Grown clearing i believe started much earlier than that for Kong...want to say JanuaryAlso, after ground clearing began in June this year, look how quickly the kongstruction has progressed on the next major attraction at IoA.
Even if you've just overdosed on Pixie Dust, you have to admit this is rapid progress.
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Avatar construction aerial updates
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Atomicmickey
Well-Known Member
Also, after ground clearing began in June this year, look how quickly the kongstruction has progressed on the next major attraction at IoA.
Even if you've just overdosed on Pixie Dust, you have to admit this is rapid progress.
It is rapid progress. But, without pixie dust influences, it still looks like a giant box warehouse
building, and seems much less ambitious in construction than what's going on with Avatar.
I am guessing this is some variation on the 360 Kong portion of the tram tour, with a 3D movie
around a moving platform or something, and as such, is a 'specialty theatre building'.
Don't get me wrong--I'm a King Kong fan and am eagerly awaiting this attraction, it's just much
easier to execute than the odd/imbalanced/cantilivered environment of Pandora, I think.
That said, in general, I think we all agree that Disney just takes it's time to spread out the expenses,
it seems. That, and they need to have a long term plan for openings, so that they can plan marketing . .
'new in 2016!', 'new in 2017!' that sort of thing.
I, for one, am just glad that they're finally awakening, and realizing that Magic Bands aren't an attraction.
It happened, but we can't go back, so better late than never.
As a Kong fan, wondering about what the land around the building will look like . . . could be cool . . .
again Disney should be ripped for their slow construction process but this should never be compared to Kong. this is much bigger..now if you want to compare Pandora to DA then i think thats certainly fair
Great shots..so we could compare by March of 2015 to see where they are in terms of construction...my understanding is once vertical construction starts it will go quicklySomething like this:
http://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/201303/3422/
I couldn't find the date in which they had a similar groundstate to what Avatar had.....but 14 months before these, Jaws was still fully operational on the very same spot.
Jaws closed Jan 25 2012, these were taken towards the end of March 2013....and of course the land was fully open by July 2014!
i was at USF in January 2013 and the only thing vertical was Gringotts
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danlb_2000
Premium Member
The steel will go up quickly, then things will appear to slow down again as they start doing all the rock work and other details.
Next Big Thing
Well-Known Member
I think that's actually impossible. Jaws closed at the beginning of January 2012 and clearing all the land that that attraction took up and resurfacing it took some time. Gringotts didn't starts to go vertical for around 3-4 months i'd say.
Mouse_Trap
Well-Known Member
Your right, impossible to have gone vertical in Jan-12 - Jaws was still operating until the end of the month (25th)
Spideyfreak110
Member
Jaws closed Jan. 2nd, 2012.
Next Big Thing
Well-Known Member
Either way, it doesn't matter. I just went through an old thread on Orlando United and the permit for the foundation for Escape from Gringotts wasn't posted until 6/12/12.
doctornick
Well-Known Member
So, I'm curious whether there will be some sort of "animal trail" element to Pandora and, if so, where would it be? I was thinking maybe the area next to the Discovery River might be used for that purpose -- it would be good to have a third "attraction" besides the two rides. I'm sure there will be a standard M&G somewhere, so maybe a walking trail can be attached to that.
Also, is the consensus that the bottom area will be left as a possible expansion pad down the road?
Also, is the consensus that the bottom area will be left as a possible expansion pad down the road?
Next Big Thing
Well-Known Member
I would love for it to happen and hope, especially if successful, that Cameron pushes for it. I'd love to see the coaster that got cut come to life.
Fox&Hound
Well-Known Member
Also, after ground clearing began in June this year, look how quickly the kongstruction has progressed on the next major attraction at IoA.
Even if you've just overdosed on Pixie Dust, you have to admit this is rapid progress.
Maybe I am naive, but it seems bold or foolish of Universal to build this Kong attraction when the last movie was a long time ago and did not do very well. Am I wrong? I know they're making a new movie, but what if it flops? Yes, Disney is in the same boat with the Avatar sequels but at least the first Avatar was a huge hit. Not defending Disney's choice of Avatar, just surprised Universal went with Kong. Then again, I guess it's good they are not just focusing on big franchises. I don't know, seems odd.
If the attraction is good, the success or failure of the movie it is based on is largely irrelevant.
flyerjab
Well-Known Member
I have been wondering about this idea also. If there are killer AAs as part of the boat ride, they could use them for dual purposes - the boat ride, and for a walking path. I just always thought it would be neat to create a walking trail through Pandora similar to those in Africa and Asia. I watched Avatar not too long ago and there are a number of plants and animals that would make for great AAs for either the boat ride or for a walking trail.
danlb_2000
Premium Member
Not to mention that fact the Kong is an iconic character so will likely attract people despite the lackluster last movie.
Mike S
Well-Known Member
I actually like the 2005 movie.
Next Big Thing
Well-Known Member
Not to mention there's a new movie coming out in 2016... which is when the attraction is rumored to open.
GoofGoof
Premium Member
I think Kong is pretty much a classic like E.T. It doesn't really matter how long ago the movie came out.
Atomicmickey
Well-Known Member
Super King Kong nerd, here.
He is one of the iconic characters of the 20th century. Try to think of the Empire State Building, and chances are, you see a giant gorilla atop it. Go to Manhattan, souvenirs of that type are everywhere.
Kong is up there with just about any other media icon you can think of. In terms of the cultural zeitgeist, he is bigger than any one movie (excepting the original).
The original film is a timeless classic, the prototype of all fantasy/adventure films.
It still plays well today. Watch it. (Go now, and watch it, seriously. We'll wait.)
The remakes both did well. $50M for the 1976 version, $550M (half a billion!) for the Jackson version, #109 on the all time money makers list. Was 2005 'a long time ago' ? Yikes.
Legendary Films are making 'Skull Island', a prequel of sorts, and the rumor mill has it that they are leading up
to a 'King Kong vs. Godzilla' rematch! Probably 3 Kong movies in the works.
Not to mention, Kong has been a staple of both Universal theme parks.
50 foot gorilla? That's a BIG franchise. For cultural impact, maybe not as 'currently present' in people's minds, but enduring and pervasive. EVERYONE knows who King Kong is. Everyone.
Interesting. I visited the Empire State building when we went to NYC. Never once thought about Kong.