AVATAR breaks ground

[Hakunamatata]

Judging by the concept art the set pieces and buildings are quite large, I'd imagine there's a great deal of groundwork prep before this thing goes vertical.... that'll be at least a year from now. Not to mention the destruction of CMM first, obviously.

That's a good point. With the extent of vertical work I would imagine there is a considerable amount of subterranean concrete support work in order to support the overhead structure.

 

[Jimmy Thick]

So I guess we can say, like I always have known, is that the "insiders" were wrong.

Yet again.

Jimmy Thick-Yes, yes, people will make excuses for them, but batting .000 is still .000.

 

[danlb_2000]

So I guess we can say, like I always have known, is that the "insiders" were wrong.

Yet again.

Jimmy Thick-Yes, yes, people will make excuses for them, but batting .000 is still .000.

How do we know they were wrong? Most of the reliable insiders said that the project was troubled and went through some difficult times but I don't recall any of them say that it was 100% canceled. Based on Cameron's reputation I would have been shocked if this DIDN'T go through a difficult time.

 

[Jimmy Thick]

How do we know they were wrong? Most of the reliable insiders said that the project was troubled and went through some difficult times but I don't recall any of them say that it was 100% canceled. Based on Cameron's reputation I would have been shocked if this DIDN'T go through a difficult time.

I believe the guy in hiding said it was dead.

Dead, dead dead.

Or something like that. Said it wasn't in development stage yet blueprints were leaked, even then it was still troubled. And now it breaks ground, like its been being worked on the whole time. The only thing reliable was the fact none of them knew nothing. I openly laugh with a huge grin holding my belly.

My opinion of course, people can believe what or whom they want.

Jimmy Thick- How many times has Disney pwned the "insiders" now?

 

[danlb_2000]

I believe the guy in hiding said it was dead.

Dead, dead dead.

Or something like that. Said it wasn't in development stage yet blueprints were leaked, even then it was still troubled. And now it breaks ground, like its been being worked on the whole time. The only thing reliable was the fact none of them knew nothing. I openly laugh with a huge grin holding my belly.

My opinion of course, people can believe what or whom they want.

Jimmy Thick- How many times has Disney pwned the "insiders" now?

I find no evidence he every said it was dead. His message on Avatar has actually been quite consistent:

And that IS the Avatar scoop. It isn't dead. But it is quite possibly never going to get off the ground ... regardless of what Bob Iger tells people when put on the spot.

There have been major issues between WDI and Cameron on the scope, price, direction and timeline of the project that has led to no confidence on either side and many saying it would be better to just let it die.

I'd place the odds of it happening at 30/70 against at this point.

Yes, speculation ... but highly educated speculation.

Yep ... the individual usually is dead on in what gets posted. I never started the 'Avatar is a troubled project' deal. I just checked into it and found it that it was quite true ... and nothing has happened in the least to change that, even from Disney.

Let's not forget how Bob Iger ignored it at the shareholder's meeting until confronted by a fan and how perturbed he sounded/looked when answering said question.

I won't say it isn't happening unless/until I hear it. And I won't believe it is until I see real vertical construction (sorry, moving dirt doesn't mean a thing).

I don't know that I'd say essentially dead. People have worked on it ... are working? But last I heard was that it was moving at a snail's pace and no one had much enthusiasm or thought it would happen and that Cameron was shooting down everything Glendale was tossing at him.

California made the plans for Avatar to begin with. TDO had no say on it. They still don't.

No semantics. I watch my words carefully on important matters. Never said it was dead. I said it was on life support, said it was troubled, said many people inside WDI felt it would never happen etc. But never did I post on MAGIC that 'Avatar is dead. It isn't happening.' So, please let's stick to the facts.

And I don't know what Raven said because he isn't around here much anymore and doesn't say much, which leads me to believe that his employer has decided they don't want him posting info here unless it is of the innocuous variety.

 

[wdwfan22]

The land will be a stunning addition to DAK; there's no doubt about that! I think most fans, including me, are disappointed because the IP isn't as popular or as culturally significant as Potter. Incidentally, Disney will never sell Potter levels of merchandise, either.

Don't get too snarky, though. James Cameron's 2012 tour of DAK was notable because he left extremely unimpressed with the way Disney has watered down its parks. When a certain Spirit, Miceage, and others (including me) reported that Avatar had stagnated, it had.

It was Disney's own fault, too. It's the reason JK Rowling turned down WDI and the reason Cameron almost did—the Company wanted to slash budgets. Cameron was only willing to sign off on DAK if Avatar met his personal standards. Obviously, as FLE and Carsland have proven, Disney is willing to return to a high level of quality* atmosphere. We can thank a certain wizard for offering a much-needed kick in the pants.

Am I looking forward to this land? As Sarah Palin says, "You betcha." I hate the movie and couldn't care less about giant blue cat-people, but this land will be incredible.

*although that hasn't helped special events, rides, and maintenance yet.

EDIT: And please, nobody should trot out that Internet myth that Rowling was too difficult to work with. If that were true, how did Uni please her despite outsourcing almost everything to third parties? That doesn't include the obvious cost-cutting measures at Dragon Challenge and Flight of the Hippograff.

I believe it was Disney that walked away from JK Rowling

 

[Animaniac93-98]

"a true full day park"

Interesting that Staggs would say that, as it implies that the park currently isn't.

WE know that, but Disney press materials typically stay away from those kinds of comments.

 

[jdmdisney99]

"a true full day park"

Interesting that Staggs would say that, as it implies that the park currently isn't.

WE know that, but Disney press materials typically stay away from those kinds of comments.

Yeah, that was the most intriguing part of the video for me. Perhaps we're coming to a period of greater openness about situations in the company...probably not.

 

[jt04]

The land will be a stunning addition to DAK; there's no doubt about that! I think most fans, including me, are disappointed because the IP isn't as popular or as culturally significant as Potter. Incidentally, Disney will never sell Potter levels of merchandise, either.

Don't get too snarky, though. James Cameron's 2012 tour of DAK was notable because he left extremely unimpressed with the way Disney has watered down its parks. When a certain Spirit, Miceage, and others (including me) reported that Avatar had stagnated, it had.

It was Disney's own fault, too. It's the reason JK Rowling turned down WDI and the reason Cameron almost did—the Company wanted to slash budgets. Cameron was only willing to sign off on DAK if Avatar met his personal standards. Obviously, as FLE and Carsland have proven, Disney is willing to return to a high level of quality* atmosphere. We can thank a certain wizard for offering a much-needed kick in the pants.

Am I looking forward to this land? As Sarah Palin says, "You betcha." I hate the movie and couldn't care less about giant blue cat-people, but this land will be incredible.

*although that hasn't helped special events, rides, and maintenance yet.

EDIT: And please, nobody should trot out that Internet myth that Rowling was too difficult to work with. If that were true, how did Uni please her despite outsourcing almost everything to third parties? That doesn't include the obvious cost-cutting measures at Dragon Challenge and Flight of the Hippograff.

Appreciate the thoughtful response. I will be the first to say that Uni offered a wake up call. As for Disney/Cameron, well so much has been disproven I do not trust any rumors. All I know is that the groundbreaking happened almost exactly when they said it would when announced.

And Star Wars merch can outsell Potter. Star Wars is the franchise of the future.

 

[disney4life2008]

I am sorry but I am not excited about this land - never seen the movie. But considering that it will be 3 or more years - things can change. But for now- I am not holding my breath. I was excited for the so called new fantasyland and it is not anything spectacular and seems to be under construction for ages.

 

[drew81]

Wow, the comments on the Facebook page are hardcore. There's a load of valuable feedback there. Research should take a look lol

 

[tirian]

I believe it was Disney that walked away from JK Rowling

Yes. They wanted 1 ride.

She wanted a land.

 

[tirian]

Wow, the comments on the Facebook page are hardcore. There's a load of valuable feedback there. Research should take a look lol

They won't.

 

[Scuttle]

So I guess we can say, like I always have known, is that the "insiders" were wrong.

Yet again.

Jimmy Thick-Yes, yes, people will make excuses for them, but batting .000 is still .000.

Don't include Raven in that.

 

[Scuttle]

Also great news today, maybe even better than this was that the Let The Memories Begin banner in front of MK is finally down... YES Sir! About damn time

 

[JenniferS]

Also great news today, maybe even better than this was that the Let The Memories Begin banner in front of MK is finally down... YES Sir! About damn time

Like 1,000 times!!!!
Please don't let them put anything else gaudy there. Let the train station shine, please.

 

[orky8]

Ok, I understand your point. But, if you were one of those companies, and people were screaming hate for something they've never actually seen or experienced? Something they actually have NO concept about, would you automatically cancel the project? If Coke came out and said, hey, we have a new offering in the works, something that we're really excited about, and it's going to be bacon-flavored soda. Bad example, everyone loves bacon. Ok, your example, licorice flavored. Not that they are replacing their formula, because that is not what Disney is doing here. It's an addition. So, a new flavor. They're going to put out a new soda. I doubt they'd cancel this new flavor because of 50% of their Facebook comments were negative. They'd likely still try and put it out, if they believed it was going to be a good product, and have it's own fanbase.
And this is where we probably agree. This has been a massive failure, so far, in the information. IF Disney believes in this project as strongly as they do, they should be showing the online community why they have no reason to worry. A few pieces of concept art, released to some super-fans (I dont think those hit the actual media), and a little video from J. Cam at D23 (again, it's target - superfans). That's all they have thrown out. This had better be a wakeup call for them. They had better realize they have some major PR to do here. If they believe in this project, and I think they do, then they had better get out and show us why they do.

But we are getting licorice coke INSTEAD of bacon coke. That is the issue. And I don't think Disney believes in this project, but that Iger's ego won't let it die. My guess is people who understand Disney (like Rohde) are having this project shoved down their throats, but are grateful to finally be able to do something.

 

[BrianLo]

So the IP few people wanted (Carsland) turned into a resounding success, while the IP's most wanted (New Fantasy Land) has seemingly disappointed. If fans really don't want Avatar I'd say we are in for a treat!

I am anticipating a loose adaptation, more adopting the themes and settings (which few can argue were inherently bad), while leaving the story up to the guests for the most part.

Besides, there is more to this project including a night spectacular/night safari and/or parade that should appease the life-stylers. I just hope they somehow push one or two of these out before 2017 so people stop whining.

 

[Soarin' Over Pgh]

So the IP few people wanted (Carsland) turned into a resounding success, while the IP's most wanted (New Fantasy Land) has seemingly disappointed. If fans really don't want Avatar I'd say we are in for a treat!

I am anticipating a loose adaptation, more adopting the themes and settings (which few can argue were inherently bad), while leaving the story up to the guests for the most part.

Besides, there is more to this project including a night spectacular/night safari and/or parade that should appease the life-stylers. I just hope they somehow push one or two of these out before 2017 so people stop whining.

Why appease the lifestyles? Why not everyone? There's no reason why this park does not already have a night safari and night time entertainment. It should have had it ten years ago.

 

[BrianLo]

Why appease the lifestyles? Why not everyone? There's no reason why this park does not already have a night safari and night time entertainment. It should have had it ten years ago.

Of course it will probably appease everyone, but the Disney fans are the only ones who'd actually complain. The general public is probably just apathetic or doesn't care and will be pleasantly surprised if the project turns out well.

Not having those things from the get go is another problem entirely, but at least they realized they needed more than just Avatar to bring Animal Kingdom up to speed.

As a more global purveyor of Disney, I like Animal Kingdom (despite it's current incompleteness) and Epcot (despite the decay) the most. Something to be said about uniqueness. Animal Kingdom at this rate could very well be the best park in WDW by 2017, mostly because it doesn't have to live up to its former self (Epcot) or superior cousin (Magic Kingdom -> Disneyland).