Ground was broken this week for Avatarland

[AmyB2006]

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).

Although I agree that the roller coaster is taking "forever" in general, Disney never projected anything sooner than "Spring 2014" when they started this project. So at least their projections are a little more accurate than years past. Or so we will see.

I for one, can't wait for Avatarland. I loved the movie and love the concept of the new land. Star Wars and for sure Star Trek are old and tired. Sure they have a huge following but they've been around for 40 years or more. Why shouldn't they?

It's time for something fresh and new. They will probably time the opening of this, most likely, with the new movie release garnering more attention.

The only thing I hope is that they learned a lesson from "New Fantasyland". They're going to need more than some more shops and restaurants to impress people. For a new "land", I would expect 4 to 5 actual attractions at minimum. Somehow I think they're still going to fall short on that area, but I'm still excited to see what they do.

 

[AmyB2006]

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?

I'll be first in line, regardless of where it is.

 

[Tomh]

I am looking forward to Avatar land. Pandora sounds amazing. Waiting until 2017 for it though . . . Disney certainly does seem to be taking a long time with these projects.

However, they have also been building DVC hotels all over the place, plus have the ongoing construction at DTD, so they have a lot of sticks in the fire.

That Disney Parks Blog post also mentioned a new evening show, and Expedition Everest after dark. I can only HOPE that before they debut ANY sort of new Expedition Everest experience, they will take the time to fix the darned Yeti! Perhaps they could have that done by 2017 as well

 

[mom2rtk]

That Disney Parks Blog post also mentioned a new evening show, and Expedition Everest after dark. I can only HOPE that before they debut ANY sort of new Expedition Everest experience, they will take the time to fix the darned Yeti! Perhaps they could have that done by 2017 as well

I love your optimism. But I can't imagine they'll touch Everest until Avatarland is open to offset the loss of EE for an extended period of time.

Maybe 2020?

 

[damo]

I still think that a mythical creatures land would have done better, but I'm happy at this point to be getting anything. Kids of all ages love dragons and unicorns and minotaurs and the like and it could have made some really cool rides.

Rumour is that Universal will be putting something in at some point with JK Rowling's Fantastic Beasts but I still think that it would have been a big draw at AK.

 

[clsteve]

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?

What a staggering, wonderful thought! Middle Earth already divided into distinct Lands: can you imagine the E-ticket possibilities?

A Mines of Moria dark coaster like Revenge of the Mummy, an Everest-like Desolation of Smaug, The Falls of Rauros water ride, a Woods of Lorien sky coaster through the trees, too many 3-D simulation opportunities to chose from, and a nightly Baggins B-day Party with Gandalf Fireworks each evening.

Now, that's a Theme Park.

For AvatarLand, the theming looks very impressive. What really shocked me was when I showed the concept art and plans to DS10, DS8 and 2 of their friends (one an 11 year-old girl) who were over. They all loved the movie and I expected them to be very excited. I was a little surprised when they all went "it's okay, I guess -- when's StarWars Land going to open"?

It doesn't seem to have cache as a franchise yet, and I guess that's the risk. It's a bit surprising Disney took the risk and is betting a lot on the next 2 movies being hugely successful. If they are - home run. If not....

 

[AmyB2006]

What a staggering, wonderful thought! Middle Earth already divided into distinct Lands: can you imagine the E-ticket possibilities?

A Mines of Moria dark coaster like Revenge of the Mummy, an Everest-like Desolation of Smaug, The Falls of Rauros water ride, a Woods of Lorien sky coaster through the trees, too many 3-D simulation opportunities to chose from, and a nightly Baggins B-day Party with Gandalf Fireworks each evening.

Now, that's a Theme Park.

Stop!!!! I'm planning already. LOL


Oh wait, it doesn't exist.

 

[ethanwa]

it's gonna be a failure

BIG Mistake, Huge waste of money

TOTALLY TOTALLY disagree with you. I can't disagree more!!!

They have 2-3 sequels planned for this movie, the first which comes out around the time Avatarland launches.

I think if they do this right (al la Cars Land when Cars 2 hit the theaters) then it will be a huge success. In fact, I think this sets up for Disney to BUY the Avatar property just like they bought Star Wars and Indiana Jones eventually.

Even if you HATE the movie, if you think this will be a failure, you don't understand what Disney is doing here.

 

[fairyprincess88]

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 and disagree. What I disagree with is that Universal is bring in more movie visitors. I say this because the ones that are repeat visitors, the ones who are buying the very expensive, mass amount of merch, the ones, spending a fortune for Potter packages and special events are the book crowd. Yes, Universal is pulling in those whose kids like the movies, or who liked the movies ect, but the ones they are going after is the book fans. That's where their main money in return is coming from. Movie fans will go once, maybe twice and yes it pulls in a lot of visitors but the ones planning the long trips, the ones returning several times a year, the ones now bring Universal week long conventions are the book fans. That is where Universal struck double pay dirt.

Plus there are kids still picking up the books, there are new fans that do actually read. A look at Mugglenet and Pottermore shows this. I'm not at all saying that Universal is not pulling in those who know Potter from the films, of course they are, but the book part of it can not be tossed aside.

 

[clsteve]

Stop!!!! I'm planning already. LOL


Oh wait, it doesn't exist.

I know, they could build it in Outer Mongolia and I'd still be checking on flight options.....

 

[Son of Gadsden]

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.

Completely agree. My wife was a member here for about a week. She doesn't come around any more. I asked her why the other day and she went on a rant about what a bunch of whiners and complainers there are. That she just likes Disney, and it seems like there's nothing but a bunch of negative people and Disney haters getting her down about her trips. "It's Disney", she said. "If you don't like Disney, why are you here? Go to some Universal forums." She spends a lot of time on a "trying to conceive" forum and says "It would be like if a bunch of people showed up to the those forums to complain about how much they hate kids".

Now, I don't get nearly that bothered by it. People are going to complain. It's forums, and forums attract a lot of negativity. I do confess that I roll my eyes reading posts more often than not lately.

 

[d-r]

its like if someone decided to build a matrix land after the first movie tied to the second movie coming out. Except if the first matrix movie was only popular because it was one of the first big 3d movies.

eta like this link -
http://www.slate.com/blogs/browbeat/2013/08/05/avatar_sequels_three_no_one_cares_here_s_why.html

 

[nicleigh84]

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.

Late to the game but I love this!! You need to work for Disney.

 

[Mad Hattered]

Completely agree. My wife was a member here for about a week. She doesn't come around any more. I asked her why the other day and she went on a rant about what a bunch of whiners and complainers there are. That she just likes Disney, and it seems like there's nothing but a bunch of negative people and Disney haters getting her down about her trips. "It's Disney", she said. "If you don't like Disney, why are you here? Go to some Universal forums." She spends a lot of time on a "trying to conceive" forum and says "It would be like if a bunch of people showed up to the those forums to complain about how much they hate kids".

Now, I don't get nearly that bothered by it. People are going to complain. It's forums, and forums attract a lot of negativity. I do confess that I roll my eyes reading posts more often than not lately.

I hope your wife doesn't read the Walt Disney World Facebook page in regards to Avatar.

 

[surferdave]

I hope your wife doesn't read the Walt Disney World Facebook page in regards to Avatar.

Reddit either.

You guys can call this message board negative all you want but I see the same reaction to this expansion everywhere I look, online or not.

Personally I'm ambivalent about the theme but eager to see some new attractions (and I don't count restaurants, gift shops, meet & greets and themed restrooms as attractions).

 

[magicbob]

Completely agree. My wife was a member here for about a week. She doesn't come around any more. I asked her why the other day and she went on a rant about what a bunch of whiners and complainers there are. That she just likes Disney, and it seems like there's nothing but a bunch of negative people and Disney haters getting her down about her trips. "It's Disney", she said. "If you don't like Disney, why are you here? Go to some Universal forums." She spends a lot of time on a "trying to conceive" forum and says "It would be like if a bunch of people showed up to the those forums to complain about how much they hate kids".

Now, I don't get nearly that bothered by it. People are going to complain. It's forums, and forums attract a lot of negativity. I do confess that I roll my eyes reading posts more often than not lately.

A more accurate analogy would be comparing the so-called "negativity" to people on the conceiving forum sharing their concerns about a new in vitro procedure being tested at a major U.S. hospital where the doctors are not willing to share the details with the patients and they are wondering how this costly new procedure may impact on their chances of conceiving.

 

[dlove28]

Just catching up after a four month hiatus form the DIS and planning in general. The article I read spoke about flora and fauna that glow at night (a la the movie) and also a nighttime spectacular and a nighttime kilamanjaro expansion. So it seems AK will be open longer now? Wasn't it always closed before sunset?

 

[Mad Hattered]

Just catching up after a four month hiatus form the DIS and planning in general. The article I read spoke about flora and fauna that glow at night (a la the movie) and also a nighttime spectacular and a nighttime kilamanjaro expansion. So it seems AK will be open longer now? Wasn't it always closed before sunset?

Yes, the plan is to have it open later.

 

[Jennasis]

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.

As you can tell by my post count, I have been on the DIS for years as well. I can not express how sad it is, trip after trip, to witness the constant reduction of services and offerings and increase in price at WDW.

As for the negativity on the DIS? It hasn't changed ONE. SINGLE. BIT. It's been this way since the beginning. People complain. People gush. It's how it's always been and anyone who claims otherwise hasn't been really paying attention. There have been a LOT of changes recently therefore a LOT of things for people to either complain or gush about.


It's a DISCUSSION FORUM. We discuss, for better or for worse. I love's me some Disney World. I don't go anywhere else on vacation (and I can only afford to take a trip, or a single day off from work for that matter, every other year,) and will continue to go to WDW until they price me out. But I can and will continue to discuss what I LOVE about the place and what I really don't like. They aren't perfect. Nothing/nobody is.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

TOTALLY TOTALLY disagree with you. I can't disagree more!!!

They have 2-3 sequels planned for this movie, the first which comes out around the time Avatarland launches.

I think if they do this right (al la Cars Land when Cars 2 hit the theaters) then it will be a huge success. In fact, I think this sets up for Disney to BUY the Avatar property just like they bought Star Wars and Indiana Jones eventually.

Even if you HATE the movie, if you think this will be a failure, you don't understand what Disney is doing here.

Personally, I think Avatar has about as much of a chance at a successful sequel as Titanic would.


Doesn't mean Avatarland can't be great - it could. It just fully blows that they'd put it at AK which deserves more ANIMAL attractions