Ground was broken this week for Avatarland

[princessallegra]

Glad you're excited!

Thanks i really needed this today

 

[rteetz]

Whoopty doo. Why this? Why not invest that money in a Star Wars Land? I'm really not into the films but I can see how popular they are. That would have been a homerun, especially when you see how well SWW does. Or why not take the time to really improve Animal Kingdom in a way that appeals to the masses? So many discuss how it is a half day park. Think about that. Most say you need to days at Magic Kingdom and Epcot and both of them could fit comfortably in Animal Kingdom. People say DHS is also a half day park and look at how small it is compared to Animal Kingdom. So much could be done to that park to make it phenomenal and this Avatar Land doesn't seem to be it. Hope I'm wrong.

Star Wars day will come soon. And the most logical place for it to go is DHS. Disney will invest in Star Wars at some point we just don't know when that will be. Star Wars is too large not to invest in. Both DHS and AK are considered by many as half day parks my self I consider neither half day parks.

 

[JanaDee]

I'm thinking they probably just meant that people are kind of negative towards it without giving it a chance? Whenever something new happens we all tend to get a little upset but a lot of times after we get used to it and learn more we are fine or even like it.

That said, would I prefer a SW land? Yes. I have never seen Avatar and don't really have a desire to. But, seeing the concept art it sounds kind of fun whether or not its themed to Avatar. The night time plants and elaborate scenery, a new night show, and I actually like that they are doing a boat ride. Of course I'd prefer a coaster, but that does for some reason tie the park into the rest to me. Giving it some classic disney.

It isn't just people here on the dis that think it is a terrible idea. Read the FB announcement about it and when I mention the concept to friends IRL that are not on the dis, they look at me like I am crazy.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

Yup, I think so, too. By the time it is built, no one will care.

No one cares now!

This. There is no cult-like following of this movie that would ever justify such a project, and the more time that passes, the less relevant this film (and attraction) will be.

Besides, maybe instead of trying to trick people who dislike AK into coming there, they could improve upon the things so many of us already love about the park. Australia? North America? (Imagine a Safari-type attraction featuring bison, elk, grizzlies......). So many other, better things that could and should be done instead.

 

[AThrillingChase]

It isn't just people here on the dis that think it is a terrible idea. Read the FB announcement about it and when I mention the concept to friends IRL that are not on the dis, they look at me like I am crazy.

I have no argument that lots of people do not think it is a good idea. I was referring to both the dis and others generally. It actually reminds me of people being outraged that Heath Ledger was selected to play the joker, and then it turned out he did an amazing job. Or any of the million changes facebook has made that have people up in arms for a couple of days until they become familiar and then we wonder how we went without it. When I was a teenager I thought cell phones were a ridiculous waste of money, and now I always have it with me! I would wager that people were also upset when they switched from the E-ticket system to general admission. So for now, I am remaining open minded.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

I have no argument that lots of people do not think it is a good idea. I was referring to both the dis and others generally. It actually reminds me of people being outraged that Heath Ledger was selected to play the joker, and then it turned out he did an amazing job. Or any of the million changes facebook has made that have people up in arms for a couple of days until they become familiar and then we wonder how we went without it. When I was a teenager I thought cell phones were a ridiculous waste of money, and now I always have it with me! I would wager that people were also upset when they switched from the E-ticket system to general admission. So for now, I am remaining open minded.

You came to like Facebook changes? I honestly can't think of one that has grown on me

 

[AThrillingChase]

You came to like Facebook changes? I honestly can't think of one that has grown on me

I actually just heard on the news they are adding a "dislike" button. I think that one will be extremely entertaining!

 

[photo_chick]

They're making 2 more Avatar movies. I wonder if they're targeting the opening date to coincide with one of those?

The only thing that takes longer than Disney building a coaster is James Cameron making a movie.

 

[PeterPanic]

We all know James Cameron is notoriously difficult to work with, so I'm going for '40.

So with that, two things jump to mind.

First, now I know why it took so long to get an official announcement, (pictures and all). I took them that long to find someone that sells shovels for giants.

Second, based on Mr. Cameron's alleged, difficult to work with, reputation, in about fifty years there should be a new movie coming out titled.. "Saving Mr. Iger". Starring Clint Eastwood, reprising his role of Dirty Harry (posthumously) as Mr. Cameron and Pee Wee Herman as Bob Iger.

 

[JennaDeeDooDah]

This. There is no cult-like following of this movie that would ever justify such a project, and the more time that passes, the less relevant this film (and attraction) will be.

Besides, maybe instead of trying to trick people who dislike AK into coming there, they could improve upon the things so many of us already love about the park. Australia? North America? (Imagine a Safari-type attraction featuring bison, elk, grizzlies......). So many other, better things that could and should be done instead.

I have been begging for Australia, Americas, and Antarctica areas of the parks for years! Finding Nemo the Musical could go in Australia and they could have a great EAC ride. And can you imagine a fun skyway-type ride that goes over the Australian rainforest? We did one of those in Australia and I can just imagine how fantastic it could be at Disney. Plus, you could go over the fauna native to that area. It'd be fantastic! And I would love the penguins in Antarctica. Disney has this whole Club Penguin thing that's an online game. They could really help promote that in Antarctica. And who doesn't love a good seal and sea lion show? There could also be an "arctic" play area for children with "icy" slides and play equipment inspired by sleds and other fun winter activities. And then you have the Americas. Can you imagine the fun they could have with a ride similar to Expedition Everest in theming, but actually is more about finding Bigfoot? There could be a horseback riding area with a western theme, as well. There could also be an interesting nocturnal area with bats, foxes, armadillos, possums, raccoons, etc.

 

[Shaden]

it's gonna be a failure

BIG Mistake, Huge waste of money

Disagree completely,

Its going to be awesome. Even beyond the franchise of the films, which there are still 2 or 3 to come out ...

The world itself is going to be fricken cool.

 

[Karbase8]

LOL LOL LOL Peter. I have mixed feelings. I saw only parts of Avatar the ending was beautiful and some of the cinematography and story was at time pretty good. I hate James Cameron. I am going to give it a chance, but I would rather see Star Wars Land, some real improvements to MK as I am disappointed with Fantasyland and some updates to Epcot first. I think adding the nighttime Safari is a great idea and maybe one e-ticket to Animal Kingdom and a nighttime show, not so sure about Avatarland it doesn't make sense so much but I will give it a chance.

 

[notnothin]

The comments on the official facebook page are quite hilarious.

 

[JennaDeeDooDah]

Disagree completely,

Its going to be awesome. Even beyond the franchise of the films, which there are still 2 or 3 to come out ...

The world itself is going to be fricken cool.

I do hope you are correct. I visited Disneyland back in October and loved Carsland. I really didn't care for the movies, though. I'm hoping for the same thing here because Animal Kingdom is easily my least favorite of the Disney parks and one I rarely visit.

 

[Karbase8]

I have been begging for Australia, Americas, and Antarctica areas of the parks for years! Finding Nemo the Musical could go in Australia and they could have a great EAC ride. And can you imagine a fun skyway-type ride that goes over the Australian rainforest? We did one of those in Australia and I can just imagine how fantastic it could be at Disney. Plus, you could go over the fauna native to that area. It'd be fantastic! And I would love the penguins in Antarctica. Disney has this whole Club Penguin thing that's an online game. They could really help promote that in Antarctica. And who doesn't love a good seal and sea lion show? There could also be an "arctic" play area for children with "icy" slides and play equipment inspired by sleds and other fun winter activities. And then you have the Americas. Can you imagine the fun they could have with a ride similar to Expedition Everest in theming, but actually is more about finding Bigfoot? There could be a horseback riding area with a western theme, as well. There could also be an interesting nocturnal area with bats, foxes, armadillos, possums, raccoons, etc.

Can Disney hire you as an Imagineer? Wonderful ideas! I agree with you 100%.

 

[jk and ek]

i'm looking forward to this because it's something new, but i wish it wasn't an avatar tie-in.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

I have been begging for Australia, Americas, and Antarctica areas of the parks for years! Finding Nemo the Musical could go in Australia and they could have a great EAC ride. And can you imagine a fun skyway-type ride that goes over the Australian rainforest? We did one of those in Australia and I can just imagine how fantastic it could be at Disney. Plus, you could go over the fauna native to that area. It'd be fantastic! And I would love the penguins in Antarctica. Disney has this whole Club Penguin thing that's an online game. They could really help promote that in Antarctica. And who doesn't love a good seal and sea lion show? There could also be an "arctic" play area for children with "icy" slides and play equipment inspired by sleds and other fun winter activities. And then you have the Americas. Can you imagine the fun they could have with a ride similar to Expedition Everest in theming, but actually is more about finding Bigfoot? There could be a horseback riding area with a western theme, as well. There could also be an interesting nocturnal area with bats, foxes, armadillos, possums, raccoons, etc.

A lot of people sell the Americas idea short as they don't view it as "exotic" enough. But, when you consider the massive # of international visitors Disney gets each year, it really makes a lot of sense. And even I as an American (who has been to Yellowstone) love the idea.

Edit: I'd love to see an Americas attraction that simulated a cross country wagon trip, or Lewis & Clark type adventure

 

[morethananyonex]

I don't have a specific dislike of Avatar itself, I just hate the idea of basing an entire land around a movie. I hate the idea of basing a land around a Disney movie too. I don't like the idea of Star Wars land either, but I do think a movie based land fits much better in DHS.

I would much rather see the imagineer's creativity in the parks. Some of the best Disney attractions are the ones that were based on nothing more than someone's idea. I know that Disney can do it. They've done so many times in the past. The ideas mentioned in here, Australia and all that, would fit so nicely into AK while showcasing the amazing things Disney can do that make Disney unique.

 

[JennaDeeDooDah]

Can Disney hire you as an Imagineer? Wonderful ideas! I agree with you 100%.

Thank you. I really think that there are some fantastic things that they can do with Animal Kingdom. I worry that Avatarland might possibly be a jumping off point to do to Animal Kingdom what they have done to DHS. Now, don't get me wrong. DHS is absolutely my favorite park. But, it is experiencing a bit of an identity crisis. It used to be a park themed on "a Hollywood that never was and always will be" where you felt like you were in the hayday of Hollywood as you walk the grounds. Then, you were suddenly transported into the films and shows. Superstar Television did this. By Great Movie Ride coming to life, it did this. Star Tours put you in the action. Tower of Terror makes you the star. But then you have parts that no longer make sense. They are fun, but they don't really fit with the theme, you know? I really want them to get DHS back on track and I'm also worried they are going to take Animal Kingdom off track if they aren't careful.

A lot of people sell the Americas idea short as they don't view it as "exotic" enough. But, when you consider the massive # of international visitors Disney gets each year, it really makes a lot of sense. And even I as an American (who has been to Yellowstone) love the idea.

I think it could be great, as well. The Americas are HUGE! Texas is different from Argentina which is different from Toronto. A lot could be done with a area with that theme.

 

[BrianL]

Everyone always hates on something new because it's not what they would do. Give it a chance.

Avatar, rather than having a cult of fans, seems to have a cult of haters who vehemently dislike it . Their voice ont he Internet is loud, repeating the same arguments over and over again, while the nearly $3 Billion in box office revenue tells a different story.

I think people will like the land and when the new movies come out, they will be well received. I personally enjoyed Avatar immensely; it is a groundbreaking motion picture form one of the masters of the genre. I can't wait to go!