Was Avatarland really the best idea?

[fairyprincess88]

Social Media. Not only this board, but other sites as well. Yes there are some people who've been positive about the idea, but the overwhelming responses that I've seen have been negative. This is only one site. Disney monitors social media very closely, and there's no doubt they know the idea has been received with mixed reviews at best.

If I remember correctly, wasn't it on Disney own Facebook page where the comments under a picture of the Avatar groundbreaking was about 90% negative? I remember reading the comments and there were hundreds of negative to very, very negative responses to this. The response on Twitter was pretty nasty too over the groundbreaking.

 

[prudence64]

The internet runs about 90% nasty no matter what the topic is.

 

[DisneyMountainWoman]

Social Media. Not only this board, but other sites as well. Yes there are some people who've been positive about the idea, but the overwhelming responses that I've seen have been negative. This is only one site. Disney monitors social media very closely, and there's no doubt they know the idea has been received with mixed reviews at best.

But this misses the whole point. You assume that there is and has been an overwhelming negative reaction to this. By whom? Disney-philes who go twice a year anyway and post on Disney chat boards? OK. Maybe. But linking Avatar to WDW is an effort to capture a different audience. They already own you. They want to own new customers now. Do a search and find an "Avatar Chat Board" (I'm sure they exist), and I'll bet you won't find an overwhelmingly negative reaction. The Navi crowd is likely salivating at this, and perhaps these are people who, in the past, found WDW to be lame but might give it a try now. Go to San Diego between 7/24-7/27 and ask the people there if they are excited to see Pandora come to life and you will not get a negative reaction. Sure, there may be a negative reaction among the "Let's meet Cinderella" crowd. But Disney has them in its back pocket already. What's so wrong about branching out to a wider audience. The assumption that "hard corp Disney fans don't like Avatar" is both too broad and irrelevant.

As a con goer and as a cosplayers I talk to all these people and I can say with pretty much certainty that they would be excited about avatar land but then if u asked if u can only have one place built Star Wars or avatar, 99% of that group would say Star Wars. I have many nerd friends who love avatar but also love Star Wars but I also have many nerd friends who love Star Wars and do not love avatar but I have not met a nerd who loved avatar and not loved Star Wars. So what I am saying building Star Wars would have attracted the same audience plus more people.

 

[Viva Las Disney]

So what I am saying building Star Wars would have attracted the same audience plus more people.

I totally agree but one of the main goals with Pandora is to turn AK into a full day park and Star Wars can't achieve that goal because it doesn't fit the AK theme.

Sure the money being spent on Pandora could be used for a Star Wars land at HS (or better yet at Disneyland for us west coasters ) but for the most part Star Wars is irrelevant in an AK conversation since it doesn't fit and has nothing to do with turning AK into a full day park.

 

[Jennasis]

I totally agree but one of the main goals with Pandora is to turn AK into a full day park and Star Wars can't achieve that goal because it doesn't fit the AK theme.

Sure the money being spent on Pandora could be used for a Star Wars land at HS (or better yet at Disneyland for us west coasters ) but for the most part Star Wars is irrelevant in an AK conversation since it doesn't fit and has nothing to do with turning AK into a full day park.

I agree. I just wish they weren't having an AK conversation. I wish they were having a "what would guests most like to see happen" conversation. Maybe a poll would help.

Would people rather have a full on immersive SW land at DHS or Avatar (or whatever at DHS to make it a nighttime park)?

 

[DisneyMountainWoman]

So I am more thinking about what would drive more and different people to come to disney. So I think SW in HS would bring in more business than avatar in ak. But Hey if we r making a pandora world why not a the forest moon of endor (ewoks) or how about the snowy world of Hoth or under water world of Naboo. Just saying if createing a alien world fits with AK theme then there are tons of SW planets we can pull from in the SW stories too.

 

[JimmyV]

Social Media. Not only this board, but other sites as well.

But what sites? Disney-centric sites or Comic Con, Sci-Fi, Avatar sites. I have no doubt that the grumblings on micechat is similar to what it is here. But you have to go to a different fan base to see if the negativity is universal.

Disney fans are protective. If Disney had secured the rights to Harry Potter ten years ago and planned a Hogwarts Dining Hall instead of a Be Our Guest restaurant, an Ollivander's instead of Gaston's Tavern and the Harry Potter rides instead of ETWB, 7DMT and UTS, or had elected to knock down the Backlot tour and built Potterland back there and where the LMA theater is, many of the same people opposed to Avatar would have been opposed to that, claiming that the HP movies were lame, the stories and characters are not quintessentially Disney, that wizardry doesn't mesh with family values and that the themeing would be all wrong. But now that we have seen what Universal did with HP, all of those naysayers would retrospectively welcome that area into a Disney park. It is difficult for Disney purists to embrace non-Disney themeing. But let the Imagineers do what they do before we decide that the idea will fail.

 

[JimmyV]

So I am more thinking about what would drive more and different people to come to disney. So I think SW in HS would bring in more business than avatar in ak.

You're going to get both. DHS is going to have to get the same sort of infusion that DCA got or else the park will shrivel up. Look for an expansion of SW themeing and an expansion of Pixar Place that includes some form of Cars Land. LMA can't last much longer.

 

[Jennasis]

But what sites? Disney-centric sites or Comic Con, Sci-Fi, Avatar sites. I have no doubt that the grumblings on micechat is similar to what it is here. But you have to go to a different fan base to see if the negativity is universal.

Disney fans are protective. If Disney had secured the rights to Harry Potter ten years ago and planned a Hogwarts Dining Hall instead of a Be Our Guest restaurant, an Ollivander's instead of Gaston's Tavern and the Harry Potter rides instead of ETWB, 7DMT and UTS, or had elected to knock down the Backlot tour and built Potterland back there and where the LMA theater is, many of the same people opposed to Avatar would have been opposed to that, claiming that the HP movies were lame, the stories and characters are not quintessentially Disney, that wizardry doesn't mesh with family values and that the themeing would be all wrong. But now that we have seen what Universal did with HP, all of those naysayers would retrospectively welcome that area into a Disney park. It is difficult for Disney purists to embrace non-Disney themeing. But let the Imagineers do what they do before we decide that the idea will fail.

Here's an Avatar fan site with a very positive reception of the new land at AK (all 30 posters). http://www.avatar-forums.com/showth...unces-AVATAR-Theme-Park-at-the-Animal-Kingdom

 

[DRDISNEYMD]

What? Wait I need to get my dictionary out. And maybe take a poly sci class.

~LOL! You just too funny!!!

~beer dave, I'm fairly certain you can teach poly sci with your eyes closed!

Even though I disagree with the message, I admire the reference.

~LOL.

While I think Pandora will be great, I agree with the lot of you who would be excited about a Star Trek land or even an entire park. They could create all the different worlds and peoples... I really like the idea of creating the borg ship with a ride inside and a tour with all the borg chasing and fighting during the trip. Just think what they could do with the holideck. And klingon battle training. I wonder if we will be able to come in costumes?

Can't wait.

~LOL, what?!? OMG, beer dave -- I just *love* your fabulous dry sense of humor.

~I remember when everyone here lauded over the plans for The New Fantasyland -- it was considered to be perfect quintessential Disney and the concept was readily embraced by all. Meanwhile, the same set of people scoffed at the idea of "poor" Carsland at DCA!

~Carsland had initially zero buzz or interest -- while everyone eagerly awaited The New Fantasyland. The majority of those same people today, are just "meh" about NFL and are now begging Disney to bring Carsland to WDW!

~It's funny how everyone's tune quickly changed. Which is why I don't weigh "negative" opinions at all. They don't mean much in the grand scheme of things. What matters above all is the quality of the attractions and a nice, sound budget.

~I hold the opinion -- that the masses don't really know what they want. As demonstrated, in the initial reactions to concepts of The New Fantasyland and Carsland. The idea that everyone praised was later met with a lukewarm reception upon completion and the one that no one liked was met with critical acclaim.

~Disney has conducted thorough research before even attempting to embark on this endeavor. The demographic of whom Disney is attempting to reach, clearly isn't present among the Disney purist fanbase.

• Harry Potter has 70,000,000 facebook likes.
  
• Avatar has 51,000,000 facebook likes.
  
• Lord of the Rings has 13,000,000 facebook likes.
  
• Star Wars has 11,000,000 facebook likes.
  
• Disney has 47,000,000 facebook likes.
  
• Disney World has 14,000,000 facebook likes.

~The facebook likes don't mean much either but it is interesting how Avatar garners 51 million likes from a single film released less than five years ago.

~While the others are powerhouse franchises that boasts multiple books and films spanned over decade(s). So, I'm going to have to weigh this more than just people complaining on message boards like they did about Carlands at DCA.

~Simply put, if Disney builds it -- they will come. I really cannot wait to see this!!!

 

[turkey1031]

Was it the best idea, no. I didn't like the movie and probably won't see the second one if they make one. I am interested in what disney can imagine up for the park though. I don't think it will be something that will draw me to that park. I skipped that park entirely my 8day trip last July. Maybe disney needs to just come out with an oscar winning animal movie. I don't know how many animal movies they've had "recently" besides lion king.

 

[JimmyV]

• Harry Potter has 70,000,000 facebook likes.
  
• Avatar has 51,000,000 facebook likes.
  
• Lord of the Rings has 13,000,000 facebook likes.
  
• Star Wars has 11,000,000 facebook likes.
  
• Disney has 47,000,000 facebook likes.
  
• Disney World has 14,000,000 facebook likes.

Even though this is scientific proof of nothing as you point out, it is nevertheless fascinating. I think that people forget that the domestic box office for Avatar was "only" $760M while the overseas box office was $2B. Avatar could attract a worldwide audience to AK that we simply cannot comprehend right now. 40M more "likes" than WDW?? That cannot be meaningless. It signifies a worldwide passion that most simply do not appreciate.

 

[alan_renfroe]

The internet runs about 90% nasty no matter what the topic is.

I agree 100%.

 

[rteetz]

Was it the best idea, no. I didn't like the movie and probably won't see the second one if they make one. I am interested in what disney can imagine up for the park though. I don't think it will be something that will draw me to that park. I skipped that park entirely my 8day trip last July. Maybe disney needs to just come out with an oscar winning animal movie. I don't know how many animal movies they've had "recently" besides lion king.

Disneys best attractions are not built on movies. I think AK is way overlooked there is already so much to do there that makes it a full day park. Now that they are going to be adding a nighttime safari and a new nighttime spectacular show on the tree of life that will surely draw people in. Then add the new rides and experiences in avatar AK will get a large boost just because the movie wasn't good doesn't mean it can't be a good theme park experience. I truly don't see why people skip AK its one of disneys best parks especially at night.

 

[glamdring269]

There is plenty of potential here. To be honest I'm glad they're looking at something more adult oriented than Cars. But I'd love to eventually see Avatar, Star Wars, and Cars all represented in some way.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

Here's an Avatar fan site with a very positive reception of the new land at AK (all 30 posters). http://www.avatar-forums.com/showth...unces-AVATAR-Theme-Park-at-the-Animal-Kingdom

Exactly. There is no fanatical fan base behind Avatar like Star Wars or Harry Potter, so the $$$ brought in by the movie is somewhat irrelevant. It could be a really cool "land", though hopelessly out of place in AK which desperately needs additional LIVE animal features. But, the movie has no staying power. And it's an odd choice for such a HUGE project so many years removed from its brief 15-minutes of fame.

 

[rteetz]

Exactly. There is no fanatical fan base behind Avatar like Star Wars or Harry Potter, so the $$$ brought in by the movie is somewhat irrelevant. It could be a really cool "land", though hopelessly out of place in AK which desperately needs additional LIVE animal features. But, the movie has no staying power. And it's an odd choice for such a HUGE project so many years removed from its brief 15-minutes of fame.

Are you a fan of song of the south? Are you a fan of splash mountain? Most people would answer splash mountain, but splash mountain is based on song of the south which a lot of people have never heard of. I don't know why it's out of place at AK??? Avatar has a conservation theme and so does AK. I don't know how many more live animal features you can do either. Disney doesn't want a zoo they never have the safari is like a zoo but they want to create that realistic feel and authentic ness of a real African safari. With avatar this is also bringing a nighttime safari something most people have never done before. It's also bringing a night time show spectacular to the tree of life. Avatar is doing more than just bringing big blue people to a disney theme park. Yes it's not the best movie but it doesn't need to be to make a good theme park attraction.

 

[hookedonears]

~LOL! You just too funny!!!

~beer dave, I'm fairly certain you can teach poly sci with your eyes closed!

~LOL.

~LOL, what?!? OMG, beer dave -- I just *love* your fabulous dry sense of humor.

~I remember when everyone here lauded over the plans for The New Fantasyland -- it was considered to be perfect quintessential Disney and the concept was readily embraced by all. Meanwhile, the same set of people scoffed at the idea of "poor" Carsland at DCA!

~Carsland had initially zero buzz or interest -- while everyone eagerly awaited The New Fantasyland. The majority of those same people today, are just "meh" about NFL and are now begging Disney to bring Carsland to WDW!

~It's funny how everyone's tune quickly changed. Which is why I don't weigh "negative" opinions at all. They don't mean much in the grand scheme of things. What matters above all is the quality of the attractions and a nice, sound budget.

~I hold the opinion -- that the masses don't really know what they want. As demonstrated, in the initial reactions to concepts of The New Fantasyland and Carsland. The idea that everyone praised was later met with a lukewarm reception upon completion and the one that no one liked was met with critical acclaim.

~Disney has conducted thorough research before even attempting to embark on this endeavor. The demographic of whom Disney is attempting to reach, clearly isn't present among the Disney purist fanbase.

• Harry Potter has 70,000,000 facebook likes.
  
• Avatar has 51,000,000 facebook likes.
  
• Lord of the Rings has 13,000,000 facebook likes.
  
• Star Wars has 11,000,000 facebook likes.
  
• Disney has 47,000,000 facebook likes.
  
• Disney World has 14,000,000 facebook likes.

~The facebook likes don't mean much either but it is interesting how Avatar garners 51 million likes from a single film released less than five years ago.

~While the others are powerhouse franchises that boasts multiple books and films spanned over decade(s). So, I'm going to have to weigh this more than just people complaining on message boards like they did about Carlands at DCA.

~Simply put, if Disney builds it -- they will come. I really cannot wait to see this!!!

Okay, that’s about 50.99MM hits internationally and may be .01MM from within the US. We've started going other places anyway, and this will NOT bring us back.

 

[Dallas_Lady]

If the attractions are good, the movie-tie in becomes incidental. For instance, people love Splash Mountain yet who under the age of 50 has even heard of (let alone seen) Song of the South?

 

[beer dave]

~I remember when everyone here lauded over the plans for The New Fantasyland -- it was considered to be perfect quintessential Disney and the concept was readily embraced by all. Meanwhile, the same set of people scoffed at the idea of "poor" Carsland at DCA!

~Carsland had initially zero buzz or interest -- while everyone eagerly awaited The New Fantasyland. The majority of those same people today, are just "meh" about NFL and are now begging Disney to bring Carsland to WDW!

~It's funny how everyone's tune quickly changed. Which is why I don't weigh "negative" opinions at all. They don't mean much in the grand scheme of things. What matters above all is the quality of the attractions and a nice, sound budget.

~I hold the opinion -- that the masses don't really know what they want. As demonstrated, in the initial reactions to concepts of The New Fantasyland and Carsland. The idea that everyone praised was later met with a lukewarm reception upon completion and the one that no one liked was met with critical acclaim.

~Disney has conducted thorough research before even attempting to embark on this endeavor. The demographic of whom Disney is attempting to reach, clearly isn't present among the Disney purist fanbase.

• Harry Potter has 70,000,000 facebook likes.
  
• Avatar has 51,000,000 facebook likes.
  
• Lord of the Rings has 13,000,000 facebook likes.
  
• Star Wars has 11,000,000 facebook likes.
  
• Disney has 47,000,000 facebook likes.
  
• Disney World has 14,000,000 facebook likes.

~The facebook likes don't mean much either but it is interesting how Avatar garners 51 million likes from a single film released less than five years ago.

~While the others are powerhouse franchises that boasts multiple books and films spanned over decade(s). So, I'm going to have to weigh this more than just people complaining on message boards like they did about Carlands at DCA.

~Simply put, if Disney builds it -- they will come. I really cannot wait to see this!!!

I couldn't agree more. This is the best idea they have worked on in a long time. Disney is all about being immersed in "fantasy" lands.

Thanks for the acknowledgement of the attempts of levity. I can always count on you. I thought the star trek thing was pretty funny-- I guess I am (almost) alone.