DHS Construction update thread (Read Post 1) Updated 8/21/19

[PuppyJonathan]

I think with Pandora it will be an awesome addition to Animal Kingdom and the theming fits in perfectly despite me not really being a fan of the movie

I actually hated the movie and was shocked to see the announcement when it first happened. What actually sold me was the first picture I saw of the land cleared, I remember it being about twice the size of camp Minnie mickey this land they cleared! Not to mention the fact that it was no longer a pipe dream at this point. I still wish we were getting Australia over this but Pandora is going to be awesome

 

[rteetz]

I actually hated the movie and was shocked to see the announcement when it first happened. What actually sold me was the first picture I saw of the land cleared, I remember it being about twice the size of camp Minnie mickey this land they cleared! Not to mention the fact that it was no longer a pipe dream at this point. I still wish we were getting Australia over this but Pandora is going to be awesome

The story line of the film wasn't great but the visuals are what brought people in.

 

[jade1]

Yes, it was -- in 2009. We loved the movie and saw it three times in theaters. But by the time the park actually opens next year it will be almost 10 years old and there is a whole new generation who don't know what it is. And the way Cameron keeps delaying the opening of the sequels, it could be another couple of years before the new films comes out. Unlike Star Wars, which has stayed in the forefront over the past decades with animated shows, books, merchandise and updates, Avatar has fallen off the radar of interest (for most).

But knowing Disney, I'm sure movie related or not, the park will be beautiful and spectacular and draw a crowd of interest for sure. My family and I are looking forward to seeing if they have Na'vi characters -- who are 9 feet tall. If they can pull that off without it looking like some guy on stilts, we will be very impressed LOL

As for Hollywood Studios, I hope with all this new development and change, they also rename it as it will certainly no longer represent "old Hollywood" as it was originally intended when it was MGM.

I am far more looking forward to taking DMIL to Pandora than Star Wars. She knows Star Wars and no clue about Avatar-but the reactions she has to EPCOT Flower and Garden, MK at night during XMAS, just the projections and night shows I am convinced she will love AK at night.

The whole Tree of Life, ROL and yes the Avatar land (esp the boat ride) will blow her away no doubt.

If they had built Avatar Land, and there never had been a movie at all-and just were creating off the Dragon in the AK logo as a new Mythical land-it would be every bit as impressive IMO. And likely will be to those that have not seen it.

 

[rteetz]

Hearing Star Wars Land at DHS will be 3-6 months behind Disneylands. That means a spring to summer 2019 opening.

 

[zaccaglin]

Walts Plane has apparently left the backlot on a flatbed

https://twitter.com/kentloika/status/730251352174145540

I'll keep my eyes out around property. I really hope it goes to a good home at least.

 

[RedSox68]

Can't you just rent it on Itunes or something. Wouldn't that be just as expensive or cheaper than on Demand.

I never pay for movies on demand -- I wait until they are free -- or rent them from RedBox for $1.50.

 

[RedSox68]

Id rather not get that discussion going here but they need to fix future world before adding to world showcase.

Oh for sure -- we just skip right through Future World now - although I see they have added some new interactive showcases in Innovations.

 

[Indybill]

Hearing Star Wars Land at DHS will be 3-6 months behind Disneylands. That means a spring to summer 2019 opening.

Hearing Star Wars Land at DHS will be 3-6 months behind Disneylands. That means a spring to summer 2019 opening.

This would fit into the rumor that Iger really wants Star Wars Land to open before he leaves in 2018 so DL is probably being pushed harder.

 

[skier_pete]

If they had built Avatar Land, and there never had been a movie at all-and just were creating off the Dragon in the AK logo as a new Mythical land-it would be every bit as impressive IMO. And likely will be to those that have not seen it.

That's what I've told people also - just pretend it's beastly kingdom. It's going to have mythical creatures and imaginary lands. And dragons. They call em Banshees, but they are dragons.

 

[Founders Fan]

That's what I've told people also - just pretend it's beastly kingdom. It's going to have mythical creatures and imaginary lands. And dragons. They call em Banshees, but they are dragons.

If only there were another well known movie franchise that involved dragons among other mythical creatures (ie. goblins, orcs, Ents). Obviously it would never happen but it would be a pretty cool land for AK. Sorry to go off topic...

 

[skier_pete]

If only there were another well known movie franchise that involved dragons among other mythical creatures (ie. goblins, orcs, Ents). Obviously it would never happen but it would be a pretty cool land for AK. Sorry to go off topic...

I know I will get some scorn from this - but color me completely disinterested in Middle Earth land. How do you make a themed land that doesn't just look like a RenFest? Besides - I think the Tolkein family missed they're window. Jackson splitting the Hobbit into 3 overblown movies didn't help. While LOTR will always have it's staunch fans - it isn't on the level of HP and SW. And LOTR is tapped out - what more can you do with it? Are they going to have other people write stories for it. No new content is the death of Franchises. Disney knows this, and JK Rowling/WB is realizing it which is why she's been heavily involved with Fantastical Beasts. Probably LOTR still has bigger "Brand" awareness than Avatar - but Avatar has 3 more movies coming out - if they are a hit this'll look like a smart move by Disney. IF they bomb, not so much, but don't count James Cameron out. Plus you have TWO major studios wanting these Avatar movies to succeed (Sony and Disney). Why do you think Disney is moving Star Wars movies away from Christmastime. Keeping a clear path for Avatar.

 

[Founders Fan]

I know I will get some scorn from this - but color me completely disinterested in Middle Earth land. How do you make a themed land that doesn't just look like a RenFest? Besides - I think the Tolkein family missed they're window. Jackson splitting the Hobbit into 3 overblown movies didn't help. While LOTR will always have it's staunch fans - it isn't on the level of HP and SW. And LOTR is tapped out - what more can you do with it? Are they going to have other people write stories for it. No new content is the death of Franchises. Disney knows this, and JK Rowling/WB is realizing it which is why she's been heavily involved with Fantastical Beasts. Probably LOTR still has bigger "Brand" awareness than Avatar - but Avatar has 3 more movies coming out - if they are a hit this'll look like a smart move by Disney. IF they bomb, not so much, but don't count James Cameron out. Plus you have TWO major studios wanting these Avatar movies to succeed (Sony and Disney). Why do you think Disney is moving Star Wars movies away from Christmastime. Keeping a clear path for Avatar.

I see your point - was more or less saying that if they really wanted a land that represented the dragon in the logo then there's a well known franchise that could prove popular. Or they could just change the logo.

The RenFest comparison definitely gave me a good laugh though!

 

[skier_pete]

The RenFest comparison definitely gave me a good laugh though!

Yes - clearly I'm exaggerating.

A bit.

 

[Iowamomof4]

It just occurred to me, I really hope they put a playground of some sort back in DHS. I know they haven't said anything specifically about it, but the Toy Story area would be a perfect location for a play place for kids. I know the HISTK playground was my kids' favorite thing at DHS last year and I was amazed at how much they really wanted to just run around and play for awhile -- even in the heat!

 

[rteetz]

It just occurred to me, I really hope they put a playground of some sort back in DHS. I know they haven't said anything specifically about it, but the Toy Story area would be a perfect location for a play place for kids. I know the HISTK playground was my kids' favorite thing at DHS last year and I was amazed at how much they really wanted to just run around and play for awhile -- even in the heat!

I don't think they will.

 

[Ursula's Apprentice]

Walts Plane has apparently left the backlot on a flatbed

https://twitter.com/kentloika/status/730251352174145540

 

[skier_pete]

It just occurred to me, I really hope they put a playground of some sort back in DHS. I know they haven't said anything specifically about it, but the Toy Story area would be a perfect location for a play place for kids. I know the HISTK playground was my kids' favorite thing at DHS last year and I was amazed at how much they really wanted to just run around and play for awhile -- even in the heat!

I agree with that. The Playground was very popular with the little ones - and Andy's Backyard would be a good way to recycle much of the props from the HISTK playground. Of course it makes so much sense that Disney probably won't do it.

 

[Rommie]

I'm not a Star Wars fan. Nothing wrong with the IP, just not my cup of tea, but I'm still excited for its land opening in HS, from a theme park experience point of view. I like Star Tours, think the fireworks show is going to be neat, while I couldn't care less about launch bay. Most of my coworkers and friends are avid Star Wars geeks who never set foot inside a Disney park, and the news brought instant interest to them in doing so. If bringing it into the parks is a poor decision from Disney, I would love to know what a good decision is.
Oh the HISTK playground... I'm 33 and I loved it. Going to miss it. Glad I visited it.

 

[TwoMisfits]

Id rather not get that discussion going here but they need to fix future world before adding to world showcase.

You know, this has been pinging in my head for awhile...since Disney doesn't want to put the money into upkeeping a future world and since villains are wildly popular, underrepresented in parks, and skew adult (like the world showcase), why doesn't Disney just give up on EPCOT future world and demolish it for Disney's Villainous World and World Showcase. They already have an icon that looks like a Death Star (just actually put one in), and they could go all in with stocking the world with a lot of villainy (both IP and non-IP)...yes, yes, it's costly, a ton of work, and takes time...but what else does EPCOT future world have on its plate? How else are they gonna resuscitate it without putting in tons of time and money anyway? Once 2020 rolls around with no changes, this can't be that much more expensive or time consuming. Yes, it ruins Walt's vision, but the state of the park already has anyway...

 

[rteetz]

You know, this has been pinging in my head for awhile...since Disney doesn't want to put the money into upkeeping a future world and since villains are wildly popular, underrepresented in parks, and skew adult (like the world showcase), why doesn't Disney just give up on EPCOT future world and demolish it for Disney's Villainous World and World Showcase. They already have an icon that looks like a Death Star (just actually put one in), and they could go all in with stocking the world with a lot of villainy (both IP and non-IP)...yes, yes, it's costly, a ton of work, and takes time...but what else does EPCOT future world have on its plate? How else are they gonna resuscitate it without putting in tons of time and money anyway? Once 2020 rolls around with no changes, this can't be that much more expensive or time consuming. Yes, it ruins Walt's vision, but the state of the park already has anyway...

I get what you're saying but personally and I don't think I'm alone I would hate that. Epcot shouldn't be a villain park.