Disney fans have mixed emotions over Disney Company's acquisition of Marvel Entertainment

August 31, 12:48 PMWalt Disney World Recreation ExaminerPeggy Macdonald

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Disney and Marvel fans have mixed emotions over the proposed $4 billion merger.

Tens of thousands of Disney and Marvel fans have used social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook to post their reactions to the Walt Disney Company's announcement this morning that the company has offered to purchase Marvel Entertainment for $4 billion.

So far fans of both entertainment giants display mixed emotions over the proposed merger. Disney fans tweet that they are not sure about the Spider-Mouse merger. Some Marvel fans are wary of the partnership, fearing that Marvel will lose some of its grit.

"Hulk mad! Disney buy Marvel for $4 billion! HrrrraaaAAAARRRR!" reads one Marvel fan's Twitter post. Other tweets expressed concern over the effects of the Disney-Marvel partnership on Universal Studios, whose Islands of Adventure theme park features rides and attractions inspired by Marvel comics. If Marvel Entertainment stockholders approve Disney's purchase of Marvel, Disney would own the rights to the Marvel stories that are the backbone of a significant portion of the Islands of Adventure theme park. Universal Studios Orlando is Walt Disney World's main rival in Central Florida.

Many Disney fans express excitement over the Disney-Marvel partnership, which would make it possible for families to enjoy the best of both worlds--Iron Man and Goofy, Finding Nemo and Namor the Sub-Mariner, Minnie Mouse and the Thing. Yet Disney purists balk at the notion of the Incredible Hulk joining the parade in front of Cinderella Castle.

Should Disney's acquisition of Marvel become official, Disney Imagineers will soon begin the exciting but daunting task of combining classic Disney attractions with established Marvel characters in the Disney theme parks. Disney and Marvel fans alike would be excited at the prospect of an entirely new theme park at Walt Disney World. For years, cast members and guests have spread rumors that Disney was planning to build a new theme park. Ideas have included a new roller coaster park, a Disney Villains park, and more. A new Disney-Marvel park would be the equivalent of combining Disney's Hollywood Studios (formerly Disney-MGM Studios) with Universal's Islands of Adventure. Imagine the possibilities.

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