News Avatar Experience coming to Disneyland Resort

[mickEblu]

I think some people put too much stock in catering to a very small age group. Most kids reach 4 feet at like 6 to 8 years old. They so quickly go from toddlers who nap in a stroller and meet characters to kids who wish they were tall enough for the more thrilling rides. Disney is in almost zero danger of losing families with very young kids, but they’re in increasing competition for slightly older kids and beyond, so it makes sense to mostly add thrilling-ish rides especially because they’re easier to advertise anyway.

There’s already a solid amount for little kids between Little Mermaid, Toy Story Mania, Web Slingers, the Ferris wheel, 2 Cars rides, and 6 other pier rides.

Not a bad point but when you're in it and you're the one that has one or more kids under 48 or 40 inches its rough not really not worth buying annual passes for that kind of park. Now at DCA that doesn't matter as much because you have Disneyland across the way but at USH for example it's a huge issue as you practically have nothing to do there other than the Tram Tour (which you can only really do once in a while), SLOP and the Kung Fu Panda show. The bigger issue at DCA for me is not that there isn't enough for kids to do per se. It's that there isn't enough for kids under 40 inches to do that appeal to me too.

 

[Too Many Hats]

First, you need an access road still behind there. Second, you have restrooms, and the closest other restrooms are between Grizzly and Mermaid, and at San Fransokyo. Third, that's a lot of restaurant capacity, and without it, you don't have any large capacity quick service location in the entire west side of the park. And fourth, assuming the parade gate is going away for Coco, that leaves somewhere in this area to be the only possible relocation if you want the parade to take the same route (maybe it could go through Cars Land instead, but I'm not sure how feasible that is). What I could see is Pizza and Pasta turns Mexican with a Coco plaza, a parade gate goes between Pizza and Pasta and Garden Grill. I drew what feasibly could be done with the area in my own opinion. I don't know what Disney is actually cooking up though
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How dare you ground my pie-in-the-sky fantasy with pragmatism!

Screw bathrooms, restaurant capacity, and the parade route. Give me Lord Henry Mystic and Albert, at all costs.

 

[TheDisneyParksfanC8]

So with a likely breaking ground date of early 2026, I think this might open before part 4 comes out in Dec 2029.

 

[BrianLo]

The company currently has greenlit 11 original new to us E tickets (maybe 1-2 end up being a D), 4 various effort E ticket overlays and I’m not even dipping into Tokyo or Abu Dhabi. It’s all on track for this decade; that’s a tremendous level of development.

I think there’s a non insignificant chance this is the best one of the lot.

 

[Architectural Guinea Pig]

How dare you ground my pie-in-the-sky fantasy with pragmatism!

Screw bathrooms, restaurant capacity, and the parade route. Give me Lord Henry Mystic and Albert, at all costs.

well someone has been ingesting too much parklore lol

 

[Mr. Sullivan]

I'd honestly rather have the Pirates tech used for something other than Avatar. I just don't care about that franchise at all.

See I think in this particular case the audience affinity really doesn't matter too much. I mean obviously Avatar is an insanely popular franchise, but I think it's unique in that what makes it popular is the world itself. Whether or not someone enjoys the films, I think that there's a lot to enjoy in the scenery, ambience, and locations that the films include.

Pandora is one of the most beautiful things Disney's ever constructed, and it's based off of what is really not even the most unique setting Pandora's got to offer.

Way of Water introduced us to an entirely new version of this world that is more beautiful, rich, and alive than the jungle setting was. The water stuff is genuinely so breath taking that I cried in the theater simply because of the visuals. I have strongly recommended Way of Water to anyone who dislikes the first film because I too dislike the first film strongly, whereas I think WoW is one of the finest blockbusters of the 21st century so far. Genuinely one of the most gorgeous films I've ever seen.

If Disney can even sort of capture that beauty and feeling in this area, I think we're gonna be looking at one of the most impressive themed areas in the world. DCA stands to gain a lot from this if they nail it.

 

[CoastalElite64]

The company currently has greenlit 11 original new to us E tickets (maybe 1-2 end up being a D), 4 various effort E ticket overlays and I’m not even dipping into Tokyo or Abu Dhabi. It’s all on track for this decade; that’s a tremendous level of development.

I think there’s a non insignificant chance this is the best one of the lot.

and supposedly the following 5 years are supposed to be even bigger.

 

[Mr. Sullivan]

I'd be thrilled if Disney made a U.S.-based E-ticket attraction I could actually ride instead of constant motion sickness-mobiles. I'm not sure they've done so since before I was born. Unless you count Frozen Ever After as an E-Ticket?

I didn't love AvatarLand. Thought it and the boat ride were utterly boring. Then again, I find all of DAK boring except Festival of the Lion King and a few of the entertainment acts and character meets.

That said, Disney is now calling Avatar in DCA a "destination", not an attraction. The new concept art looks down-scaled. I'm still expecting Journey of Water, Inspired by Avatar at this point over Disney actually adding two boat rides (assuming Coco is one) to the park within a few years.

To each their own of course but I don't know how anybody could not be enthralled with Pandora. I think it's one of the most stunning places to exist in any theme park in the world.

Na'vi River Journey is not the most complex thing in the world but I really want more rides that are no story, all vibes and ambience. It's nice to just sit and look at pretty things. But then Flight of Passage is also one of the greatest theme park attractions in history which ties the land all together.

EPCOT is my sentimental and personal favorite of the four parks, but I think Animal Kingdom is probably objectively the best. It's theming, immersion, and beauty are unmatched by frankly any other Disney park in the US in my opinion.

If remains to be seen of course if they're going to be able to capture that same magic here, but if they come anywhere close, this will be an absolute win for DCA. Especially with this innovative and immersive ride system anchoring it.

I really don't know that this would give you motion sickness. It's fundamentally a boat ride, but with modernization to add more dynamics to the experience than just perpetual forward motion.

 

[Disgruntled Walt]

See I think in this particular case the audience affinity really doesn't matter too much. I mean obviously Avatar is an insanely popular franchise, but I think it's unique in that what makes it popular is the world itself. Whether or not someone enjoys the films, I think that there's a lot to enjoy in the scenery, ambience, and locations that the films include.

Pandora is one of the most beautiful things Disney's ever constructed, and it's based off of what is really not even the most unique setting Pandora's got to offer.

Way of Water introduced us to an entirely new version of this world that is more beautiful, rich, and alive than the jungle setting was. The water stuff is genuinely so breath taking that I cried in the theater simply because of the visuals. I have strongly recommended Way of Water to anyone who dislikes the first film because I too dislike the first film strongly, whereas I think WoW is one of the finest blockbusters of the 21st century so far. Genuinely one of the most gorgeous films I've ever seen.

If Disney can even sort of capture that beauty and feeling in this area, I think we're gonna be looking at one of the most impressive themed areas in the world. DCA stands to gain a lot from this if they nail it.

That's pretty high-praise for WoW! I'll have to check it out, because the first one did not move me at all.

 

[Disney Analyst]

See I think in this particular case the audience affinity really doesn't matter too much. I mean obviously Avatar is an insanely popular franchise, but I think it's unique in that what makes it popular is the world itself. Whether or not someone enjoys the films, I think that there's a lot to enjoy in the scenery, ambience, and locations that the films include.

Pandora is one of the most beautiful things Disney's ever constructed, and it's based off of what is really not even the most unique setting Pandora's got to offer.

Way of Water introduced us to an entirely new version of this world that is more beautiful, rich, and alive than the jungle setting was. The water stuff is genuinely so breath taking that I cried in the theater simply because of the visuals. I have strongly recommended Way of Water to anyone who dislikes the first film because I too dislike the first film strongly, whereas I think WoW is one of the finest blockbusters of the 21st century so far. Genuinely one of the most gorgeous films I've ever seen.

If Disney can even sort of capture that beauty and feeling in this area, I think we're gonna be looking at one of the most impressive themed areas in the world. DCA stands to gain a lot from this if they nail it.

Here here! As someone who never saw the original in theatres, and literally only watched it for the first time on a plane… like a few months before the second one. I found the second film absolutely stunning when I saw it in theatres.

But it never really mattered to me that I had no affinity to the IP before a couple years ago. It’s one of those things that I think transcends IP. It’s a perfect setting for a theme park experience. Whimsical. Alien. Fantastical. Gorgeous. Unique.

I truly think this is going to be pretty freaking great if it’s built big, and impressive.

 

[mickEblu]

The company currently has greenlit 11 original new to us E tickets (maybe 1-2 end up being a D), 4 various effort E ticket overlays and I’m not even dipping into Tokyo or Abu Dhabi. It’s all on track for this decade; that’s a tremendous level of development.

I think there’s a non insignificant chance this is the best one of the lot.

True although the headliner for Villains Land is probably the most intriguing as we know so little about it.

 

[Misted Compass]

EPCOT is my sentimental and personal favorite of the four parks, but I think Animal Kingdom is probably objectively the best. It's theming, immersion, and beauty are unmatched by frankly any other Disney park in the US in my opinion.

I'd describe Animal Kingdom as having the best concept/theming but worst (operational) execution, with it having fewer rides than our Fantasyland and typically closing at 6pm.
But given our Avatar won't have these issues I'm looking forward to it probably the most out of any of the new additions. Especially if, given it's a boat ride, they focus more on the natural environment and less on the "industrial" bits (which IMO is Flight of Passage's biggest weakness).

 

[captveg]

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There appears to be a large screen that will be looking out to the sea/distance (second image is the original concept art). Looks pretty interesting to me and I wonder how they're going to blend it in with the sky or surrounding environment.

Using the volume tech to create an extended Pandora is genius, provided it can withstand occasional rain and wind.

 

[Professortango1]

That's pretty high-praise for WoW! I'll have to check it out, because the first one did not move me at all.

The first one was a concept film showing what this technology can unloack, but without any real plot or characters to support it. The second is pretty must exactly the same, but with slightly better tech and slightly worse dialogue. If you take a shot every time a smurf talks like a SoCal teen, you'd have alcohol poisoning by the end of the first act.

As for Pandora as a land....the AK version is pretty, but bears many of the same issues as Galaxy's Edge. It feels lifeless. There's no Navi to be seen, except for in photos in the shops/restaurants; making it feel like the humans have killed them all off before we even arrived. There is no animal life to be seen in the land, despite it being in ANIMAL Kingdom. There isn't much to do nor any kinetic energy aside from the water.

There are two saving graces for Pandora at AK. First, it is pretty to look at. It's like walking through Pixie Hollow after they have closed down the meet and greet for the night. The second is that it houses the first real Disney attraction to use the Soarin' tech. Soarin' has always felt like a tech demo without a ride built for it. FOP finally gave them an actual ride to use the tech in.

As for the ride coming to DCA, I'm hopeful that the ride uses the Shangari Pirates tech and involves the peril seen in the concept art. I hope the ride is long enough to feel immersed in the world without feeling like we are jumping from iconic moment to iconic moment. And I hope the land doesn't feel small and cheap.

Do I think it fits DCA? Absolutely not. Does DCA need a solid Disney-level E-ticket to match RSR? Absolutely. If they can also knock Coco out of the park, maybe DCA can finally have 3 Disney-quality E-tickets to compete with its park across the way.

 

[mickEblu]

I think some people put too much stock in catering to a very small age group. Most kids reach 4 feet at like 6 to 8 years old. They so quickly go from toddlers who nap in a stroller and meet characters to kids who wish they were tall enough for the more thrilling rides. Disney is in almost zero danger of losing families with very young kids, but they’re in increasing competition for slightly older kids and beyond, so it makes sense to mostly add thrilling-ish rides especially because they’re easier to advertise anyway.

There’s already a solid amount for little kids between Little Mermaid, Toy Story Mania, Web Slingers, the Ferris wheel, 2 Cars rides, and 6 other pier rides.

Forgot to mention the only pier rides kids under 40 inches can do aside from TSMM and the Fun Wheel are Zephyr, Jessie’s Carrousel and Emotional Whrilwind. So 3 other pier rides. Not 6 .

 

[No Name]

Forgot to mention the only pier rides kids under 40 inches can do aside from TSMM and the Fun Wheel are Zephyr, Jessie’s Carrousel and Emotional Whrilwind. So 3 other pier rides. Not 6 .

Ah yeah my bad.

 

[flynnibus]

I am wondering if we’re going to have a rehash of Na’vi River Journey but refreshed with the latest movie?

That would be like cloning superstar limo… if they do that… sell the stock

 

[PiratesMansion]

I'd describe Animal Kingdom as having the best concept/theming but worst (operational) execution, with it having fewer rides than our Fantasyland and typically closing at 6pm.
But given our Avatar won't have these issues I'm looking forward to it probably the most out of any of the new additions. Especially if, given it's a boat ride, they focus more on the natural environment and less on the "industrial" bits (which IMO is Flight of Passage's biggest weakness).

I cannot in good conscience call DAK the worst executed concept in a universe where DCA not only had a much worse conceptual basis, but has continued to devolve more often than not.

Meanwhile, DAK isn't perfect but remains much closer to its initial conception with far fewer breaks or changes away from the park's initial concept.

Perhaps if Kilimanjaro Safaris had become The Lion King Safari or Expedition Everest became a ride where a Pixar character yaps in your ear, it'd be more comparable to me.

 

[TheDisneyParksfanC8]

While demo work will commence early 2026, won't disney have to wait until the EGW is fully constructed before major vertical work can start on the boat ride and by extension the bulk of the land?

 

[Disney Irish]

While demo work will commence early 2026, won't disney have to wait until the EGW is fully constructed before major vertical work can start on the boat ride and by extension the bulk of the land?

It really depends on if it’s safe enough to have guest continue walking through the area, in my opinion.

But I suspect that a majority of both projects will be constructed at the same time. Again no reason to start demo and such of Monsters Inc and surrounding area in early 2026 if you don’t plan on building on it right away.