DAK Is Starting To ROAR!

[mickeyluv'r]

Well, much depends on what Disney actually opens. EE was a big draw when it opened, so was MISSION: Space.

Among my *WORST* crowds memories is AK during Easter 2006.

Suffice it to say, AK is no Epcot where crowd CAPACITY is concerned. The cozy wooded pathways aren't so nice when it is 100 degrees, humid, and AK is packed.

Indeed, of all the parks, it is the least 'cool' in the summer. At least temp-wise. Epcot's water and wide open design is often the most temperate park.

I agree, that AK probably will draw bigger crowds when new attractions open, AK is open at night, especially compared to HS.

Whether it will CONTINUE to draw big crowds is another matter.

Meanwhile, I just have to add....right now, my $ is on Universal's parks. Diagon Alley is the coolest new park space in Orlando. When I think about my next trip to Orlando, their dragon's on my mind. I can barely recall 7D.

 

[BrianL]

How many attractions are being added to Avatarland? Both DHS and AK suffer from simply a lack of rides (not everyone likes shows).

The rumors are that there will be 2 attractions. One an "E-Ticket" flying ride (simulator type) and one a boat ride or some kind (probably a more leisurely ride). These are only the rumors though (I think the flying ride is a lock though).

 

[TwinPrincessMermaids]

No no. We don't want another simulator. They need to build us a flying whizzing flipping smooth ride like riding the dragons. They need to go ride Manta and see what I mean. No similator will do for that. Now if they want to do something ala star tours like for a horse/forest scene, 3d simulator will work for that...

 

[MataHari22]

I NEVER thought I'd say this,but the opening of Harambe Market this Saturday got me to thinking that, when everything is finished at DAK(Avatarland,RoL,etc.),it could possibly shoot past DHS and then challenge Epcot for #2 Park attendance at WDW!

What do you think?

I love Animal Kingdom, and although I cannot say I am a huge fan of Avatar or anything, I am excited to see how this turns out and I am hopeful that I will like it. The concept art looked cool to me!

Epcot used to be my second fav park, but after closing the Wonders of Life Pavillion, losing Maelstrom, and having other areas that need attention, well, it just makes me sad. And Hollywood Studios, don't even get me started on that park. I really liked it when it first opened. So many things closed... So, yeah, I really think that AK might shoot up the list for others favorite park, too.

 

[Tomh]

My biggest concern . .. AK may no longer be a one day park for us once Avatarland is done, though if the extend the park hours past 6:00, we might still be able to get it done in one day, but I think it's going to be a close call.

 

[bsiev1977]

No no. We don't want another simulator. They need to build us a flying whizzing flipping smooth ride like riding the dragons. They need to go ride Manta and see what I mean. No similator will do for that. Now if they want to do something ala star tours like for a horse/forest scene, 3d simulator will work for that...

I believe the e-ticket is supposed to be like Soarin'.

 

[ArwenMarie]

The rumors are that there will be 2 attractions. One an "E-Ticket" flying ride (simulator type) and one a boat ride or some kind (probably a more leisurely ride). These are only the rumors though (I think the flying ride is a lock though).

My hope they don't cheap out and only build one ride.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

I haven't read up about the new Avatar attraction, but if the whole premise is to mimic the movie, well? It's kind of in the name that the ride should be some kind of simulator-type attraction.

It's also the premise of the movie. The main character is an avatar, across multiple meanings of the word.

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

I could see AK having a nice attendance spike for a year or so after Avatarland opens. I love Epcot, but it doesn't have much of a pulse anymore (sorely lacking in headliner attractions, although always will attract foodies). DHS is still many years away from whatever it may become. So yeah, I could see AK being the new #2 for a while

 

[tlmadden73]

I believe the e-ticket is supposed to be like Soarin'.

Hopefully not .. I find simulator rides fun .. the first time through. As much as I like Star Wars .. Star Tours is okay ... it's on par with those 3-D simulators you find at museums and other theme parks .. not matter how "random" the stuff on the screen is .. you basically are watching a movie while getting bumped around.

The AvatarLand stuff needs to be unique and on-par with the Harry Potter attractions/areas at Universal. A flying ride needs to make you fly .. not just put you in a theatre.

I am guessing it will be pretty incredible.

 

[TwinPrincessMermaids]

I believe the e-ticket is supposed to be like Soarin'.

Soarin' shmoarin'. I like it as much as the next person (with an FP) but it is NOT the same as whirling around the loops and doing flips like in the movie. SeaWorld and Busch Gardens are killing Disney with their rides like Manta and Sheikra. If they give us a simulator, I don't care how good it is, its a missed opportunity.

Manta, yo, can I get a hail yeah!

 

[ModernArtist]

It will be like Soarin...but Soarin on steroids. Plans and blueprints were leaked online months ago. There is huge very informative thread over on the 'other' Disney forums site.

It's going to be a huge simulator with the ride vehicles being 'possibly' ...animatronic banshees.

Of course none of this has been announced obviously, but the other site seems to have some insiders who post occasionally and also the current construction aerial photos show the ride building being spot on to the leaked plans.

 

[savannie]

I agree that it's possible, but you should also consider all the new changes Epcot is making. The Frozen ride alone might boost its popularity a ton...

 

[TwinPrincessMermaids]

I could see AK having a nice attendance spike for a year or so after Avatarland opens. I love Epcot, but it doesn't have much of a pulse anymore (sorely lacking in headliner attractions, although always will attract foodies). DHS is still many years away from whatever it may become. So yeah, I could see AK being the new #2 for a while

Just don't get the HS thing. Its always been and always be our favorite park in Orlando, period. Favorite favorite...Star Wars obviously will only improve it. But its our go-to place. Going to love them all equally once AK gets Av. MK still has the Mtns which are fun. Interestingly, while EP is my true park love (from when I was a kid) now that we have moved here, I find its the one we go to the least, so far?

Guess its a good thing I have passes lol

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

Not to jack the thread, but what else does Epcot have planned? I am always the last to read about stuff like that.

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

Just don't get the HS thing. Its always been and always be our favorite park in Orlando, period. Favorite favorite...Star Wars obviously will only improve it. But its our go-to place. Going to love them all equally once AK gets Av. MK still has the Mtns which are fun. Interestingly, while EP is my true park love (from when I was a kid) now that we have moved here, I find its the one we go to the least, so far?

Guess its a good thing I have passes lol

I hear ya! Don't get me wrong... I love DHS. It is second only to MK in my book. My point was that for now it is what it is. There aren't even any announced changes to the park (except a third track for TSM), so given the traditional snail's pace of Disney construction it would be 2020 or so before the park changes much -at the earliest.

 

[savannie]

Not to jack the thread, but what else does Epcot have planned? I am always the last to read about stuff like that.

Most of it's just speculation at this point, but they have permits to increase the size of Soarin', and they may be doing something with the Michael Jackson theater and Innoventions. Here's some info on the Soarin' expansion:

http://www.****************.com/fea...g-disney-world-refurbishments-are-coming-soon

I wrote that for Theme Park Tourist a while ago, though. I'm sure there are more developments now.

 

[BrianL]

The AvatarLand stuff needs to be unique and on-par with the Harry Potter attractions/areas at Universal. A flying ride needs to make you fly .. not just put you in a theatre.

Honestly, the HP rides are both a whole lot of video screens. Gringotts comes off as similar to Spider-Man, whit a smoother ride (the coaster portions are SO short!). Admittedly FJ tosses you around quite a bit but it's still a lot of screens. Really, most everything new at Universal is a simulator-like ride.

SeaWorld and Busch Gardens are killing Disney with their rides like Manta and Sheikra.

I don't know if rides like this would really fit in at Disney. When the most intense coaster they have is RnR (tame), I don't think the coaster enthusiast crowd is what they're going after. I like coasters myself, but they're not the focus at WDW.

I DO hope the simulator is a significant upgrade from Soarin'. It's a great ride, but it's low key and the build suits it. I want an amazing presentation for this thing.

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

Most of it's just speculation at this point, but they have permits to increase the size of Soarin', and they may be doing something with the Michael Jackson theater and Innoventions. Here's some info on the Soarin' expansion:

http://www.****************.com/fea...g-disney-world-refurbishments-are-coming-soon

I wrote that for Theme Park Tourist a while ago, though. I'm sure there are more developments now.

Oh yeah, I forgot that I had heard about the third screen for Soarin' a while back. Thanks for the info. Lord knows Epcot needs some TLC... and fast.

 

[savannie]

Oh yeah, I forgot that I had heard about the third screen for Soarin' a while back. Thanks for the info. Lord knows Epcot needs some TLC... and fast.

I couldn't agree more. I love Epcot, but many of the attractions there are just "blah."