Construction of "Star Wars" land to begin in 2016

[luisov]

I think the whole Avatar presentation was awkward. It felt like a commercial to the movie, and at some point I really felt like there was some tension between Cameron and Rhode. But hey, it's easy to make assumptions and make up stories when you are just a fan watching the event from your computer.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

I absolutely agree with you perhaps I should have said in comparison to other parts of the Imagineering pavilion avatar was absolutely the hardest thing to get into so obviously people were interested in seeing it although im sure some went in to see rohde

I think that's most likely due to the fact that avatar is...cough cough..."close"

Which is ridiculous because it just shows how brainwashed many have become...it's still taken forever.

Stockholm syndrome.

As far as shanghai...98% of convention goers aren't going anywhere near shanghai...and probably a higher percentage of Disney's American customer base couldn't care less...

But I've seen alot of emphasis on d23...which is a pretty unsuccessful fan club if you look at the history of it. The convention is a big success...but it is the fanboy - not saying that to be degrading - just can't think of another moniker that fits better.

I've seen references to "announcement at 2017 d23" around here already. For gods sakes...it's not that important...or well planned.

If Disney is going to make a significant investment/announcement...it'scleared/vetted with stock rating agencies and market investors/analysts first...and that's the truth. Disclosure to the fans are an afterthought. D23 means nothing in the grand scheme of things.

Infact...everything leading up to d23 and since - notably Staggs the other day - Is stock damage control. It's completely apparent if you look at the whole picture. Especially if the rumor was true and they "moved up" the Star Wars thing. That was for the market...not the fans.

This is the regime that's happy with crickets for long periods...for years...see: Hyperion wharf.

D23 isn't even a blip...only the dow30 is.

 

[DebbieB]

People read what they want to see into a person's demeanor. For example I've seen a lot of people using that same stage presentation as "proof" that Joe Rohde "hates having Avatar forced into his park".

I was there and didn't see any "hate". Joe Rohde seemed enthusiastic about it.

Posted by allearsnet:

I think the DHS construction will move faster than Avatar because AK operates as normal while Avatar is being built, there's no "rush". On the other hand, DHS will be a shell of a park during the construction. Once DCA construction got moving, it went pretty fast. Again, a shell of a park.

 

[Eoghann]

I was there and didn't see any "hate". Joe Rohde seemed enthusiastic about it..

That's my point. People aren't nearly as good at reading body language as they think they are. Sometimes they see what they want to see, sometimes they just completely misinterpret the interactions. I'm an amateur photographer and I posted a photo once of a woman who was showing off a trained owl. The photo captured her with a serious expression on her face as she thought out her answer to a question. One of the people who saw the photo immediately assumed she was angry about something.

I watched the live stream of the Avatar presentation and thought everyone sounded enthusiastic. Someone watched it and though Cameron was disinterested. Another person watched it and though Rohde was unhappy.

Who is right? No way to know. It's certainly not proof of anything.

The reports I've read about Rohde's interactions with people while sitting in the Avatar exhibit suggest he was pretty enthusiastic though, and I think that's a stronger guide, because people are much better at assessing face to face interactions.

 

[rteetz]

Cameron's money? I doubt it. Did you see his performance at D23? This was not an executive who was proud or even engaged in what was going on, it seemed like he wanted to be anywhere else on the planet. His right hand man on the other hand seems like he may be the one pushing this through. Him and Staggs- who accomplished almost nothing during his tenure- are the cheerleaders. Avatar is their baby.

Yes I think Jon Landau is much more involved than Cameron is.

 

[rteetz]

People read what they want to see into a person's demeanor. For example I've seen a lot of people using that same stage presentation as "proof" that Joe Rohde "hates having Avatar forced into his park".

That is very true. I think Joe has made the best of the situation and really is trying to make this land great.

 

[rteetz]

I think the whole Avatar presentation was awkward. It felt like a commercial to the movie, and at some point I really felt like there was some tension between Cameron and Rhode. But hey, it's easy to make assumptions and make up stories when you are just a fan watching the event from your computer.

I didn't see tension but I could see why it was like a movie preview.

 

[luisov]

That's my point. People aren't nearly as good at reading body language as they think they are. Sometimes they see what they want to see, sometimes they just completely misinterpret the interactions. I'm an amateur photographer and I posted a photo once of a woman who was showing off a trained owl. The photo captured her with a serious expression on her face as she thought out her answer to a question. One of the people who saw the photo immediately assumed she was angry about something.

I watched the live stream of the Avatar presentation and thought everyone sounded enthusiastic. Someone watched it and though Cameron was disinterested. Another person watched it and though Rohde was unhappy.

Who is right? No way to know. It's certainly not proof of anything.

The reports I've read about Rohde's interactions with people while sitting in the Avatar exhibit suggest he was pretty enthusiastic though, and I think that's a stronger guide, because people are much better at assessing face to face interactions.

I agree that Rhode seems enthusiastic about Avatar. What I'm not really sure about is whether he gets along that well with Cameron or not. I totally agree with your arguments, tough.

 

[Celtics33]

You know for a fact that the other poster wasn't trying to make a point? That's impressive.

Anyway, I see this type of comment often. I've seen people say that they hoped they'd still be around to see changes or that their kids would still be children and so on. This all makes the point that Disney is often quite slow even if some of it is over the top. THAT is the problem not someone who might exaggerate.

Thank you Planogirl, you definitely get sarcasm unlike the other poster who took it literally. The point I was making (with sarcasm) was that we as Disney fans get excited over the new announcements but then have to wait a very long time. We have no further than the New Fantasy Land as evidence.

 

[twebber55]

Yes I think Jon Landau is much more involved than Cameron is.

my guess (only a guess) is that Cameron will probably much more involved in the E ticket flying ride

 

[DDLand]

we watched two different events
hey whatever frame of reference is everything

Watching the segment two things immediately become clear, he's unsure of himself and he rarely shows any emotion.
1) This shows either a lack of knowledge of the subject matter or lack of care by not learning the script. He repeatedly looks towards the other two for some type of affirmation. He fumbles words or lacks full confidence. I can't imagine him walking into a bank or movie studio and asking for millions of dollars and him acting like that. He'd be sharp and powerful, I wouldn't give him two bucks if he was pitching a movie like that. Probably because he didn't bother to learn his lines...
2) His excitement levels throughout were nonexistent. The perfect way to highlight is when Chapek walks on stage excited and full of energy immediately reviving the excitement. The only time he ever seemed fully there was when he announced the name of avatar land. (which is not Avatarland) That was the only time he seemed excited.

Remember that it was Cameron who attempted to back out of DAK and began delaying the project. Disney had to use all sorts of different tactics to rope him in.

 

[twebber55]

Watching the segment two things immediately become clear, he's unsure of himself and he rarely shows any emotion.
1) This shows either a lack of knowledge of the subject matter or lack of care by not learning the script. He repeatedly looks towards the other two for some type of affirmation. He fumbles words or lacks full confidence. I can't imagine him walking into a bank or movie studio and asking for millions of dollars and him acting like that. He'd be sharp and powerful, I wouldn't give him two bucks if he was pitching a movie like that. Probably because he didn't bother to learn his lines...
2) His excitement levels throughout were nonexistent. The perfect way to highlight is when Chapek walks on stage excited and full of energy immediately reviving the excitement. The only time he ever seemed fully there was when he announced the name of avatar land. (which is not Avatarland) That was the only time he seemed excited.

Remember that it was Cameron who attempted to back out of DAK and began delaying the project. Disney had to use all sorts of different tactics to rope him in.

like i said we watched two different events
he seemed excited to me when he talked about how crazy imagineering was

but im not going to psycho analyze James Cameron's temperament

we just have differing opinions on this no big deal

 

[lockedoutlogic]

like i said we watched two different events
he seemed excited to me when he talked about how crazy imagineering was

but im not going to psycho analyze James Cameron's temperament

we just have differing opinions on this no big deal

I agree...

I don't see james Cameron as being "unsure of himself" in anyway.

Maybe in 1979...but not now. I think it's really hard to describe Hollywood moguls in 3 sentences or less (except bob Iger )...

From what I've seen...here's the general characterization of Cameron I've seen/read:

Brilliant, technologically engaged, very confident, but like many in creative fields - skeptical of the corporations/studios and desiring control above almost all else in everything. Very meticulous.

All of those things would be "mercurial" in Shakespearian terms.

Spielberg is the business/polished type who is more comfortable in his shoes...Lucas is the shy/quiet who never seems to be comfortable in his own shoes.

That's just how I see it...

Cameron may be "disengaged" in the avatar development in Orlando...that's certainly possible. But any contention that he's "unsure of himself" or would yield to the might of disney/imagineering doesn't go to character.

He's had a hell of a time getting avatar sequels on track...I think 99.9% of the motivation to partner with Disney lies there. But that's just a hunch.

 

[StarWarsJez]

Star Wars will likely be a phased opening itself part opening in 2019 and the rest in 2020. Phase 3 is 2021.

You basically said exactly what I said, except for part opening in 2019 - which'll mean the gift shop, restaurant and rest rooms

 

[rteetz]

You basically said exactly what I said, except for part opening in 2019 - which'll mean the gift shop, restaurant and rest rooms

Actually it's said one ride in 2019 the other in 2020.

 

[StarWarsJez]

Have they said what kind of ride it's going to be? Given experience of Disney's attractions over recent years I have a feeling we're going to be waiting four years and then getting the 'Spinning Naboo Teacups'

 

[Celtics33]

Have they said what kind of ride it's going to be? Given experience of Disney's attractions over recent years I have a feeling we're going to be waiting four years and then getting the 'Spinning Naboo Teacups'

That's hilarious and unfortunately may have an element of truth. However, be careful, or you might be accused of "pointless snark" by adding your humorous comment to this thread......

 

[Lee Matthews]

Has anyone else heard that Disney are aiming a late 2018 to open Star Wars land? That sounds rather quick

 

[lockedoutlogic]

They really should...

But knowing how they bleed the tap if they open something in "only" 3 years it will likely be low rent

 

[wareagle57]

Has anyone else heard that Disney are aiming a late 2018 to open Star Wars land? That sounds rather quick

Would the assumptions of Toy Story First be wrong if this is the case? I just can not see Disney opening Avatar, Toy Story, Star Wars, Rivers of Light, New Soarin', Frozen, all within a 2 and a half year period. People normally don't come every year would make special trips just for each one. If you open Star Wars that soon, you have people considering going for Pandora decided to wait a year and half for Star Wars.

Disney is not going to open Star Wars that fast just to create good will with the customers.