Certainly there are those that agree with you. But Disney has to look at the big picture, and in that big picture, they can't afford to have so many people think of AK as not the park for them. Clearly they are still trying to find ways to make the park more compelling for more people.
~I think Disney is looking at the big picture. Avatarland is unique, if the attraction(s) are well done, it will be a huge success for Disney! It's a bold, daring & exciting venture -- Disney is taking a huge risk for sure, but I *love* that!!! The Imagineers and James Cameron teamed together will create an amazing *new* theme park experience!
It's been 25 years since a pavilion was added to Epcot. At some point, we need to face up to the reality that the economics, as defined by Disney, do not work out.
Australia, just like Asia and Africa, is a perfect fit for Animal Kingdom.
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India would be the perfect fit for Animal Kingdom!!!
But should Disney ever decide World Showcase is worth the trouble of them spending some of their own money, there's no reason Australia couldn't be in both WS and AK. Asia is currently in AK and China/Japan are in WS and it works fine. Clearly the focus would be different.
~Like I said before, I would love to see Australia in Epcot, with the Sydney Opera House as the centerpiece. I know this will probably never happen.
In AK, Australia wouldn't, or at least shouldn't, be represented as a country, but rather as a continent. A geographic entity, not a nationality. Again, just like Asia and Africa. There will always be somebody upset, just as I'm sure there are people who live in Asia and Africa that don't like Disney's depiction in AK.
~I'm not *against* Australia in AK. You've been here a while, this is hardly some new groundbreaking concept, this Australia at AK thing has been beaten into the ground on these boards for years. I just don't think it's all that great of an idea. I like Avatarland way bettter! I'm so glad, it's actually happening soon, and not some random "concept" like the Outback.
As I'm sure you know, the dragon is representative of Beastly Kingdom, an area originally planned and announced by Disney to be added to AK after it opened. Of course, Disney retreated after the public's less than enthusiastic response to AK when it opened, and BK never came to be.
But the idea was that yes, mythical creatures would be included, but they would have their own area. Asia and Africa would remain based on actual animals.
Obviously Disney no longer believes in that philosophy as you correctly point out that the Yeti is in Asia. But that doesn't mean the idea is going to sit well with everyone. After all, there were very valid creative reasons for keeping the mythical creatures seperate, and nothing has changed that.
~I had never heard of Beastly Kingdom until Avatarland was annouced. I have to admit, I love the concept, it's too bad Disney abandoned the project. But, like I said before, I'm not under the impression that Disney is eager to invest more $$$ in WDW.
~Anyway, I can't wait for Avatarland, it's going to be so fabulous!!! I know James Cameron prides himself on new tech & innovation, he will not settle for mediocrity!