Avatar land coming to Animal Kingdom!!

[Jennasis]

Someboday mentioned how awesome it would be to see Pandora. Well nuts to that. It's a JUNGLE. Nothing special about that at all...except it lights up at NIGHT...you know...when AK is CLOSED.

 

[Hardy]

I have not read these 35 pages or whatever of replies....but all I thought when I saw this was it's no harry potter! Harry potter could have fit in wonderfully at animal kingdom by using the mythical beast tie in.....and Disney's biggest mistake ever was to not do everything they can to secure HP. Universal did an amazing job and I love visiting it. I am a die hard disney fan, but we have been to universal 2 out of the last 3 times we were visiting disney just for HP.

Avatar also does make sense if you've seen the movie, the overall message fits in very well with the AK theme. I know many people absolutely loved the movie and I did enjoy it as well, but I am not in love with it either, I've just seen it once.

I think though, Avatar has a lot of growing to do, and I think it is going to become hugely successful, and it has the promise of a whole unique world, like HP does, that could really be very cool. So even if I'm not a huge Avatar fan, I know the imagineers are going to do an amazing job with this and I am really looking forward to the upcoming AK expansion.

 

[nytimez]

Someboday mentioned how awesome it would be to see Pandora. Well nuts to that. It's a JUNGLE. Nothing special about that at all...except it lights up at NIGHT...you know...when AK is CLOSED.

Yes, you're absolutely right. Disney is going to spend $500 million to build a non-special jungle that they can light up after the park is closed.

 

[Rip]

I saw Avatar in the theater. Excellent visual effects. And I got around the enviro-guilt thing by telling myself that this was an alien world and that's what happens there. It was good fun - but Avatar did not earn any deep interest like a Harry Potter movie did.

Will I pay another $12 to revisit another demonstartion special effects when Avatar-2 comes out? Unlikely - it'll depend on reviews, but they'll have to be stellar.

And yes, the point of my post is that Disney SHOULD wait to see how the Avatar sequels do. This is not a small investment that has been considered. In 10 years will there be a fanbase for Avatar like there has been for Star Wars? Or will Disney be making $500 million investments here and there to catch the wave of the latest (temporary) pop-culture craze? What new movie will replace Avatarland in 2020? Will there be adults who grew up on Avatar itching to take their kids to share their experience?

A single ride for Avatar would be a great first step. But to plan an entire land based on a movie and two possible flop sequels clearly shows that Disney hasn't learned its lesson from Dick Tracy

I have a feeling that in 15 years, more people will think the movies are based on the land than vice versa. As far as the sequels, I don't see much difference in a "Matrix" reference or a "Star Wars" reference. The first of each series was the best, and although "Empire" was every bit as good as "Star Wars", the franchise went down from there. Are people seriously arguing that those last 3 abortions in the series actually were improvements?

 

[nytimez]

I have a feeling that in 15 years, more people will think the movies are based on the land than vice versa. As far as the sequels, I don't see much difference in a "Matrix" reference or a "Star Wars" reference. The first of each series was the best, and although "Empire" was every bit as good as "Star Wars", the franchise went down from there. Are people seriously arguing that those last 3 abortions in the series actually were improvements?

Are you trying to tell me that Jar-Jar isn't the most compelling character in the Star Wars Universe and that the dialogue, especially between Anakin and Amidala, isn't clever or compelling? Shame on you! Shame, shame, shame!

 

[pilferk]

Are you trying to tell me that Jar-Jar isn't the most compelling character in the Star Wars Universe and that the dialogue, especially between Anakin and Amidala, isn't clever or compelling? Shame on you! Shame, shame, shame!

He was the most compelling character in the Star Wars Universe....to HATE, LOATHE, DESPISE, and wish PAINFUL DEATH UPON!

If only they'd written a scene depicting Jar Jar's "errand" to the Jedi Temple just before AnaDarth starts butchering younglings.

I do love the scene in the new "Lego Star Wars" movie/show where they kill Jar Jar. Best scene in the whole (very amusing) show.

 

[raidermatt]

Bad movie. Most people have realized this now, they got caught up in the hype. Visually well done, but very preachy and an extremely superficial villain.

So you have a choice, as Disney: Wait until success is 100% proven (and, thus, give the competition a chance to swoop in OR risk that by the time you can get anything built, it's stale) OR Take a calculated risk.

OR invest in something completely different. Either original or another property that has already proven itself over time. The problem with Avatar is it seems to have came and went. Perhaps the sequels will do well, perhaps they won't. But Avatar has not left a lasting impression on pop culture the way Star Wars, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, or even the Matrix has.

Of course it's possible to make a great attraction/land based on a bad movie, so we'll have to hope that's what happens here.

The problem people fall into is they only see two choices, either do what Disney did or do nothing. There's a lot of things Disney could invest in and I can't see how an entire Avatarland could really be the best choice.

 

[pilferk]

Bad movie. Most people have realized this now, they got caught up in the hype. Visually well done, but very preachy and an extremely superficial villain.

A perfectly valid personal opinion.

Again, the DVD/Blu Ray sales would say otherwise, though. "Most people"? You don't, by chance, have any stats to back that up?

OR invest in something completely different. Either original or another property that has already proven itself over time. The problem with Avatar is it seems to have came and went. Perhaps the sequels will do well, perhaps they won't. But Avatar has not left a lasting impression on pop culture the way Star Wars, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, or even the Matrix has.

I should have been clearer: When looking to acquire a license, there are 2 basic choices.

As for the rest....again, copies of the movie have sold well. I still see the movie discussed (much to my chagrin) in lots of sci fi circles. The truth is: We don't know what kind of long term cultural impact it will have. We just don't. We'll know when the next incarnation comes out or manifests.

Of course it's possible to make a great attraction/land based on a bad movie, so we'll have to hope that's what happens here.

The problem people fall into is they only see two choices, either do what Disney did or do nothing. There's a lot of things Disney could invest in and I can't see how and entire Avatarland could really be the best choice.

I, at least, didn't say that. I was specifically referring to your choices when looking to acquire a license (obviously, considering the context).

They HAVE invested in other things, too.

 

[nytimez]

Bad movie. Most people have realized this now, they got caught up in the hype. Visually well done, but very preachy and an extremely superficial villain.

It's OK to dislike the movie. But don't drag "most people" into this with you as if you speak for the masses... clearly, you don't.

The film has an 83 percent critics' rating at Rotten Tomatoes, which shoots up to 95 percent if you just use the 40 top critics. That's 38 who liked it and two who did not. It also has a 92 percent rating from the community there.

Over at metacritic, it has an 83 out of 100, putting it into the "universal acclaim" category even if that's overstating "universal" by 17 percent.

Plenty of movies get hype and tank. It's simply inaccurate to say these numbers are simply because people got caught in hype. People know what they enjoy and know what they don't.

 

[Jennasis]

Yes, you're absolutely right. Disney is going to spend $500 million to build a non-special jungle that they can light up after the park is closed.

They spent plenty of money on a simulated chili-burp that nobody likes.



I'm merely saying that they will have to rethink the entire park. Pandora is impressive at night...and really, at night alone. Otherwise it's just a jungle. So either they're going to have to open the park late so people can see the effects, or they're going to have to build it indoors.

I'm also not enthused about the prospect of a SECOND giant special tree.

But you go on and roll your eyes at my opinion if you need to.

 

[Goofypop]

I'm also not enthused about the prospect of a SECOND giant special tree.

It's entirely possible that since the giant tree in Avatar 1 was destroyed and that Avatar 2 will likely take place in the oceans of Pandora that the tree will not even figure into the final designs.

 

[Jennasis]

It's entirely possible that since the giant tree in Avatar 1 was destroyed and that Avatar 2 will likely take place in the oceans of Pandora that the tree will not even figure into the final designs.

Thanks for giving me hope!

 

[Babbletrish]

It's a JUNGLE. Nothing special about that at all.

"This is a cruel sentiment expressed stupidly."

I have not read these 35 pages or whatever of replies.

If you decide to go back and do this later, have a lot of liquor at the ready. For this is the most thread I have seen in nearly half a year of posting.

Are you trying to tell me that Jar-Jar isn't the most compelling character in the Star Wars Universe and that the dialogue, especially between Anakin and Amidala, isn't clever or compelling? Shame on you! Shame, shame, shame!

I like you. Folks, half of all the "Star Wars" movies are as "stupid" and "derivative" and "badly written" as "Avatar". Deal wit' it.

 

[Babbletrish]

So if nothing else in this thread, I have learned that the worst-ever sentiment in all of fandom is this statement:

"Well! That's not what I would have done! With this intellectual property I didn't happen to create or own the rights to! I know better than the people in charge of my favorite things!"

-----

Disclaimers:

1) This is a vast, sweeping generalization.

2) I am not for a minute saying that this statement is always wrong. Let me tell you what it's like being a Looney Tunes fan...

 

[pilferk]

I like you. Folks, half of all the "Star Wars" movies are as "stupid" and "derivative" and "badly written" as "Avatar". Deal wit' it.

I said much the same thing in an earlier post, targeting "New Hope" specifically. I love the movies, all the same....but they are what they are: homages to B-movie serials and pulp sci-fi. I know...sacrelidge in some circles, but no less true.

They transcend their shortcomings by being...well...AWESOME in many others.

 

[Jennasis]

"This is a cruel sentiment expressed stupidly."



If you decide to go back and do this later, have a lot of liquor at the ready. For this is the most thread I have seen in nearly half a year of posting.



I like you. Folks, half of all the "Star Wars" movies are as "stupid" and "derivative" and "badly written" as "Avatar". Deal wit' it.

Evs. If people keep this up long enough perhaps the topic of Avatar will also become verbotten on the DIS.

 

[jimpossible87]

I just think the flaming arguments for liking this Avatar land thing and trying to convince anyone who isnt totally thrilled by it is hilarious. Im reading the same arguments over and over that people had over The harry Potter land at IOA just a few years ago. Except that wasnt Disney so it was stupid to make a whole land of HP and HP wasnt timeless and UO isnt going to get future generations to come for HP...but now its Disney taking on a popular movie and its the exact opposite. Its definitely a competition with Universal thing no doubt in my mind . All the people saying someone that doesnt like Avatar has no faith in Disney arent Disney fans, wait and see , dont like change...ridiculous. Saying people shouldnt have an opinion against Avatar because we dont know exactly what it is yet but supporting something with the same lack of knowledge just as ridiculous. I dont understand why people cant just have opinions.
My opinion is simply about what ive heard...a land based on avatar with rides attractions shops and restaurants themed after it sounds awful. I didnt like Avatar and I dont want to visit its world in person. I guess that means I hate AK and Disney...even tho AK is my 2nd fave park as it is already. Im sure there will be a spectatcular E ticket attraction and Im sure I will enjoy it despite not likeing Avatar but my opinion is simply that im not a fan of Avatar. Its not going to change because its got a great atraction.
and my last thing is again...Lion King ...a sing a long puppet show, no land no ride nothing...tarzan a closed roller blade sing a long show, no rides no attractions, the jungle book?? where?...Must be really difficult for Disney to come up with jungle or animal characters (that bambi ride is so cute) they could use to expand AK...I know Avatar...great idea. ick

 

[fromscratchmom]

I just think the flaming arguments for liking this Avatar land thing and trying to convince anyone who isnt totally thrilled by it is hilarious...

It's OK. All you have to tell yourself is, "On the internet nobody knows your a dog." Then you can picture me as a toy poodle sitting here pawing the keys of my laptop.

 

[Anjelica]

Evs. If people keep this up long enough perhaps the topic of Avatar will also become verbotten on the DIS.

It appears to be even more contentious than the "Can I use my fastpass after the time printed on the ticket?" question.....

 

[Anjelica]

It's OK. All you have to tell yourself is, "On the internet nobody knows your a dog." Then you can picture me as a toy poodle sitting here pawing the keys of my laptop.

I'm sorry but toy poodles can NOT have an opinion on this idea, but if you did you MUST absolutely love it - Period.