Disney release preview of avatar attractions

[FFMickey]

That little clip makes me want to see the new technologies to create the Avatar-land. It looks incredible. I would love to be able to have nighttime entertainment and attractions at AK.

 

[nkosiek]

It does leave you with that feeling. If there's any hope at all, its that Star Wars is a much stronger property. The Avatar trilogy is only 1/3 done and, if the indifferent/negative comments people are making about the money they're spending on it in AK is any indication, it's not exactly knocking anyone's socks off.

I don't think the strength of the IP matters, it's how well you do it and how much manpower/money you're willing to put into the project.

They are clearly willing to put in years (hell, who knows, decades if you throw the fact that they've had Star Tours for some time now) to get something done but not with a sense of urgency. In the US they have chopped budgets on a lot of projects recently, so there goes the money angle too. Unless Lucas put something in the contract when he sold that stated what was expected of park presence, I can't help but think we won't see a completed SW-land or whatever until 2021 and even then, I wouldn't be surprised if Star Tours was the major ride.

 

[rteetz]

I don't think the strength of the IP matters, it's how well you do it and how much manpower/money you're willing to put into the project.

They are clearly willing to put in years (hell, who knows, decades if you throw the fact that they've had Star Tours for some time now) to get something done but not with a sense of urgency. In the US they have chopped budgets on a lot of projects recently, so there goes the money angle too. Unless Lucas put something in the contract when he sold that stated what was expected of park presence, I can't help but think we won't see a completed SW-land or whatever until 2021 and even then, I wouldn't be surprised if Star Tours was the major ride.

All indications from sources are 2020-21 time frame. Some sort of E ticket along with another c or d ticket. This would go along b or c ticket rides in a Pixar place expansion. Star tours is also supposed to get an upgrade with the new movies.

 

[Nole95]

I hear you and agree 100%

Announced in September of 2011...if I'm not mistaken.

Nothing should take that long.

Just like this "we want to do it right" junk with Star Wars...
It's stall tactics.

I could build a classic Star Wars ride in 2 years if they gave me the budget and the labor...

Where's the mystery?

Agree that nothing should take that long. Just look at what Universal did with Harry Potter in what is a pretty small amount of time, and they clearly did not do it on the cheap either. It is very well thought out and immersive experience. If Universal can turn out a high quality area like this in probably less than half the time Avatar is taking, no reason Disney should not be able to do the same.

As for Star Wars, I do not think DHS can wait until 2020-2021 for something. That park needs help now. I think it needs a complete DCA style overhaul to be honest. I will be sorely disappointed if DHS is not first on the list to get a Star Wars expansion. They have invested a ton of money out in California with DCA and all the refurbs for the 60th anniversary of DL. Perhaps they should have taken that billion dollars they spent on FP+/Nextgen or whatever and invested it in Epcot and DHS that sorely need some work.

 

[rteetz]

Agree that nothing should take that long. Just look at what Universal did with Harry Potter in what is a pretty small amount of time, and they clearly did not do it on the cheap either. It is very well thought out and immersive experience. If Universal can turn out a high quality area like this in probably less than half the time Avatar is taking, no reason Disney should not be able to do the same.

As for Star Wars, I do not think DHS can wait until 2020-2021 for something. That park needs help now. I think it needs a complete DCA style overhaul to be honest. I will be sorely disappointed if DHS is not first on the list to get a Star Wars expansion. They have invested a ton of money out in California with DCA and all the refurbs for the 60th anniversary of DL. Perhaps they should have taken that billion dollars they spent on FP+/Nextgen or whatever and invested it in Epcot and DHS that sorely need some work.

Well I wouldn't expect anything before 2020 based on how things are going.

 

[nkosiek]

Well I wouldn't expect anything before 2020 based on how things are going.

And that's what the problem is, because there is no reason not to be working on these things now, especially at DHS considering how many empty buildings, closed attractions, empty space there is. I know some of those spaces are used for special events but even my in-laws who are dyed-in-the-wool Disney fans who still believe in tons of pixie dust remarked last summer that the place looked abandoned in parts.

 

[rteetz]

And that's what the problem is, because there is no reason not to be working on these things now, especially at DHS considering how many empty buildings, closed attractions, empty space there is. I know some of those spaces are used for special events but even my in-laws who are died in the wool Disney fans who still believe in tons of pixie dust remarked last summer that the place looked abandoned in parts.

I agree totally but Disney does what Disney does. A first timer isn't going to know that those buildings should be in use.

 

[DanBoris]

I guess what I was implying is that I'm disappointed. Build up of awesomeness for two rides that is going to take about 4 years. It's like you always say, they do the bare minimum.

If I'm a Star Wars fan I'm not feeling too upbeat about how they will handle that in the parks based on this.

You are not the first person I have seen express disappointment about there only being two rides. What I don't understand is what has raised people expectations so much that two rides is a disappointment? Outside of Carsland what park expansions have we seen that have included more then 2 rides?

 

[nkosiek]

You are not the first person I have seen express disappointment about there only being two rides. What I don't understand is what has raised people expectations so much that two rides is a disappointment? Outside of Carsland what park expansions have we seen that have included more then 2 rides?

Original plans called for 3. I'm sorry but if you lead me to believe one thing and then change it to something less, I will indeed be disappointed. Now, if there happens to be more than 2 rides, but something like 3-4 "experiences" that'd be nice. NFL got a dark ride, an extra Dumbo (for capacity's sake), a M&G area, the little splash play area, a new coaster, plus the low-capacity Belle show/experience. That's a total of 5 things as I didn't count the extra Dumbo spinner. Plus a restaurant, gift-shops, and a quick-serve place.

 

[sachilles]

As to Avatarland, it certainly does help with the night aspect of Animal Kingdom. My curiosity is how much of a night destination will it be? Avatar land will be good at night. The show on the river will be night oriented. What else in the park can remain open for the evening. I'm assuming all animal areas will be closed off, but that is an assumption...and we all know the saying when we assume.
The teaser video, certainly is encouraging, and I think it speaks positively for using Avatar as a theme. It really does translate well to park themes and details. AK has been very high quality on the theme details. As mediocre as the movie was, I think it can make for an immersive theme.

Just to stir up a little trouble. We all believe Star Wars is coming. Logic suggests that the Studios, will be come the center of the Florida does of Star Wars....but what if it is multiple parks? Is it just me, or is Endor and the Ewoks not a perfect fit for AK. You've already jumped into the land of make believe with Avatar.

 

[rteetz]

As to Avatarland, it certainly does help with the night aspect of Animal Kingdom. My curiosity is how much of a night destination will it be? Avatar land will be good at night. The show on the river will be night oriented. What else in the park can remain open for the evening. I'm assuming all animal areas will be closed off, but that is an assumption...and we all know the saying when we assume.
The teaser video, certainly is encouraging, and I think it speaks positively for using Avatar as a theme. It really does translate well to park themes and details. AK has been very high quality on the theme details. As mediocre as the movie was, I think it can make for an immersive theme.

Just to stir up a little trouble. We all believe Star Wars is coming. Logic suggests that the Studios, will be come the center of the Florida does of Star Wars....but what if it is multiple parks? Is it just me, or is Endor and the Ewoks not a perfect fit for AK. You've already jumped into the land of make believe with Avatar.

New nighttime safaris are coming. The rest of the attractions should be open as well. I highly doubt Star Wars comes at all to AK.

 

[sachilles]

Oh, I doubt it too, I'd go so far as to say it has a 0.000001% chance. Just thinking it has potential for future imagineering.

 

[skier_pete]

Also insider info does say the budget was cut a little bit by maybe 200 million.

Update: an insider says the original budget was about 700 million and has been decreased by 2-300 million so we are looking at 4-500 total.

Original plans called for three attractions that's where the extra money came in and why it's now 500ish million.

I don't get this though - the budget was announced at LEAST two years ago as being 500 million and as being TWO rides plus ancillary (restaurants/merchandise). So if it ever was 700 million, it was in the VERY early stages. No one should be getting the impression that things were cut late in the game.

Original plans called for 3. I'm sorry but if you lead me to believe one thing and then change it to something less, I will indeed be disappointed. Now, if there happens to be more than 2 rides, but something like 3-4 "experiences" that'd be nice. NFL got a dark ride, an extra Dumbo (for capacity's sake), a M&G area, the little splash play area, a new coaster, plus the low-capacity Belle show/experience. That's a total of 5 things as I didn't count the extra Dumbo spinner. Plus a restaurant, gift-shops, and a quick-serve place.

YOu kind of mentioned it, but it is in fact a major attraction in that it takes a lot of people's time in NFL - and that's Be Our Guest. People criticize "Oh it's only a restaurant", but when park capacity is increased, you can't just throw in a bunch of rides and expect that's it. When adding rides that will increase capacity, you HAVE to include restaurants, and gift shows and toilets and drink stands and meet and greets. More people means spread 'em out.

As stated above, from the moment the first details came out on Pandora, it was "2 rides plus a walkthrough plus a restaurant". I don't think this should be a surprise to anyone. As you state, it's really probably 4-5 "experiences", two of which are rides.

But even so, they are putting two rides in a park that only has 6 rides, 2 of which suck. (Safari, Everest, Kali, Dinosaur, TS and PW) By putting in two rides, they are increasing ride density by 25 %. (Or 33% if you dismiss TS and PW as I do.)

 

[tarheelblue8853]

Harambe has what, 3 "attractions" total with the Kilamanjaro Safari, the Pangani walk, and Festival of the Lion King? Then Tusker House and some exceptional theming. Personally I consider it the best part of Animal Kingdom and one of my favorite areas in Disney World. Maybe this makes me a low brow Disney fanboi, but it feels like one of the best themed areas on property. And it only has 3 attractions. I definitely won't be too upset if Pandora is the Avatar version of Harambe. Especially with what looks like some exceptional technology and what could be a very awesome effect of the floating mountains. I think I'll be very happy with it. I also hope that they don't consider Animal Kingdom "done" now. I'd like to see something like Australia mentioned above, and I would love to see them flesh out Asia like they have Harambe. And yes, I would love to see them do something, anything, with Dinoland.

 

[sachilles]

I think Dinoland was done poorly, and I don't think I'll get much resistance on that. However, I do think dinosaurs in general is a good theme for part the park. It really needs a do over. Easier said than done I guess.

 

[ThistleMae]

I love avatar! This was one of the most visually stunning movies ever made. And the story...classic! I can hardly wait to see it. I hope they can do it justice.

 

[rteetz]

I don't get this though - the budget was announced at LEAST two years ago as being 500 million and as being TWO rides plus ancillary (restaurants/merchandise). So if it ever was 700 million, it was in the VERY early stages. No one should be getting the impression that things were cut late in the game.



YOu kind of mentioned it, but it is in fact a major attraction in that it takes a lot of people's time in NFL - and that's Be Our Guest. People criticize "Oh it's only a restaurant", but when park capacity is increased, you can't just throw in a bunch of rides and expect that's it. When adding rides that will increase capacity, you HAVE to include restaurants, and gift shows and toilets and drink stands and meet and greets. More people means spread 'em out.

As stated above, from the moment the first details came out on Pandora, it was "2 rides plus a walkthrough plus a restaurant". I don't think this should be a surprise to anyone. As you state, it's really probably 4-5 "experiences", two of which are rides.

But even so, they are putting two rides in a park that only has 6 rides, 2 of which suck. (Safari, Everest, Kali, Dinosaur, TS and PW) By putting in two rides, they are increasing ride density by 25 %. (Or 33% if you dismiss TS and PW as I do.)

Yes I agree. When I heard the info I thought that was weird as well. The third ride would have been another e ticket but yes it was cut early.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

In sorry...
Any decrease in budget of 35% is something that should not be given a pass on...

And they keep doing that with these "great" new Florida lands...

If you are under budget...add something else...start being Disney instead of sliding by and squirreling nuts away.

 

[skier_pete]

In sorry...
Any decrease in budget of 35% is something that should not be given a pass on...

And they keep doing that with these "great" new Florida lands...

If you are under budget...add something else...start being Disney instead of sliding by and squirreling nuts away.

But locked out...again if there WAS a budget cut, it was in the earliest of stages - the blue sky stage. From the moment it was announced to the public, it was already a half billion dollar project. TO me, you can't complain about that. The larger budget was probably NEVER approved. That was a case of "oh yeah, well THIS is what we'd like to do." and management said "you have to keep it to half a billion dollars". I mean, c'mon your really going to complain that they are "only" spending HALF A BILLION DOLLARS on a single LAND? Can you name ONE time Disney has spent that much?

 

[lockedoutlogic]

But locked out...again if there WAS a budget cut, it was in the earliest of stages - the blue sky stage. From the moment it was announced to the public, it was already a half billion dollar project. TO me, you can't complain about that. The larger budget was probably NEVER approved. That was a case of "oh yeah, well THIS is what we'd like to do." and management said "you have to keep it to half a billion dollars". I mean, c'mon your really going to complain that they are "only" spending HALF A BILLION DOLLARS on a single LAND? Can you name ONE time Disney has spent that much?

Well...you know that their budgets are about as efficient as a defense contract given to Lockheed...

But it's not that. I have no problem with their 500 "budget" for avatar (quoted because I still don't buy that Disney is footing the whole bill...not with the T-ego1000 involved)...

It's not that.

It's that they throw out a larger number...with a big to do...and Then sit on it for four years in "development"

Where have I seen that before?

It's a tired routine...third time around by my count in 10 years.

Next time...don't even give me the budget (I honestly don't give a crap because I don't trust anything you say about money, Mickey) and make the announcement as the bulldozers roll in the background behind the podium...ok?