New Avatar attraction, will it affect AKV?

[mjc2003]

So an entire Avatar themed "land" will break ground in 2013 at Animal Kingdom. I wonder how this will bleed into AKV? Will we see any Avatar theming at the resort/resorts? I wouldn't be surprised. With 2 more Avatar movies set to come out in 2014/2015 and beyond, which seem to sort of correspond with the opening of this new attraction, I bet there will be a "Pandora" affect.

 

[DebbieB]

So an entire Avatar themed "land" will break ground in 2013 at Animal Kingdom. I wonder how this will bleed into AKV? Will we see any Avatar theming at the resort/resorts? I wouldn't be surprised. With 2 more Avatar movies set to come out in 2014/2015 and beyond, which seem to sort of correspond with the opening of this new attraction, I bet there will be a "Pandora" affect.

I doubt it. Park themeing usually doesn't carry over to resorts. That would be like Star Tours theming spreading to Boardwalk.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

I also doubt it. AKL/AKV is themed after the Africa part of AK. If they were to bring the Avatar theme into the resort they would also have an Asia section, Dino section, ect..
That's not to say there won't be a subtle reference here and there.

MG

 

[mjc2003]

I doubt it. Park themeing usually doesn't carry over to resorts. That would be like Star Tours theming spreading to Boardwalk.

Hardly. Boardwalk is not named, "Hollywood Studios Resort". They are close in proximity, but there is no commonality with the theming.

In the case of AKV, the park theming DOES carry over to the resort in that the theme is Africa and animals.

 

[mjc2003]

I also doubt it. AKL/AKV is themed after the Africa part of AK. If they were to bring the Avatar theme into the resort they would also have an Asia section, Dino section, ect..
That's not to say there won't be a subtle reference here and there.

MG

What makes me think otherwise is that DinoLand, the Asia section of AK, etc... are not tied to a billion dollar movie franchise. This is Disney's answer to Harry Potter. Avatar is a phenomenon, not just a movie; with two more movies set to be released, this could literally become WDW's premiere attraction.

I would bet there is significant licensing, and that AKV will see a touch here and there, along with a noticeable presence in the gift shop.

I don't mean to imply that the beds at Kidani are going to suddenly replaced by giant leaves hanging from trees, but would not be surprised if this "bleeds" into the AKV scene.

 

[Greysword]

Guess I need to see this movie now, huh?

 

[hakepb]

Guess I need to see this movie now, huh?

Nah. Just remember to bring some 3-D glasses for the savannah view

 

[Deb & Bill]

Guess I need to see this movie now, huh?

I tried to watch it once and couldn't get past the first few minutes.

 

[wdrl]

I would bet there is significant licensing, and that AKV will see a touch here and there, along with a noticeable presence in the gift shop.

I seriously doubt that we'll see any of Avatar's touches reach AKV -- other than at the gift shops. However, Disney may introduce Avatar-themed touches at some of the cash resorts. Disney has already done something like this by integrating the Nemo and Pirates themes into some rooms at Caribbean Beach. And don't forget that Ariel and Friends are a theme at the upcoming Art of Animation rooms next door to Pop Century, and Princess Tiana and her friends are helping redecorate some rooms at Port Orleans.

 

[aan1701]

Guess I need to see this movie now, huh?

No need. I can sum it up for you. It is like Return Of The Jedi. The week little people rise up with the help of a few to beat the strong technoloy advanced society. Oh and really the movie sucked. It was nice to watch but it was boring and had a story if been there dine that. I have to admit I am very disappointed in Disney for not using one if their brands and going to the outside.

 

[mjc2003]

No need. I can sum it up for you. It is like Return Of The Jedi. The week little people rise up with the help of a few to beat the strong technoloy advanced society. Oh and really the movie sucked. It was nice to watch but it was boring and had a story if been there dine that. I have to admit I am very disappointed in Disney for not using one if their brands and going to the outside.

They went to the "outside" b/c they need to compete with Harry Potter, and there is no better opportunity. You are talking about a singular film that grossed NEARLY 3 BILLION DOLLARS WORLDWIDE. That is almost 4 times the worldwide gross of Disney's best grossing film, Nemo. For better or worse, this is a major coup for Disney; with 2 more films on the way, you are talking about an attraction whose base will grow exponentially. The opening day of this attraction will far surpass anything in recent memory at WDW.

Also, while I agree that the movie and story itself were "been there, done that", and the message is old and oft repeated, what you can't argue with is that it was "nice to watch" as you say. The special effects and imagery were quite impressive, and this is all they have to capture to make a world class attraction.

 

[mjc2003]

I seriously doubt that we'll see any of Avatar's touches reach AKV -- other than at the gift shops. However, Disney may introduce Avatar-themed touches at some of the cash resorts. Disney has already done something like this by integrating the Nemo and Pirates themes into some rooms at Caribbean Beach. And don't forget that Ariel and Friends are a theme at the upcoming Art of Animation rooms next door to Pop Century, and Princess Tiana and her friends are helping redecorate some rooms at Port Orleans.

You might be right. Regardless, I think we can all agree that in some capacity they will merchandise the heck out of this.

 

[hakepb]

...And the Jim Lewis financial mess concludes. The 2 accounting managers fired with Lewis got off easy.

The real punishment is being the accountant in charge of the James Cameron project

 

[TLPL]

All I remember about that movie is it was sooooo long. It wasn't a memorable movie otherwise.

 

[twinklebug]

Avatar was cool from a special effects standpoint (kind of a yawner plot wise). Outside of conservation lessons and some cool interactive mushrooms that glow when you touch them, I really can't envision what Disney's going to do here...

Not unless they head in a Universal type direction and develop a ride or experience that touches all of our senses, and so far Disney has yet to do anything like what I'm thinking.

I personally love AK the way it is, I would have rather seen them put their efforts into a Jaw dropping transformers ride over in HS to blow our senses. (Yeah, I know - something about no Marvel in Disney Parks east of the Mississippi until the Universal contract expires)

 

[Maistre Gracey]

What makes me think otherwise is that DinoLand, the Asia section of AK, etc... are not tied to a billion dollar movie franchise. This is Disney's answer to Harry Potter. Avatar is a phenomenon, not just a movie; with two more movies set to be released, this could literally become WDW's premiere attraction.

I would bet there is significant licensing, and that AKV will see a touch here and there, along with a noticeable presence in the gift shop.

I don't mean to imply that the beds at Kidani are going to suddenly replaced by giant leaves hanging from trees, but would not be surprised if this "bleeds" into the AKV scene.

I just don't see it. It would cause theme clash.

Hmm... Theme clash. I think I just invented a phrase.

MG

 

[cj9200]

Never saw the movie but may in the near future. So I am talking with no knowledge to back me up. I think the canvas is blank when it comes to Avatarland. They are tied with the basic theme of the movie and characters but we are not talking about an Avatar Great Movie Ride.

If Disney lets the Imagineers go nuts, there could be some cool attractions, great landscaping, interesting restaurants and interaction spots. We all complain that AK is a half day park but they will be putting mega-bucks into the park. While I am not excited about the Avatar theme, I am taking a wait and see attitude.

 

[PrincessYessenia]

Never saw the movie but may in the near future. So I am talking with no knowledge to back me up. I think the canvas is blank when it comes to Avatarland. They are tied with the basic theme of the movie and characters but we are not talking about an Avatar Great Movie Ride.

If Disney lets the Imagineers go nuts, there could be some cool attractions, great landscaping, interesting restaurants and interaction spots. We all complain that AK is a half day park but they will be putting mega-bucks into the park. While I am not excited about the Avatar theme, I am taking a wait and see attitude.

I feel the same way. AK is the largest park and it should have more attractions. I'm not ecstatic but it will be exciting to see AK expand, so to speak.

 

[aan1701]

While I am not excited about the Avatar theme, I am taking a wait and see attitude.

Now this I could not agree more with. Again, I am not a fan of this movie by any means as like I said to put it simply, I thought it sucked big time. Still it could be interesting to see what they come up with. Still I wish they came up with some other theme.

 

[Longhairbear]

We'll probably see a lot of unsold Duffy bears dyed blue on the shelves.