Pandora- World of Avatar 2017 Really?

[MagnoliaBend12]

When do you REALLY think the World of Avatar will open in AK? I know they SAY 2017 but with Rivers of Light debacle/postponement do you think they'll be able to pull off a 2017 opening of World of Avatar?

 

[Budshark]

2017
Yes

 

[cigar95]

My understanding is that the project is on schedule. My spy in Imagineering is trying to find more specifics.

 

[rteetz]

When do you REALLY think the World of Avatar will open in AK? I know they SAY 2017 but with Rivers of Light debacle/postponement do you think they'll be able to pull off a 2017 opening of World of Avatar?

Summer 2017.

Just because of what happened with rivers of light doesn't mean that will happen with Pandora.

The goal is/was earth day 2017 but it seems summer 2017 is the best bet.

Avatar is right on schedule for the most part.

 

[Grym]

From what I've read and heard so far, things are on schedule for 2017. But who knows?

Regardless of what eventually happens with the timeline though, I think the tech difficulties that popped up for RoL are completely unrelated to the construction/build teams making Pandora on time.

 

[rteetz]

From what I've read and heard so far, things are on schedule for 2017. But who knows?

Regardless of what eventually happens with the timeline though, I think the tech difficulties that popped up for RoL are completely unrelated to the construction/build teams making Pandora on time.

Exactly. The two projects are not tied in anyway and we completely different.

 

[cigar95]

Jim Hill offered an amusing, tongue-in-cheek quote from one of the imagineers a few months ago.

"Did we actually say we would make mountains float?"

Sounds like at the time, they were less concerned about the actual attractions than they were about the visual elements of the area. (And the latter are, for me, the most interesting part anyway.)

Ever the optimist that I am, I'm hoping that they might open the area in time for our early-2017 trip, as a teaser for when the attractions themselves open. Yes, it's a longshot.

 

[skier_pete]

I have no reason to believe 2017 isn't happening. The project is significant way along. I would be surprised if it before the mid-way point of the year, but yes I think 2017 is extremely likely.

While they completely botched Rivers of Light - they generally get most of their openings on time, or at least within a month or so. (Fantasyland met all announced dates, Soarin and Frozen Fever get out on schedule.)

 

[TikiMan0228]

This was taken last week. Floating mountains look great and there is a very large building next to them that is most likely an attraction building. Can't see much more but I'm guessing they are on schedule.

 

[rteetz]

This was taken last week. Floating mountains look great and there is a very large building next to them that is most likely an attraction building. Can't see much more but I'm guessing they are on schedule. View attachment 194127

Yes that building houses both attractions.

Mountains are very far along.

 

[PuppyJonathan]

Avatar seems to be at the point now when I thought mine train was just getting cosmetic upgrades to the rock work and we were just waiting for an official date other than 2014. I am willing to bet the only way this doesn't open in 2017 is: somehow they are further along schedule than we all thought and opens for the Christmas crowd or somehow something extremely dramatic happens that prevents it from opening in 2017. Hey at least this wasn't pushed back once it broke ground like the sequels the land is based upon!

 

[rteetz]

Avatar seems to be at the point now when I thought mine realm was just getting cosmetic upgrades to the rock work and we were just waiting for an official date other than 2014. I am willing to bet the only way this doesn't open in 2017 is: somehow they are further along schedule than we all thought and opens for the Christmas crowd or somehow something extremely dramatic happens that prevents it from opening in 2017. Hey at least this wasn't pushed back once it broke ground like the sequels the land is based upon!

With James Cameron in town for the D23 event at WDW I think we get an opening date there. Or at least an opening month like June 2016.

 

[McKelly]

Wasn't it initially March of 2017?

 

[jaxonp]

Disney needs to get something big and new open. Avatar is just the ticket right now. I wouldn't be surprised to see this thing open up on time or perhaps.. dare I say it, a tad early. Disney needs this more than ever. Obviously, the companies track record would defy this logic, so why not be ahead for once? It could happen.

 

[rteetz]

Wasn't it initially March of 2017?

No date or month was given other than 2017.

 

[rteetz]

Disney needs to get something big and new open. Avatar is just the ticket right now. I wouldn't be surprised to see this thing open up on time or perhaps.. dare I say it, a tad early. Disney needs this more than ever. Obviously, the companies track record would defy this logic, so why not be ahead for once? It could happen.

Considering its well over budget they are going to try and get it open on time before it costs them more money.

 

[Accident]

I think this is going to be a spring opening personally and have said that a few times. It just seems to be shaping up rather fast, at least from what I can see from the outskirts. Of course that assumes everything else is gonig to line up but I can see disney wanting this opened before or very close to the water park at universal to lure people away and keep universal the day trip park...

I think during destination d we'll find out when they are really thinking. To not damage the fall attendance, November is kind of the perfect timing to announce that.

Unfortunately I also think this is going to bring in tons of people that aren't disney fans and really pack the place making us wish it was the frozen years again.

 

[agavegirl1]

Not exactly a fast build but I'm waiting til 2018 just to be safe. Looks like the 2017 dates will be accurate but when in 2017 is a key.

 

[McKelly]

I think this is going to be a spring opening personally and have said that a few times. It just seems to be shaping up rather fast, at least from what I can see from the outskirts. Of course that assumes everything else is gonig to line up but I can see disney wanting this opened before or very close to the water park at universal to lure people away and keep universal the day trip park...

I think during destination d we'll find out when they are really thinking. To not damage the fall attendance, November is kind of the perfect timing to announce that.

Unfortunately I also think this is going to bring in tons of people that aren't disney fans and really pack the place making us wish it was the frozen years again.

I hope you're right. We are planning a June trip, and really want to be able to experience this.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

TOTS

...I think they make 2017...but later in the year. Which means the buzz might last all the way till 1/1/2018