Well, the NFL and Theme Parks are both copycat Leagues! Universal has done extremely well on Harry Potter world.
The Hollywood Fat-Cats sit back and say: "We need to increase the AK's attendance, boy, Universal sure is doing great with Harry Potter experience." EUREKA: Let's build a new huge area based on an iconic movie with a huge fan base!
Note: Before you read on please understand I am not anti-Avatar nor pro-Potter. I watched the last 3/4's of Avatar and the first Harry Potter (only because I had to take the kids). That, and I watched the last 10 minutes of the final movie when Harry blew away that dude that has been doggin' him all these years! Have not read any of the Potter books - though our family owns all of them - in Hardcover no less! If any / either movie came on my TV, I personally would look for different options.
My thoughts/questions:
- I didn't think Avatar was that good - nor Iconic. Expensive? Colorful? Neat effects? I vote Yes on all 3. But, I felt the story line had been done a few thousand times before.
- While Avatar was popular, I am not sure anyone can say it was or ever will be in the Harry Potter stratosphere. The Harry Potter fandom grew exponentially over time - will Avatar experience the same momentum?
- Both my kid's have worked at the same local Cinema. When the last Potter movie came out: They sold out all 12 halls (AT MIDNIGHT!) and had to turn people away. That weekend they ran it in 9 of 12 halls. And, for the next week they had it run in 7 of the 12 halls! In the nine year span my kids worked there - no other movie came close. That is the power of the Potter Nation!
- What if the Avatar sequel flops? What if Cameron get's hit by a bus? At least all of the Harry Potter movies were in the can and had a proven and undeniable fan base.
- Cameron has always seemed to me to be slightly insane - and difficult to work with. From multiple rumors he has already picked fights over the design and put the project in jeopardy. Is this the best person to stake a huge financial investment on?
- Say what you will about the AK, but, I love the park and do not feel Avatar fits seamlessly. These are not animals, they are Blue Humanoids - I think? Someone may certainly be tempted to clear that up for me - but - save the post, I would "wiki" it if I actually was interested in the answer.
Some are in favor, others no. But, based on what I have read on multiple threads the No's equal or out-number the Yes's.
For the sake of argument let me ask you if the vote was: Should the Studio's add Harry Potter world? I would think the vote might have been 80% Yes to 20% No.
Many have suggested that Avatar be scrapped for a Aussie theme in that area. Well, again I would speculate that the Yes's would outnumber the No's. Regardless, I admit that the creation of the Aussie world may not directly influence someone's decision to rush to Orlando. But, I am not buying the notion that the Funkhouser familly from Topeka will be marking their calendar in anticipation of Avatar world.
One advantage for Disney: Renewed interest every time a new Avatar movie is released. And, this is my only thought on why Disney decided to go down the lonely Left Path (within the AK) to explore the Avatar Path.
I also agree with another Poster (from a different thread): That Left Path is really beautiful, and, does lend itself to the Avatar theme.
For those that disagree with me - to each their own. I respect your opinion.
