Monday, August 31, 2009
Disney Buys Marvel - Whither Spidey?
Bam! Pow! Like Doc Oc and the Sinister Syndicate, Disney has swooped in and bought Marvel Comics for a paltry $4 billion, perhaps leaving Universal in the uncomfortable position of needing rescue by some unnamed superhero.
The big question for all Islands of Adventure-Universal fans: What will happen to Spider-Man? Indeed, what is the fate of Marvel Super Hero Island?
For it's part, Universal is saying Spidey stays put. But, tellingly, there was no time frame included in the statement by Universal spokesman, Tom Schroeder.
In the Tampa Tribune, Disney execs are quoted as saying that "many third-party licensing deals would remain in effect."
But licensing deals are never open-ended. The time will come when Universal's right to use Marvel properties will expire. That's when things will get interesting.
Disney has a history of doing whatever it can to wrest market share from its nearby competitors (Pleasure Island vs. Church Street Station; Disney-MGM vs. USF; Animal Kingdom vs. BGT; two Disney water parks vs. Wet n Wild). It defies logic to expect the future not to mirror the past.
The big question for all Islands of Adventure-Universal fans: What will happen to Spider-Man? Indeed, what is the fate of Marvel Super Hero Island?
For it's part, Universal is saying Spidey stays put. But, tellingly, there was no time frame included in the statement by Universal spokesman, Tom Schroeder.
In the Tampa Tribune, Disney execs are quoted as saying that "many third-party licensing deals would remain in effect."
But licensing deals are never open-ended. The time will come when Universal's right to use Marvel properties will expire. That's when things will get interesting.
Disney has a history of doing whatever it can to wrest market share from its nearby competitors (Pleasure Island vs. Church Street Station; Disney-MGM vs. USF; Animal Kingdom vs. BGT; two Disney water parks vs. Wet n Wild). It defies logic to expect the future not to mirror the past.
Labels: Disney, islands of adventure, marvel comics, spider-man, universal
Sunday, July 05, 2009
Harry Potter materializes, slowly but magically
The Sentinel's ace reporter Jason Garcia is on the trail of the Boy Wizard's magic dust.
Plans for the 20-acre Wizarding World show more than a dozen buildings, including at least three shops, a restaurant and multiple forced-perspective decorative buildings. The centerpiece will be the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the iconic castle and keep from the Potter books and movies.
Universal's Hogwarts, records show, will be 150 feet, or 15 stories, high.
Labels: harry potter, islands of adventure, universal orlando
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
IOA's Dueling Dragons Duel No More
Not the coaster!! As of now it's still roaring right along in Lost Continent at Universal's Islands of Adventure.
But the Blue and red dragons that graced the entrance to the ride are gone in preparation for their replacement, which will be .... well, I wish I knew.
Ah well, no pain, no gain.
But the Blue and red dragons that graced the entrance to the ride are gone in preparation for their replacement, which will be .... well, I wish I knew.
Labels: dueling dragons, IOA, islands of adventure, universal orlando
Sunday, August 03, 2008
Enchanted Oak Disappears
I kept hoping that Universal would leave the Enchanted Oak Tavern building pretty much as is and simple "re-theme" it. Alas, it is not to be. The entire building has been razed to make way for . . . what?
Orlando Attractions Magazine has the photographic evidence.
Orlando Attractions Magazine has the photographic evidence.
Labels: enchanted oak tavern, islands of adventure, universal orlando
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Harry Potter Makes Attractions Disappear
From the Universal Orlando web site:
Some people are upset by the loss of the Enchanted Oak menu. My guess: It will be pretty much the same after the restaurant has been Potterized. Ditto for Flying Unicorn: same ride, different themeing.
Of course I may be wrong, but then I'm no wizard.
BTW, word on Dueling Dragons is that there will be a new entrance while the existing queue line is being rethemed.
A portion of Lost Continent at Islands of Adventure has been closed as work progresses on Universal Orlando’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Guests will use a newly created bridge to walk between Lost Continent and Jurassic Park. Specific attractions and venues affected include The Flying Unicorn attraction, the Enchanted Oak restaurant and The Dragon’s Keep store. Dueling Dragons will remain open.
Some people are upset by the loss of the Enchanted Oak menu. My guess: It will be pretty much the same after the restaurant has been Potterized. Ditto for Flying Unicorn: same ride, different themeing.
Of course I may be wrong, but then I'm no wizard.
BTW, word on Dueling Dragons is that there will be a new entrance while the existing queue line is being rethemed.
Labels: dueling dragons, harry potter, islands of adventure, lost continent, universal orlando
Monday, November 19, 2007
Dudley Rides To The Rescue December 3
For those bummed out by the fact that the Dudley Do-Right ride at Islands of Adventure has been down for maintenance, the good news is that the ride is scheduled to reopen December 3.
Labels: dudley do-right, islands of adventure, orlando attractions
