What will you do with Animal Kingdom Poll!

[MJMcBride]

Australia got my vote. But I would love Beastly Kingdomme or Mysterious Island

 

[Josh Hendy]

Would love an Australian-themed exhibit/land and I think that Avatarland doesn't exactly fit the AK theme (being a fictional environment) ... however I voted for Avatarland because I think the number one, immediate priority for AK is more rides.

Of course you could easily come up with great ride concepts related to Australia (or South America or any other eco-land similar to the Africa or Asia lands) but since Avatar is what we got, I'm happy that they're going ahead with it.

I think they should either give Dinoland a complete overhaul, or else scrap it and turn it into Down Under, South America land, or almost anything else other than what it is now. If they wish to keep the prehistoric theme they could turn it into "The Land that Time Forgot" which would be a lot cooler and more atmospheric than "Dinosaur themed roadside tourist trap".

 

[Reddy]

whatever goes in there - It needs an E-ticket and a kiddie/family ride

 

[eeyorepixie]

Mythical Animal Kingdom-dragons, pegasus, griffins...heck even an avatar would fit in here (even though I think Avatar was so, so at best)

 

[MJMcBride]

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I think they should either give Dinoland a complete overhaul, or else scrap it and turn it into Down Under, South America land, or almost anything else other than what it is now. If they wish to keep the prehistoric theme they could turn it into "The Land that Time Forgot" which would be a lot cooler and more atmospheric than "Dinosaur themed roadside tourist trap".

Not me, I think Dinoland is great. Its one of the most detailed and themed lands in any Disney park

 

[teesott]

I worked at AK when the park first opened. We were told that the original concept was Animals That Were, Animals That Are and Animals That Never Were (as represented by the animals on the front gates). I would love to see this idea come to light with a land dedicated to mythical beasts.

I have to say, I would be really disappointed by Avatarland in AK. If anywhere, I could see it at the Studios.

 

[bom_noite]

I have to say, I would be really disappointed by Avatarland in AK. If anywhere, I could see it at the Studios.

I think the Poll as it stands right now speaks volumes.

 

[DRDISNEYMD]

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.

~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!

 

[twebber55]

I think the Poll as it stands right now speaks volumes.

No it doesnt. People dont even know what's going there and thy dont like it. The few protesters are always the loudest. 99% of the people dont care whats going on as long as its fun

 

[ChrisFL]

~Many Australians here have said, they don't wish to be defined by the "Outback." They find the association of their culture with the "Outback" to be somewhat offensive, in a stereotypical manner. Australia should be in Epcot -- the Sydney Opera House right off of the Epcot lake would be so fabulous!!!

Yeah, nothing stereotypical about the operahouse, lol. Its like the only manmade monument that anyone outside of Australia knows about.

The funny part about watching the series "Lost" is seeing every australian scene having the operahouse SOMEWHERE in the background, in case anyone confused it for another country.

 

[monorailrabbit]

I have to say my biggest problem with Avatar land is it's NOT Disney! For some reason that REALLY bugs me! Also, we love the fact that AK isn't about big rides - it's about animals. I was very impressed at how healthy the animals looked and how the park was set up! It's a nice break for us because we aren't rushing from ride to ride. I like the Australia idea, or what about, if they are intent on more e-rides, some disney themed ones? Like Lion King or Jungle Book or even a Bambi ride for kids? I mean, there are plenty of animal movies that would have great potential - stick with Disney!

 

[ChrisFL]

I have to say my biggest problem with Avatar land is it's NOT Disney! For some reason that REALLY bugs me!

So um, neither is most of DHS honestly, Indy, Star Wars (until very recently), most of the films in the Great Movie Ride, the Twilight Zone...and on and on.

Having said that, I still don't like the idea of Avatar.

 

[DisneyDad222]

I don't really mind avatar land, I'd be ok with the outback or south America or Antarctica...the big thing is that they simply need more to do in the park. Everytime I walk through it, I am just amazed at how many shops they have vs. restaurants and rides. It's like a big mall with an animal theme. With young children, the only things we can do in this park are the boneyard, the safari, a bugs life and the Nemo/LK shows. That's just not enough to justify spending more than a morning here.

Suggestions -
1) put in 3 more ts restaurants, give families a reason to stay through lunch and into dinner time.
2) put in dark rides based around Tarzan, Pocahontas, jungle Book, etc... A 3D motion ride to emulate Tarzan going through the trees, a flume log ride for Pocahontas and anything for jungle book.
3) build pride rock somewhere in Africa and put the FLK show inside it.
4) turn camp Minnie-Mickey into the 100 acre wood and have it be an entire pooh based kids area. The parks are lacking for toddler area, if done right, this could rival fantasyland for a destination for families with kids under five.
5) shut down the safari and the trails as normal, but keep the park open until 8 or 9 with the rides still active,

 

[DRDISNEYMD]

No it doesnt. People dont even know what's going there and thy dont like it. The few protesters are always the loudest. 99% of the people dont care whats going on as long as its fun

~Thank you, twebber55! Gosh, your posts are so perfect & concise. I have to write a few paragraphs just to convey the same message! Anyway, I can't wait for Disney or whoever to release more details on Avatarland!!!

Yeah, nothing stereotypical about the operahouse, lol. Its like the only manmade monument that anyone outside of Australia knows about.

The funny part about watching the series "Lost" is seeing every australian scene having the operahouse SOMEWHERE in the background, in case anyone confused it for another country.

~Hmm... I really tried to get into Lost, but I couldn't get through one episode! I heard it's one of those series that you can't jump into, you have to catch it from the beginning.

~I guess you're right about the opera house being stereotypical, too. I didn't think of it in that way, because it's just so gorg, but I digress! I just want to hear more exciting news about Avatarland!!!

 

[SpectroMagic*o*]

I think the whole Avatar thing is a little late to the game, first of all, and what does it have to do with anything??? Seems ill fitting. I never thought of having the Outback in AK but how awesome would that be??

 

[monorailrabbit]

So um, neither is most of DHS honestly, Indy, Star Wars (until very recently), most of the films in the Great Movie Ride, the Twilight Zone...and on and on.

Having said that, I still don't like the idea of Avatar.

True but none of those have an entire land dedicated to them.

 

[Postal68]

I would close it down and use the land for a better idea. Maybe try to save Expedition Everest, the only thing in that park that is worth anything.

 

[ChrisFL]

True but none of those have an entire land dedicated to them.

yeah, sadly

I love the Indy land at Tokyo DisneySea, although there's only really 2 attractions

 

[keishashadow]

There's enough space at AK to do either of these:

They have bankroll to do Lord of the Rings justice as to size/scope. If it ever comes to fruition it's likely go to Universal, the heirs to the estate are firm in their ideas from what i've read ala JPRowling.

Often wondered why Disney didn't come up with their own version of Discovery Cove, a park within a park with separate admission, but with more adventurous physical activities geared to older guests.

 

[ChrisFL]

Often wondered why Disney didn't come up with their own version of Discovery Cove, a park within a park with separate admission, but with more adventurous physical activities geared to older guests.

It was in the works, but was canned...we got the jungle trek experience instead.