, I don't think they did an act of kindness here and I do think they took advantage of Marvel and it has done significantly more harm then good to Marvel across its lifespan.

[@DrFranklynAnderson]

Unpopular(?) opinion: I like that Universal has the Marvel rights. I love the MCU, but I’m a comics fan first, so I love seeing a land based on the comics incarnations instead of the movies.

[@UndeadNerdT800]

Same

[@Klynch111]

Yeah I definitely prefer the comic book theming then the mcu iterations.

[@MrSolidBlakeGaming]

Disney DOESNT know what they have . So same here. Universal it’s doing it right

[@TheMastermind729]

The MCU Is shit so I hope Universal keeps the rights forever

[@Breadloaf-kr4gi]

Agreed 100%

[@goliath2068]

I honestly don't see Universal giving up Marvel for the Simpsons. One, the Marvel brand is way more popular than the Simpsons are. And two, Universal will keep Marvel if only to keep it out of DW, but if they lose the Simpson's rights, it's doubtful that Disney is going to add Springfield to the Magic Kingdom or anything.

[@AttractionIdeas]

True. Though it may not be a one for one swap, I do think if Disney ever does make a deal for Marvel it will most likely include Simpsons

[@KyleCleric]

@@AttractionIdeas It could be in order to make Disney attractions involving some of the underutilized characters from Marvel Superhero Island. Hulk and Spiderman are more solo heroes than Avengers so to have clarified access to the other Avengers and their related characters would be beneficial.

[@asudevil316]

Disney is building a Marvel ride in WDW as we speak

[@thefalsekingslayer3717]

Plus, the simpsons are pretty under utilized in the parks. They have one (modestly popular but not really) ride. But otherwise it's a glorified food court. Marvel has Two of universals most iconic and popular rides in Spiderman and Hulk.

[@notchuckproductions5029]

I think the deal should be not only do they get Simpsons but complete exclusive theme park rights to 20th century fox properties pre 2019(Excluding Avatar of course) The theme park devision at the time of the fox acquisition said they would not intergrate fox into the park. Fuck they could even sell foxes their pre 1970 catalog, or too them too as a bonus as unlike universal, Disney isn’t doing well at keeping foxes classic catalog alive

[@KilamajaroKen]

I wish Universal would give a better ride to the X-Men. They deserve more than just a mini teacup ride.

[@bruhh5842]

I would love that too but the they literally can't because Disney has to give them permission in order to do make a new ride or something that includes Marvel and that's not going to happen

[@CdrChaos]

They had to get permission from Disney to even update the costumes for their existing characters.

[@GiantsRTheBest1]

@@CdrChaos because Disney also cares about their character’s brand. So they’re not going to let it get into disrepair or anything that’ll ultimately tarnish their brand. But they’re also not going to allow Universal to get their IP and make an even better ride possibly taking more people away from Disney World

[@CdrChaos]

@@GiantsRTheBest1 “not going to let it get into disrepair” You mean like Everest or Dinosaur? Universal’s Hulk is more Incredible than Disney’s Hulk, and he’s just a roller coaster at Universal.

[@christinaanderson2312]

Maybe they could do something like a e scape from magnet rolacoster sinse he can control medel

[@041744]

Marvel is still stuck in several other contracts from the 90s when they were almost bankrupt. Sony owns the film rights to spiderman, and universal own the solo movie distribution rights to the Hulk. Fox owned the film rights for Xmen and Fantastic Four till disney bought them. Marvel sold them all for cheap, and later had to start the MCU with less popular characters the other studios didn't want the rights for.

[@dizzlethe7346]

At the time the characters may have been less popular maybe... But they still had the highest selling comic book hero's... Cap an iron Man. That an marvel didn't sell them for cheap by any means! Lol. From the start everyone said what was going on was going to be a home run for marvel or the last nail in the.... But no matter what IP holders (Stan Lee an company) will be well off forever. They weren't stupid they didn't sell all IP for anything away, nor did they sell to one company. They hedge there bets knowing all along they still have the comics an will be able to go larger into the toy's. You know the place Lucas films made out on lol. Basically they sold things they had absolutely no interest in at the time (movies. keeping cartoons!) Or at all. To build up what at the time (an still does) make the most profits, comics an toys. At the same time getting brand appeal that they got PAID in the purchase of the IP plus the sales that come from the parts of the IP. Like you said marvel at the time was almost bankrupt! From trying to go global with comic, toys, TV shows an cartoons. They couldn't get on America tv sets for the life of them. An the toys didn't sell over seas for crap. They got four of the largest companies to buy pieces, push Marvel, buy products from marvel give marvel a % more of said products (toys comics lunchbox w.e) the company took all the risk to market an make movies at the same time getting a Small % of sales, they had the companies pay then to make cartoons/day time tv shows building the video arts division on the $$ of others. All while knowing they still had every main piece for the crown jew of the company (avengers as a whole) to develop. Everyone sees marvel as a looser in this? When I think they did this with a plan and they played EVERYONE like a fiddle. Bc the companies that bought pieces are the same ones that wouldn't even give them cartoons spots on the stations they owned. After tho marvel got more shows on them then the IP they sold. To a insane amount with Fox an universal/Nickelodeon. Then you have to bring into account the amount of contacts they gained from them along with the new talent pools they had gained access to also. All of this isn't even talking the share holder aspect either other then more money lol.

[@sillygoose635]

not to mention paramount having iron man

[@calvinpicard2265]

and look how that turned out lmao

[@ron.hertzberg]

Hulk has been back at Marvel. The same reason we got that crap f4 reboot. They needed to pump out a movie quick to keep the ip

[@shawnhicks619]

Actually I’m pretty sure Disney’s marvel studio has access to nearly all its toys now with the exception of Spider-Man, but there is still a deal in place with Sony. Yes there is stipulations regarding the hulk and I think a few minor characters have deals elsewhere but after the Fox acquisition they significantly bulked up their toy chest.

[@deadstrider]

Disney will never be able to touch the quality of the Amazing Adventures of Spider-man ride, this coming from a guy who has read over a thousand spider-man comics. The ride perfectly emulates the blend of goofyness and suspense from the comics

[@jonallenmcnamara5339]

I would have to agree. I think Disney would probably go more for their version of Spidey (which I still love) rather than the pure 616 comic style Universal has.

[@imakebaddecisions2191]

I love the ride, but Runaway Railway and Rise of the Resistance are hands down the most immersive rides I know of. They could definitely do something of the caliber.

[@jonallenmcnamara5339]

@@imakebaddecisions2191 In terms of a ride, absolutely. I think the point was more in terms of creating a pure, fun, Spider-Man comic book experience.

[@gissneric]

Fun Fact: Scott Trowbridge, the guy who made this Spiderman ride, also made Rise of the Resistance at Disney. Both great rides.

[@deadstrider]

@@jonallenmcnamara5339 Holland Spider-man I.e. Disney Spider-lad is a disgrace. A polished turd cannot compare to scuffed gold trophy

[@hillpropane]

It's kinda funny now in retrospect. Disney bought up every ip but they can't use the most lucrative ones they have in their most lucrative parks. Not to mention they couldn't make deals for Harry Potter and Nintendo either. Maybe that's karma for trying to own everything. Idk just my 2 cents.

[@AttractionIdeas]

Yeah it’s so funny too. They let James Cameron go nuts with Avatar land, but wouldn’t even offer a full land to JK Rowling for Harry Potter. They’ll be playing catch-up for all eternity if they don’t start realizing they’re not alone at the top of the mountain anymore

[@hillpropane]

@@AttractionIdeas realistically they haven't been at the top of the mountain since the early 90s. Once universal was rolling with kongfrontation, bttf, jaws there was nothing like it at Disney. Only after universal closed those rides Disney climbed back but now that universal has Harry potter and Nintendo there's no contest now.

[@44bthknuckles]

Comcast is so much worse there huge,they bought both NBC and universal

[@vuldren]

@Thomas Magnum Universal cares more about longevity, BTTF will not survive as long as the Simpsons. They did this with MIB and Fear Factor and it’s coming to bite there asses how much these franchises didn’t grow. Universals goal is to have Harry Potter in each park and a Nintendo Land IP in each park.

[@asudevil316]

@@hillpropane how are they not at the top of the mountain? Universal's best park still trails the least visited Disney park

[@rolliemcsplat7618]

I like to think Marvel COMICS is at Universal while MCU Marvel can be found at Disney parks edit: 200 likes?? Thanks!

[@therock238360]

That’s a good way to describe it

[@randomrecipes5007]

My thoughts exactly. Also.... Comics >>>>>MCU

[@santiago7129]

that’s pretty much what it is

[@richmatthews7685]

This is true except one thing.. Universal does have the rights to sell Marvel MCU memorabilia, toys, clothing, etc.

[@ansonchow2016]

The best definition

[@thefalsekingslayer3717]

Universal has always been the scrappy underdog, always played dirty to stay competitive, and will always be my personal favorite for that reason

[@elijahblechman8633]

It's been that way since they started.

[@elvingarcia3010]

@@elijahblechman8633 NEW DreamWorks Theatre Featuring Kung Fu Panda: The Emperor’s Quest Coming To Celebrating Universal Orlando Resort 30th Anniversary Universal Studios Florida Opening Date In 2022

[@aaronrumph3291]

@@elvingarcia3010 I hope not unless it is completely different from the Hollywood one. Though your probably right as I did see that cheap Dreamworks sign that is at Hollywood tucked all the way in the back near the kids mini water park and ET ride

[@largol33t1]

I like both Disney and Universal but the Mouse doesn't hesitate to play dirty too... The only bad (for Disney!) is that playing dirty cost it the Harry Potter theme park rights.

[@aaronrumph3291]

@@largol33t1 Wait how, Harry Potter is not owned by Disney but Warner, though definitely playing dirty did not help them get their rights to Marvel in Disney World as the Universal Studio clause says that no characters represented in their theme park can be in the east coast, this is why disneyland has Web Slingers and Disney World doesn't, if Universal Hollywood had built Marvel attractions there then Disneyland would also not have web slingers

[@Zero8880]

I'm kind of glad that Universal still has the rights to Marvel Land, as I was a 90's comic book kid, and every time I go to Marvel Land, it reminds me of Marvel's 90's era. It's like Marvel Land is frozen in time around that era and I love it.

[@YuukiTakemoto1996]

Reminds me of when my friend Martha was a kid. She loved the '90s Marvel cartoons (especially Iron Man, because of Hawkeye.)

[@richardperhai8292]

Another clause is that Disney cannot use the Marvel brand name in the USA at all. Hence "Avengers Campus"

[@largol33t1]

This contract between Disney, Universal and Marvel is hilarious. So many tiny stipulations for one party but not for the other and vice versa! I bet I'd laugh pretty hard if I had a chance to read all the contracts.

[@Lil_Angry_Bitch]

"Avengers Shopping Mall"

[@greedpower565]

I NEVER want universal to get rid of this land

[@UndeadNerdT800]

And they never.

[@randomrecipes5007]

NEVER! It would break my heart, go every year around Halloween horror nights, with my brothers, and wife for past 6-7 years (missed last year)... fly from NY to Orlando... and Marvel is hands down my favorite section, feel like a kid, and at home everytime we're there.. have a nice beer, and sit and enjoy the atmosphere, go on Spiderman, Hulk, Doom, go in comics shop... LOVE that place... if they ever replaced I'd be heart broken. I fear Suess Landing which is also special to us might be replaced now with everything going on, ridiculous if you ask me.... Love the channel man, subbed... If anyones interested in cool video game news, reviews, play throughs... or awesome cooking videos check out my channel, I'd really appreciate it... Cheers everyone, stay safe, and happy.

[@exhaustguy]

The problem is that it is static at four rides. I understand now why it was never expanded. I wonder if the agreement prevents the use of a non-Marvel property (let's say for example Spawn or Hellboy as a dark ride). I guess that would create theming confusion so it is a non-starter.

[@ShockwaveFPSStudios]

Im with ya

[@ToppatAmogus]

It would probably stay forever until marvel becomes unknown again.

[@stephenfreitas7159]

I still think it’s pretty cool that two Disney franchises are taking up real estate space at Universal, Marvel and The Simpsons.

[@KilamajaroKen]

Black Panther first appeared in the comics in Fantastic Four. So, I think Universal would have the east coast rights.

[@williambrown8249]

LOL that must drive Wokesney crazy, I'm sure they would love to make a Wakanda land in animal kingdom or something

[@carterklakring]

I really like the Hulk ride. It’s something that I know Disney would never do. I hope it stays up forever

[@imaginatenation3697]

Idk, Disney is starting to make more intense rides

[@lovernatz]

@@imaginatenation3697 like?

[@vuldren]

@@lovernatz I’m guessing that Slinky Ride? Which is a Family Thrill Coaster not anything like Hulk.

[@gissneric]

Hulk opened in 1999. Disney's answer to that was Aerosmith Rockin Rollercoaster which opened the same year. Yeah I wish Disney would build more thrilling rollercoasters but they care more about not ruining sightlines and immersions so they put their rides inside a building.

[@wickedwood04]

The hulk ride is the worst roller coaster I have ever ridden. The harness that goes over your shoulders are murder on your ears. They need new ride vehicles desperately.

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

Yeah, the deal isn't great for Marvel and Disney today, but it made sense for the time. There's also the factor of Marvel Super Hero Island also being incredible. While I'd be okay without Storm Force and Doom, Disney would never build something like the Hulk and Spider-Man was a revolutionary ride for the industry in bringing forward screen based narratives. I know that Universal has gotten a lot of flak for its oversaturation on screen based attractions, but I don't think that screens are the issue so much as it's just lackluster experiences. Even today, Spider-Man is still an incredible attraction and while I like its counter-part Transformers, Spider-Man is still the superior attraction. Judging just from Disney's concept art of their Spider-Man attraction, I can't help but feel that it won't live up to what Universal has already produced. As always, I'm careful to judge an attraction before I actually ride it, but I have a strong feeling that I'm going to be correct. Disney just hasn't been producing any great attractions in the Iger/Chapek era with the exception of Flight of Passage (and I think that while good, Rise of the Resistance doesn't particularly "wow" me). For the most part, I anticipate Disney's new Marvel attractions to be aggressively mediocre as everything else has been. That's what makes me glad that we've gotten what we did with Universal. Marvel Super Hero Island is looking very "90s" today, but is still a fantastic land with two unbeatable e-tickets.

[@asudevil316]

Wow...what a jumble of words...Rise of the Resistance, Flight of Passage, Radiator Springs Racers, etc all better than what Universal has made in the last 20 years

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

@@asudevil316 I'm not really sure what you gain from trying to defend Disney's mediocrity. Flight of Passage is truly fantastic, but Radiator Springs and Rise aren't particularly innovative or exciting. Disney is on a downward slope and continuously trying to play catch-up, knowing that Universal will soon become a much stronger competitor. If they want to compete with Epic Universe, they're going to need to put a lot more thought and creativity into their attractions.

[@asudevil316]

@@PoseidonEntertainment Im not sure why you think your uninformed opinion is somehow fact. You talk about mediocrity then defend Universal. Disney has yet to create anything has mediocre as Fast and The Furious Supercharged or the Jimmy Fallon Late Nighr ride. You honestly have no idea what you are talking about. While Disney has the amazing Festival of the Arts and Flower and Garden Festival, Universal rips them off with the mediocre Mardi Gras event. Why don't you try again but this time actually say something correct?

[@asudevil316]

@@PoseidonEntertainment but do go on and tell me more about how the universally praised and loved Rise of the Resistance isn't innovative, I need a good laugh Yeah, Disney totally needs to worry about creativity while building the state of the art Guardians of the Galaxy ride...they should totally tear it down and create a Mario Kart ride that is a screen based slow omnimover....that is totally creative lol

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

@@asudevil316 Luckily for you, I've already broken it down: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKm0n6lqr7irgLM Also, what's state-of-the-art about rebuilding Gringotts? Disney is going to be 8 years behind on this when it likely opens. Mario Kart is already receiving quite the positive buzz, and why bother speaking about it when you don't even know anything about the ride?

[@therealventures]

Ngl im happy universal has the marvel land. It would suck for that to go away.

[@DrKrocket]

I love the old style of marvel, yeah MCU took their new toys and polished them very well, but nothing beats the old comic feel that Marvel Land has. Like it's frozen in time.

[@raidenstark315]

I believe for the sake of this land is the reason why marvel doesn't want to get hulk's solo movie rights back For not destroy their relationship with universal

[@gheebus3890]

@@raidenstark315 that’s definitely not why, disney wants as much money as possible

[@itallionator]

It’s honestly a staple of a lot of people’s childhoods. A sanctuary of the 90’s. People can see it as marvel getting taken advantage of, or you can see it as Universal making a smart play in a long game.

[@ShockwaveFPSStudios]

Dr Krocket I agreed, I wish Marvel Stayed with the Comics on More then just Refrences their designs and Make them costumes part of a Game thats more MCU Based. Man I Miss the 90s and Early 2000s To Early 2010s

[@RecklessBeast1]

You know what? I’m glad that Marvel is still at Universal. I’m also happy that Disney found a way to make their own “Marvel land”. I love Marvel so having both companies competing with each other only makes it better for me as there are more rides and attractions I can go too.

[@typemasters2871]

Plus anything stopping Disney from becoming a complete monopoly is a good thing Especially when that leads to products/franchise thriving more than it would be under a monopoly

[@smoothjamcalifornia1210]

That was the cool thing about different companies making different Marvel movies back in the day, they were always competing with each other. A shame Disney had to come along and ruin that by buying them all up and making the same movie 30 times...

[@largol33t1]

@@typemasters2871 I'm SO glad they blew it big-time negotiating with JK Rowling over the Harry Potter IP rights. She was so frustrated with their dictatorial management that she stomped out the door and flew back home. A few months later, on another business trip to the US, she found herself on the SAME plane as several high level Universal/Comcast execs. They must have had a long conversation on the flight because upon landing, she shook hands and agreed to sign a letter of intent. That was when the Mouse permanently lost its dominance on South Florida...

[@mg6945]

I still haven't gone to Universal Florida but this land being there is the exact reason I want to go. Whenever I can, I'm definitely gonna go just to see this

[@josebottom5211]

Marvel land at universal is like the best of 90s and 80s of marvel. It feels so cool since I grew up with the marvel cartoons from the 90s like Spider-Man, x men, and hulk

[@YuukiTakemoto1996]

And Iron Man... I love Hawkeye!

[@smoothjamcalifornia1210]

Back when Marvel was good in other words...

[@ThaddeuHenriques]

The Simpsons at Universal contract is between Universal and Matt Groening himself. Disney would would not have a direct say in the matter. Although the contract does have an expiration date and a possibility for extension if both parties wish to do so

[@AttractionIdeas]

Huh didn’t know that. Groening does it all man that guy’s a stud

[@nunyabeeness8506]

@@AttractionIdeas Don't believe everything you read. I need a reliable source from him because I'm dubious of this guy's claim. It sounds like when people claim Avatar is owned by Jimmy Cameron and the deal for Pandora was between him and Disney. Simpsons are owned by 20th Century Studios (20th Century Fox at the time of the deal). A deal would not be made without the copyright owner signing off on it. www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1262449/000119312511065644/d10k.htm "The Simpsons are trademarks and copyrights of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation." Matt Groening is not even mentioned here. Compare that to the legalese for Wizarding World where they specify the rights the JKR owns: "HARRY POTTER, character names and related indicia are trademarks and copyrights of Warner Bros. Entertainment, Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights are copyrights of JKR."

[@nunyabeeness8506]

Need a source on this, bud. Googled it and found nothing. Copyright owner for the Simpsons is 20th Century Studios. Groening is never given copyright credit for anything (compared to JKR, for example).

[@AlejandroGomez-or7op]

If the Avengers land is a success in California (the same level of success of Wizarding World) Disney will fight HARD to get Marvel back on Disney World

[@vuldren]

Seeing how when Galaxy’s Edge released and saw almost no increase in population vs how Harry Potter gave Universal a 22% increase. I’m doubtful that Avengers Land will give the same effect. Even more in a location like California.

[@asudevil316]

@@vuldren do you understand how percentages work? When Galaxy Edge opened up all Disney parks went up in attendance. The jump was not big because the attendance was already high already. Example, If you have 1000 visitors then gain 20 new visitors you only go up 2%, but if you have 100 visitors and gain 20 new visitors then you went up 20%. Numbers are fun

[@vuldren]

​@@asudevil316 What's the point of investing millions to see no increase? This is why numbers are fun. idk about you but If I invested a Billion for a whole land to see 0% increase while my competitor invests a quarter of it why bother? Even if the population was already high before release the ROI isn't there if it doesn't go up at least 1%. Remember 22% is always better then 0%.

[@asudevil316]

@@vuldren numbers are fun, and they did go up and it wasn't a 0% increase. 20 fans are 20 fans, a 22% growth yet still falling behind the least visited Disney park is pathetic. Oh and the best part...the growth that Universal gained they have lost it already lol. So in the end the ROI for Disney is much much higher.

[@vuldren]

@@asudevil316 Man I really wish I were just "falling behind" the biggest company in entertainment to date. Mind you with the multi-billion dollar franchises Disney has and still be able to compete in the predatory business of the theme park industry. I'm sorry bud but Growth is better than being stagnant in the industry because if it were true that universal loss 22% of that growth, they wouldn't be here dishing out high quality rides (excluding "Fast & the Furious" and Jimmy Falon) and acquiring huge IP's and making possibly the best theme park to Orlando that will officially compete with the size of Magic Kingdom.

[@puma8242]

Universal did a lot in the beginning to popularize Marvel again

[@smoothjamcalifornia1210]

Good point. People always like to ignore this fact when talking about contracts Marvel made back in the day. They always look at it through their Marvel/Disney rose tinted glasses and forget to mention that it was actually Sony/Fox/Universal/Paramount that helped make the Marvel brand big in the 2000's before Disney came in and bought over an already successful franchise they now take complete credit for.

[@isabellerogers7678]

Man that's how you manipulate a media company (or any company really) that's in a bad financial state - even if that state is very, very temporary. A fascinating story - thanks for the video!

[@ottot3221]

Marvel wasn't swindled by Universal in any way or form. You could say they survived because of Universal and that is how Disney got rich. Universal could also build new rides for the land if they wanted as long as it is within the agreement and that is fine. They remade the Hulk from scratch and plussed it, all within the contract. Above that Universal took a huge risk. At that time each scoop mobile costed $1 million! That is an investment in a failing comic book company! In the end Marvel is best represented at Universal as the Legoland clone ride for Spider-man at Disney looks cheap and a waist of potential. Above that Disney HAS to accept the legal contract that where in place when they bought it, they CAN"T just stop it (except if they want to buy the rights back), so in that respect your video has wrong information.

[@AttractionIdeas]

Yeah I’m not entirely sure if Disney could not honor the contract upon the acquisition of Marvel, but it has been a topic of contention so I figure I’d bring it up. Also looking at each attraction in the land, if the Marvel IP failed it would be very easy to retheme everything without demolishing anything. So I don’t think it was really a “take a chance” move by Universal as much as it was a “take advantage” of a floundering company desperate to make a deal. Also, they cannot build new rides per the deal. That would require Marvel’s approval which they’ll never get. The reason they were able to rebuild Hulk is because there is a clause in the contract that allows for refurbishments and upgrades to be made to current rides/facilities without Marvel’s approval.

[@dane4073]

​@@AttractionIdeas either way even though I think the X-Men ride is the least rode ride of the whole park it still has Disney by the balls.

[@fernandoucles5956]

I really don’t want marvel to go to the Disney parks cause it’s all just going to be the MCU. I like the comics aesthetic Universal has in their park much more than a hypothetical MCU land in Disney, its more nostalgic I suppose

[@AttractionIdeas]

Yeah and I’ll say this: the comic book versions of the characters are timeless, but the MCU versions can become outdated in short order. We’ve gotten 3 different Spider-Mans across the past 2 decades.

[@nunyabeeness8506]

@@AttractionIdeas Only one of those versions is MCU. Comics also change aesthetics quite often. Professor X is a walker in Krakoa right now, for example.

[@fernandoucles5956]

@@nunyabeeness8506 I totally get your point. It really is just a matter of opinion, of whether you prefer the movies or comics and even if you prefer comics there is a vast selection of different art styles and designs. Also most people mostly just watch the movies so from a business standpoint it’s obvious that the MCU is superior in every way cause I’m sure the movies will age just as well or even better as say the original spiderman trilogy did. I just personally love comics all around so any comic version wins me over.

[@nunyabeeness8506]

@@fernandoucles5956 Sure, I don't disagree that it's subjective. It's hard to argue over popularity though and the MCU iteration is more popular than the cartoon or comic iterations, hence preferred by most people. I have no doubt that if Universal could, they would have reskinned and rethemed the whole area around the MCU. It would be a lot more popular too, thus bring them more money.

[@fernandoucles5956]

@@nunyabeeness8506 completely agreed

[@skyflux]

Disney is on a trend of ruining almost everything they own. They do not deserve it. They should never get it. Universal has been a good steward of this IP and they deserve to keep it. In the long run they will likely be the best asset Marvel has to keeping the brand alive. Disney is in a downward spiral, and it's their own fault. If Universal hands it over, you can very much expect Disney to craft a new land without Iron Man or Hulk or Spider Man. Don't believe me? Then explain to me where we can find Luke, Leia, and Han in Galaxy's Edge.

[@AttractionIdeas]

Yeah they’ve really botched with Star Wars pretty much every step of the way

[@asudevil316]

@@AttractionIdeas why not just come out and say you hate Disney?

[@seanbillington3287]

@@asudevil316 damn dude, you really take Universal's success personal, don't you?

[@aaronrumph3291]

@@AttractionIdeas I wouldn't say that botched it, the actual land is really well made they just care more about the world over the characters, though the rides can be better

[@eduardo-ni2qz]

@@aaronrumph3291 the rides are as$

[@deathdefying1472]

It’s still crazy to me that marvel is at a UNIVERSAL park Well I’m happy it is and I’m pretty sure it isn’t going anywhere

[@Veritas-invenitur]

If Disney REALLY wanted those rights they could find a way to creatively strong arm Universal. When you cannot use the language of the contract itself to get out of it you find a way to persuade the other party into terminating it. I suspect that this is in the works. The things that Disney could do with the Marvel IP would be groundbreaking and forever change Disney as we know it. Disney could if they wished build an additional park in Florida with only coasters and thrill style rides and experiences using the Marvel IP. This park could be entirely aimed at the 10-35 year old market. It would actually be quite badass, at least if it resembled what I see in my head. Tony Stark and the Avengers gives them sooooooooo muchhhhhhh to work with. All the ride systems could be new and advanced park exclusives created by “Stark Industries”. If even 1/25th of the vision I see in my head was realized everyone world wide would be lured in for decades. It would be nearly compulsory. A need to see place. A world wonder. People would have Elon Musk and SpaceX/Tesla level cultism over this place.

[@rachelnarbo2340]

I found you channel yesterday and I’m obsessed !

[@redfive1300]

Fun fact: Now that you mentioned "good terms" in the contract, Universal made a HHN maze back in 2002 (when they moved to IOA) called Maximum Carnage, a scare house inspired by the iconic Spider-Man villain/symbiote Carnage and the Maximum Carnage comic series. Marvel was completely horrified (no pun intended) by how the heroes of the land (Spider-Man, Captain America, etc.) were being treated in the maze, and as a result, they forced Universal to not make anymore HHN mazes ft. Marvel licensed characters.

[@YuukiTakemoto1996]

I betcha Swayzak loved that. Marvel's a bunch of pansies. That would be flipping awesome if they continued.

[@dz5598]

I just stumbled on this. I enjoy your take on things you have an easy voice to listen to.

[@carminecdinoproductions]

I wanna see a full-blown grand-scale Marvel Universe theme park built from the ground up complete with a Marvel Manhattan, an Avengers Academy Campus, a Wakanda, and other areas!

[@elijahblechman8633]

A real life recreation of several famous marvel landmarks as rides would be cool. >Baxter building (a ride simulating the issue when it got sent to space) >Daily bugle building (with a spiderman stunt show) >Avengers tower (meet and greet) >doctor strange sanctum ride >wakanda embassy >Hulk encounter >bifrost ride

[@kbraven7007]

An Asgard would be so awesome if they can bring that to life

[@jonmcinnis1645]

⁠@@elijahblechman8633 the only way I think a full-blown grand-scale Marvel Universe theme park I think could happen after Comcast (the company that owns Universal) should just outright buy Disney (after Disney should just outright buy Sony)

[@MeganScarbath]

This was an awesome video! Using this as the topic for my legal studies paper lol. I appreciate the sources listed too!

[@geemermeemer5998]

Attraction Ideas your probably not gonna read this comment but thank you so much for the awesome video! Your channel is growing faster than ever so I hope you continue to pump out quality content after quality content. Your the first commentary channel I have watched that talks honestly and non biasedly about Universal Studios so I hope you keep in up:)

[@AttractionIdeas]

Thanks old sport! I’ll keep making them so long as people like em lol

[@lildannyd]

How do you only have 8k subs, excellently done!

[@blah7983]

It would be interesting to see a deal along the lines of Universal being able to keep everything they have (including the simpsons) with Disney acquiring the rights to avengers characters with anything current being grandfathered in.

[@aaronrumph3291]

I think they should make a deal where Universal can expand Marvel land including adding rides in return for Disney being able to use the Marvel characters in their park including building their own rides based on the characters

[@defaultexploit]

I find it funny that you can find dc comics merch at universal studios and marvel merch at islands of adventure

[@AttractionIdeas]

Yeah that MIB store is a trip

[@TommySantoyo]

Great vid. I haven't seen anyone else dig through the contract like you did. Really good info. I think it's also important to remember that who knows if Marvel even exists anymore without contracts like these. In retrospect it's brutal, but at the time they needed the money to stay afloat long enough to get to the point they are at today. It's impossible to know the impact Universal had specifically on that, but it's not zero. Fun to think about.

[@carterklakring]

Really entertaining video... I rode Hulk yesterday and I literally asked my friend the same thing. How can Universal get these rights and so does the main competitor just down the street? I subbed by the way.. keep up the Universal Orlando videos!

[@Brandon5tewart]

Two things I thought of while watching this (great video by the way) 1. Is the Nintendo contract the same or would it change the deal? 2. Disney is also getting paid for their biggest competition to advertise for them, so it’s kind of a win there.

[@AttractionIdeas]

We don’t know the exact details of the Nintendo deal, though the assumption is there is an end date with option for extension

[@poopydavis1358]

I love how u do all this universal content I love universal keep it up

[@rolliemcsplat7618]

Exactly! You would never see Disney build a Hulk themed roller coaster, especially at a size of its grandure!

[@imaginatenation3697]

@@rolliemcsplat7618 No, they would, Disney is starting to get more intense with their rides

[@thebirdofbludhaven8647]

I never want marvel land at universal to leave. It’s so nostalgic to see all the pre mcu stuff from my childhood.

[@AttractionIdeas]

I would be totally okay if it stayed for the long run. Love the Spider-Man and Hulk rides

[@therock238360]

Agreed, I remember when Super Nintendo World got announced, there was speculation that it would be replacing the Marvel land

[@elijahblechman8633]

I really enjoy the mcu but I hate how it's overtaken the marvel brand.

[@Gh0ulOnYT]

New person here but how can I not subscribe. You explained this interesting topic so well. Keep it up

[@franklee538]

It’s not really swindling if the choices are “this or death.” It’s like someone buying junk you had lying around while you were starving. You’re just glad someone wanted that junk and you didn’t die holding onto it even though it’s worth a lot now.

[@CDRachelsauthorofMMroman-ee4ci]

i agree whole-heartedly. where is this narrative of "unfair" or "swindled" coming from? we can't let the present cloud the 1996-marvel lens. come on now.

[@michagol2]

Thank you for this, great work!

[@DuckTheHeel]

Can’t wait to go to a theme park. These vids got me through some low points last year. Thanks man.

[@OfficialEmilioVision]

The only downside to Universal's Marvel theme park is that it looks like it's stuck in the 90's. Even if they can't go the MCU route, that place still need a major update.

[@doubleflores8350]

That may be, but it has a very good comic book feel. Despite it being dated, it does feel like I’m in a comic book with my favorite characters.

[@seanbillington3287]

Being stuck in the 90s is a good thing! Gives it that retro feel that a lot of people love, including myself. It can't be outdated if it's a classic.

[@BoldHammer1616]

Is it true that Universal can’t make any new marvel attractions outside of the original four that are in the current land? I’ve read somewhere that the contract states that the only thing Universal can legally do is refurbish the current (which explains the update to Spider-Man in terms of HD screens as well as the new track for the Hulk Coaster not too long ago).

[@AttractionIdeas]

This is correct. I should've clarified this in the video

[@jeffadkins9644]

@@AttractionIdeas I don't believe this is correct. While it's true that Marvel must approve any changes, Marvel is not permitted to veto any "reasonable" changes.

[@jasonyau326]

Universal can keep what it has in terms of Marvel attractions as long as it invest in upkeep keeping their marvel attractions in tip top shape

[@TheDame]

This channel is so underrated. I literally wondered about this every time I went to Islands. Thank you AI 😊 I think they will sell to focus on expanding Wizarding World. I have a feeling that one might just morph into an entire third park.

[@aaronrumph3291]

Not likely unless they decide to tear down marvel, comic strip, and Popeye area for a Nintendo theme, put that is hard with Epic universe coming and part of that going to be focused on the Mario land Japan made most likely Epic Universe will be an expansion of multiple Nintendo properties as that land they brought is much bigger than the Mario themed World in Japan. If they sold Marvel they would then have to figure out how to retheme that land and then throw a bunch of that money to the very expensive Spiderman ride to be rethemed since it is easily the best screen ride in the entire parks. Most likely they will have to spend the next couple of years focusing on the 4th park and a replacement for Shrek 4D plus the maintenance for the Harry Potter and the Jurassic park lands especially Hagrid's because that ride is a nightmare to keep running smoothly seeing that it is delayed pretty much everyday due to some sort of issue.

[@cheesehead52221]

I think the big thing people miss in this is that universal will just about never, under just about any condition, give away the marvel theme park rights in orlando. It is too valuable to disney, and disney could do so much with it that they will keep it. Doesn't matter that they can't do much more of anything with it. They have to keep it to have a shot at winning the orlando theme park wars. Guardians is nice, big hero 6 exists, but disney would want the big names (mainly spiderman, but all the others as well), and could do so much with it, and both parities know that

[@TVsttic]

marvel island is probably my favorite land in universal.

[@leomonaghan3933]

Properties that Disney/Marvel could probably still use in Orlando. ~ Guardians of the Galaxy ~ The Eternals ~ The Inhumans ~ Doctor Strange ~ Captain Marvel (maybe) ~ Thunderbolts ~ Ghost Rider ~ Blade ~ Daredevil ~ Punisher ~ Powerman & Iron Fist ~ Power Pack ~ Cloak & Dagger ~ Man-Thing ~ Moon Knight ~ Shang Chi ~ Alpha Flight

[@cmleibenguth]

Daredevil, Power Man and Iron Fist, Shang Chi, Captain Marvel, and Dr Strange have been prominent members of the Avengers in the comics. Based on the contract wording, I don't think it was limited to just the original teams pre this deal. Captain Marvel was (as Ms Marvel) an Avengers member long before this contract. The Inhumans and Eternals are possibilities (but not all, as some have been Avengers -- notably Black Knight Dane Whitman)

[@leomonaghan3933]

@@cmleibenguth Dr. Strange has already been in the Disney Orlando park. As to the others, as they were already established in solo books before joining the avengers that would bypass the universal contract. Otherwise the Universal contract would give them exclusive rights to basically every hero in the Marvel universe since almost every Marvel hero has been "an Avenger" at some point or another.

[@imaginatenation3697]

I'm happy Avengers Campus is coming to Disneyland!!!

[@elvingarcia3010]

and Disney's Hollywood Studios

[@jaosant5256]

@@elvingarcia3010 probably… not but we gotta wait for Springfield to go away for us to see how things will go out

[@Alovon]

Honestly with the FOX deal, I think Disney could Sweeten the pot with other franchise licensing rights for parks, or just outright give Universal the IP rights and production rights to some franchises from the Fox deal in the case of giving Universal stuff in order to get Marvel Park rights back for the East coast. Franchises I think could be under this are. -Dragon Ball (Disney does in fact own the Movie and I think licensing rights to Dragon Ball in the U.S), if Universal could do it, they could talk with Shueisha to see if they could get other anime IP licensing in order to make a Japanese-inspired replacement island to Marvel Superhero island with rides themed after Anime properties. -Futurama, I say that if Disney is willing to give Simpsons back to Universal at least in the parks, they likely would be inclined to give it's cousin-show Futurama to them too, it would also expand ride opportunities with Futurama's future-setting allowing more thrill rides unlike Simpsons. -Seth McFarlane Shows, similar vain to Simpsons, they could likely incorporate them into rides and areas similar to how Universal is implementing Simpsons. There are likely other franchises that could fit well as part of Islands of Adventure to replace Marvel Superhero island, but those are some that come to mind.

[@exhaustguy]

Disney doesn't do horror very well for obvious reasons. Give up television and park rights to Alien, Predator, the Fly, and Rocky Horror. Alien could be a dark ride in place of Spider-Man. You could theme Dr. Doom with webs and pretend you are dropping from a web with a giant spider leering over you. The Hulk coaster could be themed as being chased by a Predator. I would do the teacup as a Rocky Horror ride with the Time Warp playing. You can get away with things at Universal that you could never do at Disney. I would suspect Universal would get some serious cash as well.

[@cmleibenguth]

Manga and Anime are pretty popular right now. Any rights Disney is willing to give up to universal on that front may be a worthwhile bargaining chip.

[@annieskywalker9290]

@@cmleibenguth ironically, universal japan themed by a period of time Some attractions With anime IPs like sailor moon, Evangelion, Attack on titan, detective conan, Godzilla, etc.

[@kbraven7007]

They could also let Universal have X-men and Fantasic 4 then the Marvel part can stay, but be focusing on those characters. While Disney have Spider-Man and the Avengers

[@HandicappedMind]

gotta look at it from the flip side... sure they could be getting screwed now but back when it was signed it mighta been what kept um afloat and a key peice of the puzzle leading up to the cinematic universe and their current success in the first place

[@zerekanthony2203]

Just discovered Ur channel --good stuff! One thing I would add, from an immediate money stand point u may be right that this isn't the greatest deal for Disney but from a long term money stand point there is definitely value at having Marvel characters in a competitors theme park. Its more positive exposure for the brand means Marvel competitor brands can't be there which in a round about way ties to the the first point of the positive exposure. On top of that with Guardians, Captain Marvel, Eternals, Shang Chi, Blade, and characters from Thor all getting set to take stage on the big screen there are future opportunities for Marvel heroes at Epcot and other east cost Disney parks to capitalize on. So its not really as bad when u consider those things.

[@AttractionIdeas]

All those things definitely help Disney's circumstances, though they really need those new characters' movies to do well if they do want to move ahead with bringing them to the parks.

[@zerekanthony2203]

@@AttractionIdeas true-- but when has Kevin Feige failed to deliver the goods?! If I was a betting man I'd say rest assured we've got some hits on the way. Good thing though is we won't have to wait long as a bulk of those movies are due out this year...

[@cmleibenguth]

Carol was an Avenger in the comics before this deal was made and is still now. Blade, Ghost Rider, and Midnight Sons are on the table, but I doubt they would get major exposure as their aesthetic might be deemed to frightening for a disney park. Inhumans and Eternals are a possibility. Shang Chi has been an Avenger, so I doubt it.

[@yourhoe6665]

This is honestly something that’s always bothered me a bit. Disney seems to put all eggs in one basket with Star Wars, even though the more successful franchise right now is marvel with wandavision topping show charts and both recent avengers movies and black Panther topping top 5 charts. If you look, there’s always more merchandising for Star Wars then marvel in both the parks and just in general like stores. Marvel is what Disney should be more focused on if they want a bigger buck. I guarantee you they would make a heck of a lot more money showing some more effort in advertising the marvel brand then they do with Star Wars. Mandalorian was very successful and I enjoyed it but I get tired of seeing baby yoga printed on almost anything Disney can put it on now... hardy anything marvel on anything Disney makes now... and when Disney makes things it’s mainly baby groot based merchandise which also ends up not being a lot of effort put in. I just feel like Disney is missing out on giving marvel the marketing spot light. They push so hard for Star Wars things and Star Wars isn’t even really what it used to be...

[@aaronrumph3291]

Well now you know why that is, Universal hold the rights to Marvel themed parks and until Disney strikes a deal with universal all they can do is Guardians of the Galaxy stuff since it is one of the only Marvel brands Universal doesn't own

[@itsthegasman449]

Not sure how to feel about this deal...hulk, doom and spidey are some of my favourite rides at universal, but they are slowly becoming more and more outdated, since they are based on the comics rather than the MCU stuff everyone knows. Disney would be able to bring more immersive and up to date attractions, but they would never dare create something with the thrills of hulk and doom there. Also I feel xmen and fantastic 4 would be less represented too since they arent in the MCU which makes me a bit sad

[@aquapyro1]

The problem with X-men at IoA is that they were the biggest characters for almost 25 years and yet all they got was a Mad Tea Party clone

[@cuttinol]

I don't think universal would lose the ride's at all. They'd just simply have to re-theme it. For example Universal Beijing is getting the exact same Hulk rollercoaster except it will be themed to Transformers. Same ride just different theming

[@JohnPannozzi]

@@cuttinol exactly.

[@exhaustguy]

@@aquapyro1 Yes. Always a disappointment. I don't think I even rode it the last time I was there.

[@exhaustguy]

@@cuttinol The Spider-Man ride would create some problems. You could retheme, but it would be the most expensive of the bunch. Kind of like running a new film when Back to the Future switched to Simpson's. Spider-Man's behaviors are pretty unique so I wonder about a retheme - what would make sense?

[@moviedudexd5579]

I'm honestly kinda glad Universal still has the rights to use Marvel. Its kinda like a time capsule of Pre-Disney Marvel and its refreshing to see the non MCU versions of the characters. I'm honestly not a fan of the MCU. I think its a bit oversaturated and has influenced the film industry in a negative way.

[@74kid]

I’m a early 70’s born Star Wars fan but did like Marvel as a kid, I loved the 70’s Spider-Man live action TV show. I didn’t buy Marvel comics and I can see how older Marvel fans like the retro feel of Universal but you have to acknowledge that there are millions of younger MCU fans who have grown up with it and as they get older their voices will be heard and there will be an increased demand for the MCU, as they mature, get better paid jobs and have more money to spend, similar to my generation and Star Wars. It will be worth Disney sorting this deal out long term.

[@nohrianscum9791]

The Marvel Superhero Island is so surreal, a time capsule of 90s Marvel in a post-MCU world. Is Universal not allowed to create entirely new rides without renegotiating the contract?

[@AttractionIdeas]

Yeah unfortunately they can't build anything completely new without Marvel's approval.

[@agletdontforgetit]

The thing Is, they could be doing SO MUCH MORE with Comic Book Island. It really needs a redo.

[@jeffadkins9644]

I agree with that, but I'd never want those characters to go to Disney.

[@vuldren]

Disney won’t let them. Comic Book Strip is gonna stay as is in till the IP dies, right now it’s not allowing Disney to make a Marvel Land right next door and they need to do loopholes instead.

[@kramerrichardson6008]

I feel like Disney will definitely make some kind of move for marvel properties, since they can technically just cancel it they still have leverage overall so they could offer enough money to replace the marvel super hero island and let universal keep the Simpsons as well. I think the Nintendo deal will be super profitable for universal.

[@devinbkramer]

Of course it wasn’t a fair deal but as you mentioned, Marvel wasn’t doing so well at the time. From a business standpoint, Marvel made the deals it had to just so it could survive. I’m sure, looking back, they also regret that they sold off their film rights back in the day to the likes of such as Sony, but it was pertinent at the time for the survival of the company. Even with these unfortunate deals, Marvel and Disney have done well to work with Sony and Universal when it comes to their contracts while also making sure Disney is profitable as well.

[@MidnightsDeluxe]

I’m glad it’s at Universal because Disney would not build a roller coaster like the hulk

[@JIrish780]

You are correct, Black Panther has been an on and off member of the Avengers starting relatively early in their comics run, specifically in 1968. His first comics appearance was in the pages of Fantastic Four, so Universal has him covered two ways, effectively. Doctor Strange is the one I'm looking at as possibly where Disney might have wiggle room. Traditionally he's associated with the Defenders, at least the incarnation before the one with the New York street level heroes. He only joined an incarnation of the Avengers formally in the mid-aughts after the comic book version of Civil War. In that light, I'm not 100% sure if he's considered part of the Avengers licensing package like Hulk is. Of course, if Strange is on one of those monoliths in the central square of the island, it might be a moot point. Marvel's licensing is/was frankly confusing. Reportedly the Avengers movies could not use Kang the Conqueror, one of their most prominent foes, since he first appeared in an early Fantastic Four comic (as Rama Tut; Kang continuity is a freaking mess). Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch rights were split between X-Men (where they originated as members of the Brotherhood, and where Quicksilver would spend significant time in the spin-off series X-Factor) and Avengers (where they spent most of their published heroic career) franchises. And those are the two most obvious examples that come to my mind.

[@AttractionIdeas]

Doctor Strange showed up in Hollywood Studios as a walk-around character back when his movie came out so it's entirely possible Disney would be allowed to use him for an attraction at Walt Disney World. Spot on there.

[@nsciulli]

you should do a video with ideas for what you think universal could/would do with the land if they could no longer use the marvel properties. great stuff!

[@rebirthoflegend4797]

The reason people probably think Disney gets 100% of merch is because the Sony/Spiderman - MCU deal grants Disney 100% merchandise sales if I remember correctly. That probably just got conflated with the Universal deal, even though its completely different. Sony wanted to get spiderman in the MCU, and Disney also wanted it, but Disney and the MCU had a bit more leverage.

[@enrajbroin]

That's not really a part of the MCU deal to be specific, Marvel just kept full merchandising rights when it sold the Spider-Man film rights to Sony in the 90s.

[@Noble_Nole]

Very informative video

[@kikicallahan3662]

So in terms of Fox's animated films, Disney can’t use Horton because he's at Suess Landing, but they can use Anastasia, Ice Age and Rio at their parks.

[@TheChadTI]

Nice Neil Adams art on those DC attraction concepts.

[@coasterkeychain6852]

I wonder if Disney World can use Doctor Strange? Think of a Tower of Terror re-theme to Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (the new movie coming out) where you drop through different dimensions and multiverses.

[@itsthegasman449]

Yeah they can use Dr strange, they had a meet and Greet for him when his movie came out

[@coasterkeychain6852]

@@itsthegasman449 Ok that really helps my theory and speculation a lot . Thank You.

[@flarestriker2005]

Sounds great but I highly doubt it'll happen as Tower Of Terror is the most popular attraction in Hollywood Studios.

[@kylefukumoto5811]

The major point you are missing is the Marvel licensing, since they are licensees, Universal has to report how many enter the gates of their parks, the ride numbers, AND Universal has to upgrade their rides, The Incredible Hulk was refurbed in 2016. So they have inside information for both Orlando parks! It is critical if you know the opposition's exact numbers. Also, you missed that Islands has the Marvel comics license, a difference, since Avengers Campus doesn't have Marvel's Avengers Campus. The MCU puts the Marvel name on everything. The characters, theming, and attractions are all based on the comic books. The artwork around the island is from the 90's comic books, not current. All of Marvel Island could be converted into other rides except Spider-Man. It happened with the Dueling Dragons in Harry Potter Land. Before Islands opened there was a Marvel Mania restaurant outside of Universal Hollywood (1998-1999), it was um, embarrassing. They asked if I wanted to take pics with characters, I would at DCA, but the costumes were like ballet outfits. Silver Surfer looked naked. I can see why in 2009 with just Iron Man and Incredible Hulk, Disney had no plans for a park, Avengers Campus opened in 2021! Universal Studios produced the Incredible Hulk film that why there is no solo Hulk MCU movie, they would have to pay Universal. He can be Avengers and She-Hulk though. I think Guardians of the Galaxy falls outside of the contract, it was an anomaly, there are comics fans who never heard of it until the first movie. I liked them and collected the new team's first appearance. I think the competition made Disney foolish with the uncharged $80 Spider-Bot which they are really pushing and the $30-60 ride accessories for a ride that has an hour to hour and half wait. You can walk on Islands Spidey ride. The end result is that Marvel Island has the only comic book store in any park, Marvel Alterniverse Store!

[@a.k.sartisticlife8718]

Give it a few more years, and Disney may just try to buy universal to get out from under the contract.

[@disneyngooglesuckatvideogames]

Won’t happen.

[@cmleibenguth]

Doubt it. Even if the offer was on the table, the government would deny the acquisition as it would result in a monopoly.

[@a.k.sartisticlife8718]

I’m not saying it would go through, but that I wouldn’t put it past Disney to try it. Disney is so close to a monopoly on so many things now that the answer they undoubtedly would prefer is just to drop a wad of cash and drop the legal headache if they could get away with it. I don’t think they could ever achieve buying universal, but I also would have thought they would never get Fox. Disney does have a track record of skating around the Law, which I don’t like either. If they can find a way to get out from under this they will.

[@migeecee3839]

So Universal could only use the Marvel characters as they are presented in the comics? They can’t use them the way marvel characters are presented in the movies?

[@ansonchow2016]

Fun fact: There is an antman ride in Hong Kong too

[@AttractionIdeas]

Totally forgot about that lol

[@cuttinol]

I've always felt that super hero island, with the exception of hulk and spiderman, was pretty lackluster. I always felt they could do more with it and always wondered why they didn't over time. But now I see from your comment that they wouldn't be allowed to do anything with it without Disney's approval.

[@nunyabeeness8506]

That land sucks and it's stuck in the 90s. I never go to that area when I visit outside of going to the Spidey ride. Hulk coaster, even post refurbishment, is headache inducing to me unlike other modern coasters. I'm sure Velocicoaster will make Hulk's coaster look even more outdated. Doom and Storm is like going to a ride at your local fair. It's that bad.

[@darkinddreamer]

right. This whole section smelled like the ball pits in a Lippin Lizards or Chuck E Cheeses. Stale urine and screaming children. It's also somehow where ALL the parents with strollers hang out and it somehow also manages to be the section of the park right next to most of the smoking areas.. But I guess thats their demographic. I found even Suess land to be more peaceful and fun to look at and that's the section meant to toddlers (but they were all crying at their parents in comic book island). LOL

[@danielciora4625]

I’m not sure why this video claims that Disney could’ve unilaterally cancelled the contract with Universal Studios. When Disney purchased Marvel, Disney bought the rights that Marvel had and Disney has to honor all prior contracts between Marvel and all third parties. This is why Sony still had the right to produce Spider-Man movies and 20th Century Fox still had the right to produce X-Men movies.

[@AttractionIdeas]

Yeah that's my bad I should've done more research on that. I pointed out my mistake in the pinned comment but after editing it I forgot to re-pin it.

[@gmbphace]

Marvel should just have their own Universe Theme Park!! "Marvel Universe" I could see it! How dope would that be!??

[@kbraven7007]

Yeah, I was imagining what that would be like two days ago, thinking about what it would be like if Disney makes an MCU park

[@poopydavis1358]

Nice vid

[@mynamehappy]

To be quite frank, most of the major theme park experiences are a big turn off for me. The prices, the lines, the hoards of people. I just generally don't enjoy the experience, but Superhero Island at Universal is probably my one exception. Usually I just go to Busch Gardens if I want thrill rides since I live in Tampa, but I just got back from my first trip to Universal in about 12 years. The whole Marvel area still does such a superb job making it feel like it was ripped off a comic book page. The Spiderman ride too, it's got such a great blend of goofy and serious with the 1990's animation loops in the queue. I hope Universal keeps it.

[@pjbutler5410]

If The Eternals movie is a success later this year, then I fully expect they’ll get an attraction at WDW in the next ten yesrs

[@AttractionIdeas]

Absolutely possible

[@imaginatenation3697]

@@AttractionIdeas YESS

[@flarestriker2005]

Shang Chi to.

[@smoothjamcalifornia1210]

Welp... Probably ain't happening now. Oh well, at least they still have Guardians.

[@lloydzeroa.k.aforger6990]

@@smoothjamcalifornia1210 guardians movies end next year. I think. The problem is keeping it fresh like all cards are on the table type

[@brycevo]

I really wish they could update the whole land. But ride refurbishment are great

[@joeking3966]

Thanks for the detail breakdown, that is very informative. Just curious, do you know what would happened if universal decided to upgrade/redesign/add new rides to their orlando resort, would that be allowed/disallowed/change anything on the contract? Based on the recent additions of rides between the 2 parks, I do feel like universal would provide a better overall ride design/experience than Disney would, totally my opinion.

[@haydenheree]

So underrated, keep making more interesting universal content

[@JohnPannozzi]

Yeah, I read that Universal's Japanese theme park rights to Marvel were finite and had a clear expiration date (they may have even expired already by now.)

[@shayhicks7682]

I predict that there will be a day where the biggest benefit for universal to have that property is that Disney is not able to use that property in their parks. Because they are not able to update that land very much, it could start being not terribly profitable for them. I do believe one day Disney will buy it out from them.

[@SuperFoxdemon]

I don’t think the Simpsons is a good enough trade for marvel so I doubt they’ll ever give up marvel. Universal has so many IPs it’s biting at the bit to build. They’re building a whole new park in Orlando to put them in. And getting rid of the Simpsons would give them so much space at Hollywood. They could expand the Wizarding World, do a dreamworks land, build a Nintendo land; they have options. Disney basically built themselves into this corner with this deal. They made the biggest franchise in the world right now knowing they can’t do anything with it east of the Mississippi. That was their bad.

[@cmleibenguth]

To be fair, when they bought Marvel, I don't think even they knew it would be this big.

[@pierozap7540]

14:08 that aged so well

[@sasesq4000]

Good video. Disney is good at buying other's IPs, and using them to push political agendas. Their theme park attractions are over-hyped far too in advance of opening, & seem to take forever to build. And the restrictions on the fast pass are frustrating. Meanwhile, Universal is better & quicker at developing good new themes rides & attractions, & they give out much less information until the new attractions are literally ready to open.

[@AttractionIdeas]

^Why I like Universal better in a nutshell

[@disconnected5495]

can't belive there was no mention of Marvel Mania at Universal Studios Hollywood

[@mashrafeealam2387]

Universal has long since abandoned its rights to use the Marvel characters in its own California park, even Orlando

[@jacobsimon452]

Great video attractions idea! According to the universal forums universal really wants the Simpsons. So I honestly believe we may see Disney and universal come to a deal with marvel and Simpsons. Avengers Campus is probably going to be a big hit. Honestly I would love to see universal fully own the Simpsons. They belong better with universal than Disney. Plus they can add more Simpsons stuff to the parks.

[@angusng816]

Marvel Cinematic Universe (2008-present) Total Earnings: $36.3 billion Spider-Man (2002-present) Total Earnings: $19.6 billion Avengers (2012-present) Total Earnings: $9 billion X-Men (2000-present) Total Earnings: $7.6 billion Iron Man (2008-present) Total Earnings: $15.7 billion

[@aphoticphoton]

I loved the last point you made. Its obvious disney doesnt really want too much to do with the simpsons like its a property they acquired but they dont know what to do with it aside from sales etc. That would be a good way to say you know..........Marvel land goes but they can replace marvel land with Simpsons moving to islands of adventure which could open up the doorway to so many possibilities for that property an actual simpsons rollercoaster? Maybe the powerplant being a show or something. Its endless but im sure there would be alot of debate as to why it shouldnt happen

[@AttractionIdeas]

Idk about moving Simpsons to IOA, but I do think if Universal is able to get the right deal to extend their Simpsons deal, they could expand the land in USF. Something with the power plant would be very cool

[@therealventures]

Idk disney renewed the Simpsons for 2 more years, also the show hasn't seen a huge boast in views and popularity so, when the contract expires Universal can move on with a different property. I dont see them selling their marvel land like that, if they were it would cost Disney lots of money.

[@cmleibenguth]

Marvel is a much bigger brand than Simpson's now. I don't see this happening at all.

[@J_Addison]

Good for Universal, I hope they keep it.

[@ericj.3484]

I think it is easy to look back now and say Marvel could have gotten a better deal. But I feel that the time Marvel had no idea how much Universal wanted a hero property in the park. I think if they knew that they might have worked out a better deal for themselves. Casue while they were in need of money, they could have easily played a little hard ball with Universal. But again I think becasue they were in such need for any infusion of cash they would take any deal that was at least slightly a good deal even if it meant it was scraps. While I can't see Marvel not using Spider-Man (or Sony at least). It is highly possible they start to do what they did to Fox and start to content strave Universal. Not putting Storm into the MCU and avoiding other characters that Universal highly uses. Basically attempting to make the characters there unknown to the general public and making the land worthless to Universal. On the other hand even if they didn't do that, I don't see The Simpsons being worth enough to give up this highly profitable Marvel deal. Instead let's say Disney offered Fox's complete animate line up (Family Guy, Bob's Burgers, Etc) Universal might see that being worth something to them. There is also probably some Hulu properties that Disney could offer as well. I think Univesal would want something that could possibly bring in more people if they were to replace Marvel and I think that would be hard to do. So Disney playing dirty I think with straving them on content like I mentioned earlier might be a better option but it would be a long game move and possibly not work since they are rides and not films.

[@aaronrumph3291]

No Marvel at the time had no idea how popular their brand was remember at the time the only successful comics to film were DC with Tim Burton's Batman and Christopher Reeves Superman. Every attempt of Marvel to make a film was a complete failure. All they had at the time that was successful was the X-men animated series and the Spiderman animated series (came out the same year as the contract with Universal). Marvel wouldn't really see success until 2000 when X-men went to the big screen then Spider man went to the big screen in 2002 followed by the better sequel X-Men 2 in 2003, and Spider Man 2 in 2004, which paved the way for the dominance of the Marvel movies made by Disney start in 2008

[@ericj.3484]

@@aaronrumph3291 True but I think that in Unverisal might have been in need enough that Marvel could have play out a better deal. Definitely Marvel was not at the status it is today and they would have never gotten anything close to a great deal or even a fair shake. I do think they probably at the time felt some money is better than no money. What I meant with the latter half is that Disney now could in theory make the characters in Universal's Marvel land mean nothing to modern audiences which would possibly force Universal's hand into altering that deal. But yeah I think when that deal was made Marvel really needed the money and Universal while they really wanted a hero property played that close the chest and captialized on Marvel's weak state.

[@aaronrumph3291]

@@ericj.3484 possibly, but you got to remember that Marvel had no way of knowing how badly Universal wanted a superhero brand. It is easy knowing that Universal was pretty desperate for a Superhero land after the fact to say Marvel could have done better.

[@Emike-nc9ew]

I LOVED the Hallowen horror night make over,it was like old man logan meets maximum carnage. To bad marvel didnt like what they did with the ip,i would love to see a marvel zombies make over. Also are you going to do a video about the simpsons in universal since the disney buy fox?.

[@AttractionIdeas]

A Simpsons video is indeed on the agenda

[@TomMcKee33]

Thinking about that 3rd party clause - wonder if the Nintendo area in Epic Universe will change anything