Avatar in Animal Kingdom a bad idea?

[wrabbit]

I liked it too...loved it actually. I never understood the hate at all. I think the world will fit in nicely at AK with its conservation theme.

I think the conservation theme is a primary reason Avatar land is coming to AK. It seems to blend the original concept of a land based on fantastical creatures with the message of conservation. A lot of people overlook that at the core that is what Avatar is all about.

I do admit that it irks me a little that it's not a "Disney" property. But neither was Star Wars or Indiana Jones... and they've had a significant presence in the parks for a long time. There is the potential for them to do something really great here, so I'm very excited to see how it all plays out.

I'm exited to be in the parks again next week. Celebrating my 17th Disney trip!

 

[Donald - my hero]

On the lines of "should we put space themed stuff in with animals" ... Should we put a Make-believe-land focused around an animated film in the section of EPCOT that is supposed to be focused on the World??

I agree with those who have mentioned that the message of conservation fits perfectly with what AK is portraying.

 

[Laketravis]

I think what we can all expect to see is a New Fantasy Land redux (the budgets are very similar in size at $500M)....

A Table Serve / Counter Serve restaurant comprising a large portion of the Avatar section.

A "D" or (hopefully) "E" level attraction by Vekoma (rumored to be somewhat like Soarin except with moving seat apparatus).

A "B" or "C" level attraction (like a water ride).

And, of course, Merchandise.

 

[Retro Magic]

Disney will eventually own Avatar, just like they have done with Muppets, Star Wars, Marvel & Indiana Jones.

I cannot wait for Avatar Land, will be be amazing. With James Cameron working closely on the project with them, incredible things are on the horizon for AK!!! Which is already incredible

I do wish however, they would do something with a Dragon in the park already. Even if it's just a Dragon themed water splash area. Every time I see the logo and entrance, I think about it. Surprised they did not go with a Dinosaur instead, originally.

 

[taffy]

I am really looking forward to Avatar Land. The opportunities for great attractions on the avatar world are amazing. With James Cameron involved we can expect some pretty cool stuff.

There are 3 more movies coming so there should be plenty of material to keep the world fresh with great attractions over the next few years

 

[WDW1979]

I don't know, does anyone else besides me think that Disney got snowed on the deal to put Avatar in AK and take up all that space:

By the time the movie finally comes out, it will be 7-8 years since the original. I don't think a lot of kids will even know what it is or be interested in visiting a make-believe land for this theme. I'm not even sure adults will care about it that much.

It seems to have petered out in less than a year from it's release and while it was the highest grossing movie of all time, I think the novelty has worn off.

Anyone agree?

My wife, my chidren and I all have zero interest in Avatar. Now, some of the rides in Avatar land will prove popular for two reasons: people generally appreciate new attractions, and Disney will probably spend big to get the latest in ride tech and ride creativity. But they could use all that new ride tech and creativity on "Magic Carrot Land" and people would love that, too, even if just for the new ride tech and creativity. So Avatar Land, Magic Carrot Land, The Ride of the Prairie Dog Land, or whatever, the ride technology and creativity is what may draw people in.

 

[erc]

The Ride of the Prairie Dog Land

Dude I'm all over The Ride of the Prairie Dog Land. I'm seriously writing the script for that now...

"In a world where all hope is lost, a new hero rises from the landscape..."

 

[WDW1979]

Dude I'm all over The Ride of the Prairie Dog Land. I'm seriously writing the script for that now...

"In a world where all hope is lost, a new hero rises from the landscape..."

 

[ElCapitanAmerica]

Disney made a bad deal here, anybody know how much they paid for the rights to make this attraction?

I'm sure they're going to theme it well, but they have enough IP they didn't need to pay extra money for these rights.

Now the movie is delayed by 1 more year, admittedly because they're not done with the script, and characters designs. So does this mean that Avatar land will be outdated vs the movie right on opening day?

 

[JennyHall]

I personally didn't enjoy the movie, except for the visuals. The world that Avatar was set in was beautifully done and can work with Animal Kingdom. Imagine them doing a ride exactly like Pirates of the Caribbean but showing us the Avatar Land instead and "touring" it! It would be so pretty!

 

[crazycatlady]

We'd love to come see Middle Earth!

Also can't wait for the Avatar area to be finished! We loved the movie and are really looking forward to seeing it in AK

Me too! I think the environment in Avatar was spectacular and am excited to see how Disney is going to recreate it. I agree with pps that you can love a ride without liking the movie, or even having a movie connected to it.

 

[JanaDee]

there was a Na'vi (on stilts I believe) at the ribbon cutting.

Pretty sure that was photoshopped in after the fact.

 

[MikeTaylor]

The hate stems from the fact that it's just a James Cameron, "live-action" extremely expensive rip off of Fern Gully (and Smurfs, ha ha). A lot of people are turned off by the hippy-dippy message and one-dimensional villain(s), because it had been marketed as having deep, sophisticated characters and a unique plot.

Avatar is like the stereotypical hot girl in school: nice to look at, but very little substance even if you get to know her. I believe Disney is banking on the expensive, Harry Potter rip-off ride as an experience that (1. will take forever to build and 2. have a relevance only involving the new movies) claims to be unique, but will be limited in rider demographic and excitability. This is probably why the river ride gets built first.

 

[Mome Rath]

Loved Avatar and loving the fact Disney is building an interactive version of it. It was indeed the highest grossing movie of all time, and James Cameron is involved in what goes into the park from what I've read. This may finally be the thing that gets my husband back into a Disney Park, and that's a miracle in and of itself.

 

[SeilerBird]

I do not care for sci-fi and I hated Avatar. I saw it twice and just didn't get it. However I am really excited about Avatarland. I have seen the plans and it looks fantastic. I also don't like the Simpsons and yet the Simpsons ride at US is my favorite ride there.

As far as no one remembering Avatar in a few years, that is ridiculous. It in not going away and the three sequels are going to break box office records with each release.

I am thrilled that Disney is at least trying something new. But as with every complainer on this board there is no better idea offered by the complainer, just complaints.

 

[wisblue]

I have not seen Avatar but probably will make a point to see it before Avatarland opens.

After seeing Carsland at DCA, I am hopeful that Disney's creative minds will come up with something equally enjoyable. Using Carsland and the two Harry Potter lands as examples, it doesn't take multiple thrill rides to create a great overall experience. Plus, adding another major draw to DAK, and allowing the park to have longer hours, will help distribute crowds more evenly throughout the resort

A word of warning, though. If you are concerned about the crowds at WDW now, if the new area is wildly successful, it's just going to draw more people to the resort, and those people aren't going to spend all their time at DAK and Avatarland.

Bottom line on the original question. IMHO, if it's done well, Avatarland is a great idea. If it isn't done well, then it's not a good idea. The same will be true of any Star Wars Land Disney might develop.

 

[RabFlmom]

OK... my take on Avatar Land. When I first saw the movie way back when I thought why the hype. Then years later disney announces they are going to add Avatar to the park and I thought what a big mistake. Then I watched it again when we got a 3-D tv and really looked at it It has such great potential. The forest can be awesome. Since there will be additional Avatar movies I think it will be a good thing.......but Disney can't scrimp. Need to use a lot of electronics in the gardens.

 

[erc]

I also don't like the Simpsons

I'll pretend I didn't read that...

 

[tweak89]

Just to get it out of the way, I'm not a big fan of the movie. It was visually interesting, but If I want to watch Dances with Wolves...I'll watch Dances with Wolves.

I understand the motivation behind it, I mean the movie made $$$$$$. But, I think that there were plenty of other properties that would have a more broad appeal. Harry Potter is a home run for Universal because the books/films have a huge following that is equal parts young/old.

I don't recall kids clamoring for the latest Avatar merchandise and with the movie pushed back another year, the cross promotional opportunity is gone.

Now, build a complete Star Wars themed park and I will be there twice a year with bells on!

 

[kiltclan]

While I liked Avatar, I feel that there's a whole idea of building this part of the park that's being glossed over.

While it may not be the most heard of movie for the kids, the kids do know that we're turning our eyes to the skies. Were launching satellites to comets and looking for our next potentially inhabitable world.

There's the whole scientific side that they can present. We know about life on our world, now imagine what life on another would look like... Now look at it!
They can bring the environmentalism to an adult level rather than just Conservation station for the kids.

Not to mention with the floating mountains, they could totally add in a wicked coaster because your plane 'lost gps'