News Avatar Experience coming to Disneyland Resort

[No Name]

By the hot set concept, it doesn’t mean they’d have any visible show buildings, steel girders, broken forced perspective, etc. like they’d do in the 90s. It’s just how the entrance to the area would be vaguely presented from the Hollywood street or maybe only mentioned in a press release or something insignificant like that. Once you’re in the actual area it’ll look and act like you’re in Pandora.

 

[Disney Irish]

By the hot set concept, it doesn’t mean they’d have any visible show buildings, steel girders, broken forced perspective, etc. like they’d do in the 90s. It’s just how the entrance to the area would be vaguely presented from the Hollywood street or maybe only mentioned in a press release or something insignificant like that. Once you’re in the actual area it’ll look and act like you’re in Pandora.

Then that isn't a "hot set" in concept, that is something different. A "hot set" would have indications built into the area to show that its a "hot set" like from the 90s, think Star Tours in DHS with its outward facing "Star Wars" but inward facing exposed steel beams and such, similar to the fake facades and such that litters the Backlot now in DCA.

What you're talking about is a thinly veiled backstory sprinkled throughout the area that no one really notices or a blog post that only fans like us read. But to the normal guests in the Park it looks like a normal land transition like they've done for the last 70 years. And I agree this is what they'll probably do, as it makes the most sense. If you want to call that a 2020s "hot set" because of a blog post, I guess, but its nothing more than a PR version of it and isn't worth the paper used to send the memo on this "concept".

 

[BrianLo]

I would definitely prefer this to some “hot set” concept or whatever explanation they might give to explain why we are going from Hollywoodland to Pandora.

I am willing to place money on they will not do this. There will be very little explanation at all and just a visual barrier appropriately themed to both respective side.

 

[Disney Irish]

I am willing to place money on they will not do this. There will be very little explanation at all and just a visual barrier appropriately themed to both respective side.

100% agree, the "ride the movies" 90s era of theming is over, back to the normal land transitions that they've done for 70 years without a need for explanation.

 

[mickEblu]

I am willing to place money on they will not do this. There will be very little explanation at all and just a visual barrier appropriately themed to both respective side.

“Hot set” was a lazy way to describe what I meant and is just the low hanging outdated fruit that I hope they don’t roll with.

Essentially I just think they may be trying to use Hollywoodland / Hollywood/ movie making to explain Pandoras existence at DCA. Exactly how that’s executed I’m not sure. This assumption is based mostly on the fact that they’ve never once referred to it as a land, the complaints some in the community have with Pandoras presence at CALIFORNIA Adventure, the fact that they said a portion of the “backlot” would survive (which could just be a mistake or semantics) and it’s location.

To be clear, I don’t think they need to do this but that’s what the tea leaves tell me right now. Or it could very well just be them not wanting to set expectations too high (which would be a change of pace for them) as I expect the area to feel more like a grand entrance to an attraction than a full blown land if we’re going by the most recent concept art. Or it could be as dumb as some backstory or justification on a parks blog with no real indication of said back story at the park. Kind of how the Collectors Fortress KABLAM’d at DCA. Or barely noticed like that plasma stuff on the ground outside MB.

 

[No Name]

I expect this’ll probably be far closer to Super Nintendo World or Diagon Alley*, than anything Disney has built before, in its scale and feel. And that will probably actually be great, since they can create exactly the view they want guests to have for that big reveal and wow moment. The entrance will need to be short and abrupt, will likely have signage of some kind, and so it’s very easy to imagine them doing a “Now Presenting: Pandora - The World of Avatar” with a Hollywood facade or something.


*And if it’s anything even remotely as well done as Diagon Alley, it’ll be a massive success for the park.

 

[wityblack]

I expect this’ll probably be far closer to Super Nintendo World or Diagon Alley*, than anything Disney has built before, in its scale and feel. And that will probably actually be great, since they can create exactly the view they want guests to have for that big reveal and wow moment. The entrance will need to be short and abrupt, will likely have signage of some kind, and so it’s very easy to imagine them doing a “Now Presenting: Pandora - The World of Avatar” with a Hollywood facade or something.


*And if it’s anything even remotely as well done as Diagon Alley, it’ll be a massive success for the park.

"Now Presenting: Pandora - The World of Avatar - Presented by Pandora"

 

[Disney Irish]

“Hot set” was a lazy way to describe what I meant and is just the low hanging outdated fruit that I hope they don’t roll with.

Essentially I just think they may be trying to use Hollywoodland / Hollywood/ movie making to explain Pandoras existence at DCA. Exactly how that’s executed I’m not sure. This assumption is based mostly on the fact that they’ve never once referred to it as a land, the complaints some in the community have with Pandoras presence at CALIFORNIA Adventure, the fact that they said a portion of the “backlot” would survive (which could just be a mistake or semantics) and it’s location.

To be clear, I don’t think they need to do this but that’s what the tea leaves tell me right now. Or it could very well just be them not wanting to set expectations too high (which would be a change of pace for them) as I expect the area to feel more like a grand entrance to an attraction than a full blown land if we’re going by the most recent concept art. Or it could be as dumb as some backstory or justification on a parks blog with no real indication of said back story at the park. Kind of how the Collectors Fortress KABLAM’d at DCA. Or barely noticed like that plasma stuff on the ground outside MB.

I'm sorry maybe I've missed it, but where did Disney actually confirm that a portion of the backlot would survive? Or is that an assumption based on the blog post that said "we’re looking forward to transforming a portion of the current Hollywood Backlot area into our Avatar destination"? Because I wouldn't take that as some confirmation that the rest of the backlot for sure will survive. For all we know they have other plans for the rest of the backlot that haven't been revealed yet.

I would just take it with a grain of salt for now, and just hope the rest of the backlot survives if that is what you want. Or be like me and expect the whole thing goes except Hyperion and Phil's and them calling that as the other "portion".

 

[TheDisneyParksfanC8]

I'm sorry maybe I've missed it, but where did Disney actually confirm that a portion of the backlot would survive? Or is that an assumption based on the blog post that said "we’re looking forward to transforming a portion of the current Hollywood Backlot area into our Avatar destination"? Because I wouldn't take that as some confirmation that the rest of the backlot for sure will survive. For all we know they have other plans for the rest of the backlot that haven't been revealed yet.

I would just take it with a grain of salt for now, and just hope the rest of the backlot survives if that is what you want. Or be like me and expect the whole thing goes except Hyperion and Phil's and them calling that as the other "portion".

It appears to an assumption. A theory I have is that the reason thy haven't announced the sunset showcase theater will be going as well is that there is a second attraction in the land that will be going in the spot that Disney wants to keep under wraps.

Even if the boat ride is the lone attraction in the land, it would be silly to not include the SST in the demo of the rest of the backlot. it will give the land more breathing room.

 

[mickEblu]

It appears to an assumption. A theory I have is that the reason thy haven't announced the sunset showcase theater will be going as well is that there is a second attraction in the land that will be going in the spot that Disney wants to keep under wraps.

Even if the boat ride is the lone attraction in the land, it would be silly to not include the SST in the demo of the rest of the backlot. it will give the land more breathing room.

It’s possible. Perhaps when they made the decision to not reroute the monorail (assuming it was in the cards at one point) they decided to use the Philharmagic space for a second Avatar attraction instead and go with more of narrower keyhole entrance to the land/ attraction.

 

[TheRealSkull]

Or maybe they'll just change the name of the park and not need to justify the California theme anymore. But does that mean once Avatar, Coco, and Avengers are done, will the park be rededicated again?

We have come a long way from 2012 DCA. Condor Flats became Grizzly Peak Airfield, Bugs Land became Avengers Campus, Paradise Pier became Pixar Pier, and now Pandora will be replacing a good area of the Hollywood Backlot. Not to mention all of the rethemed attractions. And now 4 confirmed attractions will be making their way in the next 5 years.

DCA 3.0 has been in the making since 2017.

 

[Disney Analyst]

Or maybe they'll just change the name of the park and not need to justify the California theme anymore. But does that mean once Avatar, Coco, and Avengers are done, will the park be rededicated again?

We have come a long way from 2012 DCA. Condor Flats became Grizzly Peak Airfield, Bugs Land became Avengers Campus, Paradise Pier became Pixar Pier, and now Pandora will be replacing a good area of the Hollywood Backlot. Not to mention all of the rethemed attractions. And now 4 confirmed attractions will be making their way in the next 5 years.

DCA 3.0 has been in the making since 2017.

It’s really a shame they used Adventure for a cruise ship. Really could have just called the park “Disney Adventure”

 

[mickEblu]

I'm sorry maybe I've missed it, but where did Disney actually confirm that a portion of the backlot would survive? Or is that an assumption based on the blog post that said "we’re looking forward to transforming a portion of the current Hollywood Backlot area into our Avatar destination"? Because I wouldn't take that as some confirmation that the rest of the backlot for sure will survive. For all we know they have other plans for the rest of the backlot that haven't been revealed yet.

I would just take it with a grain of salt for now, and just hope the rest of the backlot survives if that is what you want. Or be like me and expect the whole thing goes except Hyperion and Phil's and them calling that as the other "portion".

We had this discussion like 3 days ago lol. I’m not projecting my desires into any of my tea leave reading. I don’t truly care what they do in regards to Avatar Land. I’m happy we’re getting an E ticket boat ride at DCA. I mean of course I want the execution to be as tight as possible but we win regardless. We’re just discussing the details and possibilities around it. So there’s no need to take anything with a grain of salt. I’ll be alright.

As far as the sunset showcase theatre I would see the silver lining either way. If it goes I feel like an entire attraction profile that will be gone forever at DLR. I have a soft spot for the old Captain Eo style theatres/ 3D shows and I think they have a place. Is it the best use of space at a resort dominated by locals? Maybe not but I think having one spot for that kind of attraction in the entire resort would be good to keep the variety healthy. There’s just something about popping into one of those comfy seats in a dark theatre with the AC blowing that’s nice. It’s a break. It’s easy. It’s nostalgic. No LL required. If it goes, it’ll likely be replaced with something that I’ll do more often than Philharmagic or anything similar. But that’s no guarantee either. Avengers Campus couldn’t possibly be worse than Bugs Land? Right? Haha

 

[Disney Irish]

We had this discussion like 3 days ago lol. I’m not projecting my desires into any of my tea leave reading. I don’t truly care what they do in regards to Avatar Land. I’m happy we’re getting an E ticket boat ride at DCA. I mean of course I want the execution to be as tight as possible but we win regardless. We’re just discussing the details and possibilities around it. So there’s no need to take anything with a grain of salt. I’ll be alright.

As far as the sunset showcase theatre I would see the silver lining either way. If it goes I feel like an entire attraction profile that will be gone forever at DLR. I have a soft spot for the old Captain Eo style theatres/ 3D shows and I think they have a place. Is it the best use of space? Maybe not but I think having one spot for that kind of attraction in the entire resort would be good to keep the variety healthy. There’s just something about popping into one of those comfy seats in a dark theatre with the AC blowing that’s nice. It’s a break. It’s easy. It’s nostalgic. No LL required. If it goes, it’ll likely be replaced with something that I’ll do much more often than Philharmagic or anything similar. But that’s no guarantee either. Avengers Campus couldn’t possibly be worse than Bugs Land? Right? Haha

So then its an assumption on your part then and not actually confirmed by Disney, got it.

Also I would say once Avengers Infinity Defense and Stark Flight Lab open that Avengers Campus will be a better use of land with its 4 rides than Bugs Land, YMMV.

 

[mickEblu]

So then its an assumption on your part then and not actually confirmed by Disney, got it.

lol dude. The way you word stuff is odd. I think I’m better off ignoring you again. Not like actually putting you on ignore as I’ve never done that. But just not really reading your posts as I know they won’t add value to my day, life, discussion.

 

[Disney Irish]

lol dude. The way you word stuff is odd. I think I’m better off ignoring you again.

Not sure my wording is odd here, as its just confirming that you are still making an assumption rather than Disney coming out with some new announcement that I wasn't aware of. Because that is what I asked, did Disney come out with some confirmation that I wasn't aware of, and you avoided that instead talking about tea leaf reading and sitting in AC.

 

[mickEblu]

Not sure my wording is odd here, as its just confirming that you are still making an assumption rather than Disney coming out with some new announcement that I wasn't aware of. Because that is what I asked, did Disney come out with some confirmation that I wasn't aware of, and you avoided that instead talking about tea leaf reading and sitting in AC.

I only responded to not ignore you or be rude. I told you we’ve had the convo already. My opinions and thoughts on this matter are well known. I don’t need to type another couple paragraphs to join you in whatever game you re playing.

 

[Disney Irish]

I only responded to not ignore you or be rude. I told you we’ve had the convo already. My opinions and thoughts on this matter are well known. I don’t need to type another couple paragraphs to join you in whatever game you re playing.

I'm not playing a game. I'm making sure this threads stays crystal clear on what Disney has and has not confirmed because we have lots and lots of readers that don't participate in the conversation that take what is said here in many ways a gospel. So when someone is making an assumption but is speaking as though Disney confirmed it I'd just like it clarified that that same person is actually making an assumption and not that Disney has confirmed it.

You'd do the same to me if we were in reverse positions, as I'm sure you have at some point over the years.

 

[mickEblu]

I'm not playing a game. I'm making sure this threads stays crystal clear on what Disney has and has not confirmed because we have lots and lots of readers that don't participate in the conversation that take what is said here in many ways a gospel. So when someone is making an assumption but is speaking as though Disney confirmed it I'd just like it clarified that that same person is actually making an assumption and not that Disney has confirmed it.

You'd do the same to me if we were in reverse positions, as I'm sure you have at some point over the years.

Lol. The below is the post you responded to:

“I think they may be trying to use…”

“This assumption is…”

“Essentially I just think..”

“The tea laves tell me…”

Do me a favor man. Don’t reply to my posts anymore. Or if you’d like go ahead and do so but I will be ignoring the ones that are non sense.

“Hot set” was a lazy way to describe what I meant and is just the low hanging outdated fruit that I hope they don’t roll with.

Essentially I just think they may be trying to use Hollywoodland / Hollywood/ movie making to explain Pandoras existence at DCA. Exactly how that’s executed I’m not sure. This assumption is based mostly on the fact that they’ve never once referred to it as a land, the complaints some in the community have with Pandoras presence at CALIFORNIA Adventure, the fact that they said a portion of the “backlot” would survive (which could just be a mistake or semantics) and it’s location.

To be clear, I don’t think they need to do this but that’s what the tea leaves tell me right now. Or it could very well just be them not wanting to set expectations too high (which would be a change of pace for them) as I expect the area to feel more like a grand entrance to an attraction than a full blown land if we’re going by the most recent concept art. Or it could be as dumb as some backstory or justification on a parks blog with no real indication of said back story at the park. Kind of how the Collectors Fortress KABLAM’d at DCA. Or barely noticed like that plasma stuff on the ground outside MB.

 

[Disney Analyst]

Right … my mind forgot this was a boat ride like Shanghai Pirates. I bet this ride will have a drop, and it’ll be Coco that’s the tamer, leisurely float.

I actually now bet Coco doesn’t get a drop, and this one does.