Avatar land coming to Animal Kingdom!!

[Wadecool]

OK, true, I have never seen the movie. Also, true, I know alot of people like it. I have no desire, whatsoever, to see it. But, besides special effects and it made so much money, what about is so good? All I kept reading was, it had amazing effects and made alot of money. No one seems to say, it's a really great movie because......and this is why it's worthy of it's own land. I am very interested in some real answers of people who really like this movie.

I just think, Disney, should reconsider the idea of a whole land. I have been thinking about the parks, talking FL, not CA, and I can't recall an entire land being built around one movie, and it's not even a Disney movie. If anyone can, please correct me in this. I would love to have my memory jogged, it has been over a year since I've been.

Have you ever seen Dances With Wolves? If you have, then you have seen Avatar. Essentially the same movie, different time period.

 

[ScoJo15]

Seriously? Avatar? I have seen this movie and was BORED through the entire thing. I HATED it! Visually stimulating, sure, but a movie that is making 2 sequels? Seriously?

And how did they incorporate this into the ANIMAL kingdom? When I think of the Animal Kingdom, I think of being able to see NON-fictional lands and the animals that inhabit them. Sure, the yeti may be fake, but at least it isn't the basis for a whole land.

Sure, the environmental aspects of that movie equates a great message, and it would be nice to teach that message, but come on, a whole land on a FICTIONAL place? What are they going to do for ANIMALS???? Have a bunch of animatronic things?

If people want to compare this to Harry Potter, fine....BUT, Harry Potter was a phenominon that took hold of so many people, young and old, and continues to do so. I know FAR more people who would lose their mind in the Harry Potter aspect of Universal Studios than I would in an Avatar land. I just don't see Avatar taking hold of someones attention and keeping it held for 2 more movies.

Seriously disappointed....I have no intention of going here.

If you'd like to stick to non-fictional things then um....well...Disney may not be right for you.

 

[ScoJo15]

Look..I think we're overlooking the point to a new expansion...

...it's more about the environment and aura that surrounds a movie/attraction that is the draw. I don't think the new Avatar land will walk you through the steps of the movie...but rather immerse you in to some kind of different world where you can escape reality..much like the rest of Walt Disney World.

When I visit a THEME park I want to be taken away from reality...regardless if it's in some Avatar world, Star Wars world, Harry Potter world, Fantasyland world, etc.

When I ride Snow White..I don't think how much I didn't or did like the movie..I just like being swept away...same thing for Winnie the Pooh...Aladdin...Haunted Mansion (no original movie)...etc.

*deep breath* !!

Let's allow Disney to sweep us away from reality once again in a way that they do so well!!

 

[Armadillo4]

Although I didn't care for the Avatar movie, I'll be very curious to see what comes out of a James Cameron / Disney partnership. Like or hate James Cameron, the guy is pretty amazing -- His determination, vision, attention to detail, research he put into his films is pretty incredible and over the top. Cameron and Disney imagineers to me sounds like a very interesting combination. Cameron doesn't do anything half heartedly.

I agree with this 100% I have a begrudging respect for James Cameron, because I read stories about his overbearing, micromanaging working/directing style and don't like them. But the results of his projects often push the boundaries of innovation and are of the highest quality. And his box office success speaks for itself.

... I mean, I can't stand Goofy, but I loved Goofy's barnstormer. I loathe every Star Wars movie to the bottom of my heart, but I have a great time on Star Tours.

I think this is important. Just because people don't enjoy a movie, doesn't mean they won't enjoy the land or attraction that is inspired by it. Cars is my least favorite Pixar film, and I never bothered to see Cars 2. But when Carsland opens in California next year, it's very likely that I'm going to enjoy all the attractions built there. I don't like any of the Men In Black movies, but gosh darn it, the MIB: Alien Attack attraction at USO is one of favorites. If the project's execution is done well, then the land will probably be a success, regardless of the concept's source material.

 

[lugnut33]

Interesting discussion this evening on the subject. I'll leave it that I am a Disney fan and I hope it works out for the best. I will visit with low expectations but an open mind. Good night!

I'm glad you have opened your mind to the idea and are willing to atleast give it a chance. I'm sure there are things in the park that you love that I don't care for and that's OK. There's something there for everybody.

I tried to hold off on my opinion and let it form. After several hours of digesting it I am warming to the idea also. I'm not a huge fan, but I enjoyed the movie and think there are lots of cool ideas in the movie that can be transferred to the park.

I have a fascination with outer space and it would be one of my dreams to stand on another planet and just see what the sky looks like. I think the idea of another planet with intelligent beings on it is sooo cool, and exists. I hope Disney creates something that will allow me to delve into that fantasy.

 

[ScoJo15]

I don't like any of the Men In Black movies, but gosh darn it, the MIB: Alien Attack attraction at USO is one of favorites. If the project's execution is done well, then the land will probably be a success, regardless of the concept's source material.

Great quote! MIB is so much fun!! And when you're having a 'blast' going through the ride..you aren't reflecting on the movies.

It's all about environment.

 

[DRDISNEYMD]

Wow... what a bold strategic move and very ambitious endeavor! It is rumored that Disney was offered first dibs on the Harry Potter World but declined, only citing interest in a single attraction versus a dedicated "world". Universal Studios offered to recreate the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the rest was history. I agree with Disney's move -- I can't imagine HP at Disney.

The fact that Disney chose Avatar speaks volumes. Avatar is the only film that provides a wonderful theme and just so happens to be the highest single grossing film ever ***bigger than any single grossing HP film***. And most importantly Disney has an opportunity to work and create with James Cameron.

If you take into account the final installment of the two most recent films of the Harry Potter franchise, which are Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows I (2010) that grossed $955,000,000 and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows II (2011) which grossed $1.3 billion and compare that with Avatar (2009) which grossed $2.78 billion -- that's more than both HP films combined!

Of course Harry Potter has released 8 feature films since 2001 that have grossed close to $8 billion combined -- that's an amazing 10 year run. But mind you, HP Deathly Hallows II is presumably the last film of the HP franchise. I think interest will dwindle quickly.

In contrast, Avatar is just starting. James Cameron is a force to be reckoned with as he is always on the cutting edge of technology. Avatar 2 is already creating a quite a buzz because Cameron will shoot this film at "60 frames per second", apparently this is huge. Disney's Soarin' at Epcot was filmed at 48 fps! I cannot wait to see the Disney/Cameron collaboration -- it's going to be major and it's going to be magical. I think there is too much fixation on the film aspect instead of the theme park aspect -- which will offer experience(s) quite different from the films. I believe when we get a chance to experience this fascinating new world -- the thickness of the film(s) story plots will be eliminated from the theming and attractions in Animal Kingdom. It's just going to be jaw-dropping amazing

 

[Always Dream]

Well I for one am excited! Avatar had some beautiful scenery if I recall - shimmering in the trees and ground, etc etc. Should be a lovely place to visit. And as I recall, the movie had quite a bit of action in it - so maybe the ride will be big!

 

[fairyprincess88]

Of course Harry Potter has released 8 feature films since 2001 that have grossed close to $8 billion combined -- that's an amazing 10 year run. But mind you, HP Deathly Hallows II is presumably the last film of the HP franchise. I think interest will dwindle quickly.

There is a huge difference between Potter and Avatar though. The Potter phenom started in 1997, 4 years before the first film was ever released. By time the first movie was being filmed the first 2 books were worldwide best sellers in the multi-billion dollar range, not to mention the extensive merchandising.

You're not just talking movies and box office where Potter is concerned, it is first and foremost the books where the success lies. Just because the final movie is done, it has little to do with the future success of the franchise. The books continue to introduce the series to new people. With Potter the films have always been secondary and while successful they are not the heart of fanbase. The adults who grew up with the books are now introducing them to their kids, siblings, friends ect.

Sorry, but the whole, "The last movie is over, interest will dwindle" thing, as if it were the movies that made the franchise is always something that make me go "huh?"

 

[tarrbear]

There is a huge difference between Potter and Avatar though. The Potter phenom started in 1997, 4 years before the first film was ever released. By time the first movie was being filmed the first 2 books were worldwide best sellers in the multi-billion dollar range, not to mention the extensive merchandising.

You're not just talking movies and box office where Potter is concerned, it is first and foremost the books where the success lies. Just because the final movie is done, it has little to do with the future success of the franchise. The books continue to introduce the series to new people. With Potter the films have always been secondary and while successful they are not the heart of fanbase. The adults who grew up with the books are now introducing them to their kids, siblings, friends ect.

Sorry, but the whole, "The last movie is over, interest will dwindle" thing, as if it were the movies that made the franchise is always something that make me go "huh?"

Exactly, Harry Potter is going no where for a long long long time. Just cause the movies are done doesn't mean the franchise will lose its popularity.


None the less though, I'm quite excited for an Avatar land, it is quite exciting and I think Disney will do great things, building a land based around Pandora has such potential!

 

[youcansmellit]

I am happy to see them do anything with that garbage park. I didn't even like Avatar but Animal Kingdom can't get much more lame. Its a zoo with a roller coaster and a dinosaur carnival. I think as long as it doesn't go in Epcot or Magic Kingdom I'm fine with it.

 

[shanessa]

This is really exciting good news.

 

[FigNewton]

Remember when the Matrix came out, and people really loved it. Not everyone, obviously, but love for the film was very wide-spread.

Then Matrix Reloaded came out, and a whole lot of the people who loved it kinda went, "Uh, what?"

Then Matrix Revolutions came out, and even more people who loved the original film said, "Uh... no, just NO." After the third movie, the property's momentum pretty much died. The second and third movies sorta killed it for a lot of people.

I can easily see this happening with Avatar. Disney makes an enormous deal to make an Avatar land, after the FIRST film of a planned trilogy. It's too soon to commit that much land and that much money to an entire land based on one property that Disney doesn't even own. If that was the route they wanted to take, the long rumoured "Star Wars Land" update to DHS should have happened first. Even with many of the reviled prequels and changes to the original films, Star Wars has retained an incredibly huge following and isn't going anywhere. If anything it's only become stronger as a brand....

 

[jhaig]

"Over the top" is the phrase people generally use to say "crazy" without actually saying it.

James Cameron took the story of the Titanic and instead of doing the actual, very moving stories that took place on that ship...decided to do a love story with nudity and have a gun chase.

Avatar was not a good movie. It had good special effects, which is all that is needed to impress young people today...but the movie actually sucked.

James Cameron does not impress me. At all. Well, except for Terminator. Have to give him props for that.

I liked Avatar the first time - when it was called Dances With Wolves

 

[Oglet]

I am happy to see them do anything with that garbage park. I didn't even like Avatar but Animal Kingdom can't get much more lame. Its a zoo with a roller coaster and a dinosaur carnival. I think as long as it doesn't go in Epcot or Magic Kingdom I'm fine with it.

WOW!

A bit harsh, isn't it?

 

[youcansmellit]

WOW!

A bit harsh, isn't it?

What can I say, I'm not a fan.

 

[robin19871]

I think the movie was not as popular as everyone thinks. Both Cameron's 'Titanic' and 'Avatar' were sort of unique in that they had an incredible amount of people who went to the theater multiple times to see the movies over and over. So while they made tons of money at the box-office, an unusually high percentage of that was driven by repeat customers. I think this ends up being a huge mistake for Disney.

You have me quoted and you say that the same people went over and over.. I only went to the movies once..I bought the movie and that is how I have seen it the 4 other times.. Not a repeat movie theatre customer here..

 

[Oglet]

What can I say, I'm not a fan.

Really, I would have never guessed that

Each to their own

 

[Queen2PrincessG]

WOW i guess it's true you really CANT make everyone happy.

No matter what everything James Cameron does is a hit. I don't see how him connecting with Disney could even be slightly bad for either group or us as fans. They are both great visionaries.

There are so many connections between Avitar and the ideas behind AK that the idea does not seem forced,

 

[ChefMickey123]

George Carlin said it almost 40 years ago - there is *no* . . . *blue* . . . *food*.

And if you're about to respond, his very next line was "blueberries are purple."

This is my Father's favorite GC line. Thanks.