Ground was broken this week for Avatarland

[disneylovin24]

Am I the only one who is going to wait and judge it after they see it, not before? I'm legitimately excited and can't wait to see how it turns out. I have great faith in the imagineers after the amazing job they did on Cars Land.

Let's not rush to judge something we haven't seen yet.

 

[Jennasis]

Am I the only one who is going to wait and judge it after they see it, not before? I'm legitimately excited and can't wait to see how it turns out. I have great faith in the imagineers after the amazing job they did on Cars Land.

Let's not rush to judge something we haven't seen yet.

My concern is that we are going to see anything for a looooooooong time (if the snails pace of the completion of one dang roller coaster is any indication).

While I have zero interest in Avatar (come on...can anybody even name the characters? I sure can't...and yes I did pay to see it in the theater), I was at least encouraged by the little preview area they had set up during D23. They certainly do know how to theme. I was reminded of the level of detail in the Everest queue. So while the source material is complete meh to me, I suppose I'm buoyed by the prospect of intense theming.

 

[Shaden]

73% of that total came from overseas. Perhaps that is what Disney is banking on. Domestically, Avatar ranks #14 in number of tickets sold:

1 Gone With the Wind
2 Snow White
3 101 Dalmations
4 Star Wars
5 Sound of Music
6 ET
7 Ben-Hur
8 Titanic
9 The Exorcist
10 Ten Commandments
11 JAWS
12 Doctor Zhivago
13 The Empire Strikes Back
14 Avatar
15 Return of the Jedi
16 Jurassic Park

http://boxofficemojo.com/alltime/adjusted.htm
http://boxofficemojo.com/about/adjuster.htm




ETA - before someone comes in to challenge the stats I added the links. You are welcome to do the math for yourselves. Use the UNADJUSTED gross in the first link divided by the average ticket price provided in the second link.

And in all honesty, Avatar didn't even sell the 101 million tickets I state because if you add in the premium you pay for a 3D movie, that screws with the $7.50 average.

To put it in perspective, 25 million more tickets were sold for Jaws, 105 million more tickets were sold for Star Wars, 30 million more tickets were sold for The Exorcist, 42 million more tickets were sold for Titanic, etc....

These are based on domestic ticket sales.

I remember it well, too! I remember standing in a line more than once that wrapped out and around the side of the theater...and then it made a 90 and snaked down the other side of the theater.

Just for the record, Avatar sold 101 million tickets domestically. Gone With the Wind sold 864 million.

Now homie, you know I am usually on your team, and actually am generally about this too, I don't think avatar compares to some other movies, esp my fav franchise Starwars ... BUT ... you can't really compare these numbers, the Era is just too different.

I remember I went and saw Avatar Twice in the theatre, BUT, also had a ripped copy from the net a week after it released, and watched that another 10 - 15 times.

Ticket sales as a measure of aggregate demand are no longer accurate. While its true you can't compare box office gross (because of the change in prices and the upsell of 3D) you also can't compare total ticket sales as a measure of popularity anymore ... because so many people don't go to the theatre, they just download and watch.

just sayin.

 

[disneylovin24]

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.

Sorry I'm late to this but this really made me laugh! Good one.

 

[Shaden]

Just in case you missed this part of my previous post:

What Avatar CAN'T do is match the 450,000,000+ BOOKS that Potter sold. THAT is the main reason people showed up like they did at Universal...not the movies.

You are going to have to wait and see how the next 2 or 3 movies pan out before you rush to that judgment to be fair ...

 

[Gumbo4x4]

I kind of envy those not expecting much, worst case scenario they were right and it equals their low expectations but best case scenario they end up liking something they thought they wouldn't. For those like me who are expecting something special I'll either be satisfied or incredibly disappointed.

Luckily I'm an optimist that can find the good in almost anything so I'm pretty easy to please.

To be honest, I'm fearful it will be a hit - and in the process begin a new direction for what is currently my favorite park.

Most of Disney is created to simulate a fantasy whereas the signature AK attraction (Safari) is meant to simulate a REAL thing. That's what I enjoy most about AK, and I LIKE that its less "Disneyfied" than the other parks. AK works, it just needs more attractions (for some people), not a new direction. Just my $.02.

 

[disneylovin24]

Now homie, you know I am usually on your team, and actually am generally about this too, I don't think avatar compares to some other movies, esp my fav franchise Starwars ... BUT ... you can't really compare these numbers, the Era is just too different.

I remember I went and saw Avatar Twice in the theatre, BUT, also had a ripped copy from the net a week after it released, and watched that another 10 - 15 times.

Ticket sales as a measure of aggregate demand are no longer accurate. While its true you can't compare box office gross (because of the change in prices and the upsell of 3D) you also can't compare total ticket sales as a measure of popularity anymore ... because so many people don't go to the theatre, they just download and watch.

just sayin.

This is very true. I think also now I hear more and more people saying "I'll just wait to see it on DVD". I don't think going to the movies is as common as it used to be and it probably does make it that more impressing that Avatar, an original movie and not a sequel, grossed what it did. Doesn't matter how it did it, still very impressive.

 

[disneylovin24]

To be honest, I'm fearful it will be a hit - and in the process begin a new direction for what is currently my favorite park.

Most of Disney is created to simulate a fantasy whereas the signature AK attraction (Safari) is meant to simulate a REAL thing. That's what I enjoy most about AK, and I LIKE that its less "Disneyfied" than the other parks. AK works, it just needs more attractions (for some people), not a new direction. Just my $.02.

Funny because I think EPCOT is my favorite park because with World Showcase it simulates the real thing. Guess it all comes down to what real thing you like more - animals or countries of the world!

 

[Mad Hattered]

You are going to have to wait and see how the next 2 or 3 movies pan out before you rush to that judgment to be fair ...

You know I love you like a brother from another mother We're all good. Did you see where I said I thought they would do a great job of theming? I really do think it will look awesome!!

Besides....I've seen you debate. I don't even want to go there.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

Funny because I think EPCOT is my favorite park because with World Showcase it simulates the real thing. Guess it all comes down to what real thing you like more - animals or countries of the world!

Epcot would be my second favorite, and yes I'm a big World Showcase fan

 

[Mad Hattered]

My concern is that we are going to see anything for a looooooooong time (if the snails pace of the completion of one dang roller coaster is any indication).

Disclaimer: My reply to this post is only to knock the Triple Dipping thread down at least one place on the page order.

Mine Train:

Announced - January 18, 2011
Broke Ground - October/November 2011
Finish - Spring 2014...er....2014

Avatarland:

Announced - September 20, 2011
Broke Ground - January 10, 2014
Finish - 2017....ish

Can you imagine what would happen if a park other than Disney ever lands Lord of the Rings?

 

[Shaden]

You know I love you like a brother from another mother We're all good. Did you see where I said I thought they would do a great job of theming? I really do think it will look awesome!!

Besides....I've seen you debate. I don't even want to go there.

Disclaimer: My reply to this post is only to knock the Triple Dipping thread down at least one place on the page order.

Mine Train:

Announced - January 18, 2011
Broke Ground - October/November 2011
Finish - Spring 2014...er....2014

Avatarland:

Announced - September 20, 2011
Broke Ground - January 10, 2014
Finish - 2017....ish

Can you imagine what would happen if a park other than Disney ever lands Lord of the Rings?

DOUBLE

I just woke my wife up from a cold sleep laughing out loud !

 

[metzgardesign]

Maybe I'm just out of the loop. But I don't see Avatar having the fan base following that something like Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit do (in contemporary times).

I am Disney will do a very nice job of theming and immersion....but the foundation on which it is being built is pretty weak and unsubstantial.

The plot and overall storyline/progression of Avatar were bad. It has been done before and done better (conjuring outsiders go in for a needed commodity, and in the process, decimate the problematic, yet peaceful, natives....only to eventually fall to those same locals). The movie was remarkably predictable and generic, and seemed (to me at least) to be a carelessly scripted device to serve as a carrier for the effects. The only thing which generated real buzz for the film was the imagery and advanced visualizations (which, comparatively, have already lost ground).

Maybe the next two films will be better. And I certainly think the new land will draw a crowd. I just question whether it will generate a true "must see" reaction over time for visitors.

 

[Viva Las Disney]

As a Potter nerd(who has been deeply involved in the fandom since the beginning) I have to point this out because it is very important if you are going to bring it into this Avatar thing.

Harry Potter is first and foremost a book series. It's main sales are in book sales, the main fandom is from the books. In fact, while most of the fandom has seen the movies, a majority would never put them near the same level as the books. What Universal is drawling on with Potter has very little to do with box office movie sales and everything to do with the novels. Now if you want to toss some numbers against numbers than add in the Potter book sales and the movie take and then do the comparison. You can not in anyway judge the draw of Harry Potter based on the films. The films are what most fans look at as merely a fun add on that we mostly pick apart and complain about but still find entertaining.

Sorry but it bugs me to no end when people overlook exactly what Potter is about and where it came from.

I've read all the HP books myself, and you're right the movies don't compare, but disagree that the movies aren't a good gauge to what's driving Universal attendance for one simple fact, the vast majority of the people that read the books also saw the movies so we are included in the numbers.

The HP books each sold about 50 million copies worldwide, the HP movies were each seen by around 100 million people worldwide, add in tens of million of DVD and Blu ray sales and the movies have probably exposed 3 times as many people to HP than the books.

The sad reality is a lot more people have sat through a 1.5 hour HP movie than read one of the amazingly detailed books. I finished Deathly Hallows in a 14 hour marathon because I couldn't put it down but lets be honest, those of us who enjoy spending hours/days/weeks reading a book are the minority in America today.

The movies don't compare to the books but they were seen by a lot more people so they should be an accurate representation of popularity.

 

[magicbob]

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.

I remember when that occurred. I don't remember anyone being upset about it. We were all thrilled that we were now allowed to ride UNLIMITED rides!

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.

Another fan of Australia. Even after Avatar is built, there is enough real estate to add Australia somewhere else. And that EAC ride? It already exists at Disneyland Paris... Crush's Coaster. They would just need to pull out the existing blueprints and build another one.

And the thing with this is that nothing else would fit in to Animal Kingdom. They couldn't have used Star Wars or Carsland there

Star Wars and Carsland are not good fits for AK, but Australia or the Americas would be. I might be in the minority, but I think animals would fit pretty well in Animal Kingdom.

That said, while I'm not a big fan of Avatar, I AM pretty excited about the concept sketches/models. In the end, I will probably enjoy Avatarland if it looks great and if the rides are high quality. But I will never stop hoping they also add an Australia wildlife section (and accompanying "Crush's Coaster" EAC ride).

 

[JimS4210]

Just blow up AK completely and build The Lord of the Rings park... If some company (Disney, Universal, whoever) actually secures the rights from the Tolkien estate, this would be the biggest money maker ever. It would be Harry Potter and Star Wars multiplied a thousandfold! You could do an entire park on this franchise, not just one land. The mind boggles when you think of the possibilities...

I can't see Avatarland taking off. The movie was just okay and most of it's ticket sales were due to it being one of the first 3D films released.

Jim

 

[disneylovin24]

I remember when that occurred. I don't remember anyone being upset about it. We were all thrilled that we were now allowed to ride UNLIMITED rides!



Another fan of Australia. Even after Avatar is built, there is enough real estate to add Australia somewhere else. And that EAC ride? It already exists at Disneyland Paris... Crush's Coaster. They would just need to pull out the existing blueprints and build another one.



Star Wars and Carsland are not good fits for AK, but Australia or the Americas would be. I might be in the minority, but I think animals would fit pretty well in Animal Kingdom.
That said, while I'm not a big fan of Avatar, I AM pretty excited about the concept sketches/models. In the end, I will probably enjoy Avatarland if it looks great and if the rides are high quality. But I will never stop hoping they also add an Australia wildlife section (and accompanying "Crush's Coaster" EAC ride).

What I should have said is movie-wise, Avatar was the best fit. I already went into this in a previous post, but it seems like we have now reached a point where if you want to attract people you should be modeling areas after movies because then you will probably get people who saw the movie in faster than just a theme land based off of a country. Again, I could be wrong on this theory but I think it makes sense for something themed after a movie to attract people faster.

And looking at it this way, Avatar was probably Disney's best film option back in 2011. They probably didn't want to tackle Carsland in WDW while DLR was still being built and they didn't have Star Wars yet.

I've read all the HP books myself, and you're right the movies don't compare, but disagree that the movies aren't a good gauge to what's driving Universal attendance for one simple fact, the vast majority of the people that read the books also saw the movies so we are included in the numbers.

The HP books each sold about 50 million copies worldwide, the HP movies were each seen by around 100 million people worldwide, add in tens of million of DVD and Blu ray sales and the movies have probably exposed 3 times as many people to HP than the books.

The sad reality is a lot more people have sat through a 1.5 hour HP movie than read one of the amazingly detailed books. I finished Deathly Hallows in a 14 hour marathon because I couldn't put it down but lets be honest, those of us who enjoy spending hours/days/weeks reading a book are the minority in America today.

The movies don't compare to the books but they were seen by a lot more people so they should be an accurate representation of popularity.

I agree with this, I personally think more people are visiting HP world as a result of seeing the movie and not because of the books. Yes, the books have a big following and I am included in that, but more people certainly saw the movies.

 

[goofydad621]

As you can tell from my post count, I have been on the DIS for years.

I can not express how sad it is, day after day, to witness the overwhelming negativity here on the DIS, by the "young" group of posters.

Not sure what to do.

I've said the sane thing over and over, this is my second log in name my first was from the 98/99 era also. This is not the happy place it used to be, is ok to have a negative opinion ? Sure but the blatant smarminess is just not called for and very undisney

Glad somebody else agrees

And I can remember when people would say that they thought Animal Kingdom will be a huge failure as it does not fit what DISNEY is all about ! I remember allot of feelings like that in the old days just not put in such a negative. Everybody should just let things play out and if that park is not for them they just skip it, this may be geared for more of the up and coming generation ?

 

[Bullseye]

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.

Yeah I agree. I thought the movie was great and Avatar land is going to be very cool!

 

[NYDisneyKid]

Now people are gonna be asking like they are about the 7 Dwarfs Mine Train,,,"whens it gonna open?"".