AVATAR land coming to Disney's Animal Kingdom

[articos]

There are no inherent issues with doing both at the same time (except for Uni using all the cranes in the southeastern U.S.

), but several people were saying the funds ear marked for Avatar were heading over to DHS for Cars. If, indeed, both are proceeding it may mean that Burbank is paying attention to Florida and sinking major money into WDW, which would be awesome.

There are cranes still available on other projects that can be shifted. If/when Avatar is signed off and green, the funds will be there, regardless of Cars or any other projects. They are definitely spending money over the next 3-5 years, and Burbank is most definitely paying attention. It helps that DCA is finally on its feet.

 

[djlaosc]

There are cranes still available on other projects that can be shifted. If/when Avatar is signed off and green, the funds will be there, regardless of Cars or any other projects. They are definitely spending money over the next 3-5 years, and Burbank is most definitely paying attention. It helps that DCA is finally on its feet.

Do you have any idea when anything will be announced?

 

[aladdin2007]

There are cranes still available on other projects that can be shifted. If/when Avatar is signed off and green, the funds will be there, regardless of Cars or any other projects. They are definitely spending money over the next 3-5 years, and Burbank is most definitely paying attention. It helps that DCA is finally on its feet.

I believe this as Staggs has been here quite a bit recently. I know it was mainly for the Disney Springs announcement but hoping it was for other things as well such as the Studios apparently by the sound of things.

 

[twebber55]

It seems with the success that DL is having with Cars, it'd make sense to put MORE funds towards any DHS overhaul AND Avatar/Pandora. I know TDO doesn't look at things the way WE do, but cutting back isn't the answer. Of course this is all my opinion and doesn't mean too much, but the east coast has had a deficit of real attention for far to long. Pull out the stops and go big.

if there was a really like button i would hit it

 

[articos]

Do you have any idea when anything will be announced?

I have my suspicions on what date the Communications team would like to announce more info, but it's in the hands of Jim C. and when he signs off on a version of the project Disney will build. I don't think any public information is imminent, but we may start to hear rumblings of things behind the scenes. Keep in mind the supposed prep work at DAK is just getting started, so that should give indication it's a little ways out still. I can say at this point they're looking at a 2016 or 17 opening timeframe.

Regarding 1 ride/shop versus more - it may be best to think of this in terms of Star Tours, where they themed a large area around the attraction. You know you're near Star Tours from a little ways out, and it draws you in as you get surrounded in the environment, even though it's only 1 ride. Still don't know if Avatar's going to be a full land or a mini-land. If full, great. If mini, it can still be something special with theme and environmental effects before you get close to the ride itself. Don't give up on Avatar being something cool, regardless of whether it's large or small. If it's only one ride, it's not as good as the full gamut promised originally, but in this case, specifically because of Cameron, I have faith it's going to be something really good to great, large or small. Otherwise, he'll walk away and it won't happen. In other words: the reason this may end up being scaled down is in order to meet Jim's standards, which is not terrible. It's a bit of a special circumstance. Has not been decided yet, though.

I believe this as Staggs has been here quite a bit recently. I know it was mainly for the Disney Springs announcement but hoping it was for other things as well such as the Studios apparently by the sound of things.

Yep.

 

[jt04]

It was already announced Avatar would break ground in late 2013. Seems right on pace with the new FotLK theater underway.

 

[jt04]

Do you have any idea when anything will be announced?

Likely April 25th or 26th if that date holds.

 

[dreamscometrue]

Its sounding more though like the boat ride has been cut? And they will just plop down another huge soaring style building on valuable animal kingdom property and that will be it. I just think the park deserves more.

I doubt very much that this is what will happen. I think they'll either build the scaled down version discussed earlier in this thread, or scrap it altogether.

 

[Timothy_Q]

So the supposed Potter Swatter has become 1 ride that nobody seem to want. Wow

 

[twebber55]

Who besides the measage board comunnity called it a potter swatter?

 

[dreamscometrue]

So the supposed Potter Swatter has become 1 ride that nobody seem to want. Wow

I don't think this was ever supposed to be a Potter Swatter. Even though I'm not a fan at all of the HP movies, the theming of the area is great (except for being able to see the coaster) and FJ is awesome. The WWoHP will always attract a crowd, and it don't think it'll ever be swatted per se. It was a slam dunk for Uni. I don't think anything short of Beastly Kingdomme would be any kind of 'swat' at A.K.

What I think Disney can do, however, is to do a great rework of DHS. Give us a Pixar area with the Monsters Inc. coaster, RSR, move the B.A.H., get a new parade, and get this wonderful park up a notch. There are so many attractions/shows I like at DHS, but a make over would have me there more often, and for longer.

 

[wdwfan4ver]

So the supposed Potter Swatter has become 1 ride that nobody seem to want. Wow

Most people never called Avatarland a Potter Swatter to begin with. The fact is most things can't be called a potter swatter. Harry Potter is in a league only something like a Star Wars land is capable of doing and that means nothing at AK really can be called a "true" Potter Swatter.

The only logical place for a Star Wars Land is DHS at this point.

 

[JustInTime]

Most people never called Avatarland a Potter Swatter to begin with. The fact is most things can't be called a potter swatter. Harry Potter is in a league only something like a Star Wars land is capable of doing and that means nothing at AK really can be called a "true" Potter Swatter.

The only logical place for a Star Wars Land is DHS at this point.

Actually, most people here did call it a Potter Swatter. lol

 

[NoChesterHester]

A thought:

The entire area leading up to Expedition Everest is absolutely fantastic. It would stand alone as a mini land even if Asia weren't there. AND there is nothing else of substance there except a themed roller coaster. Most people are very happy with the execution.

So... If Avatar, the franchise most on here have complained the loudest about, is actually cut back to one state of the art attraction and they build a great mini area leading up to it... ala Expedition Everest. Why would this be a bad thing?

 

[twebber55]

A thought:

The entire area leading up to Expedition Everest is absolutely fantastic. It would stand alone as a mini land even if Asia weren't there. AND there is nothing else of substance there except a themed roller coaster. Most people are very happy with the execution.

So... If Avatar, the franchise most on here have complained the loudest about, is actually cut back to one state of the art attraction and they build a great mini area leading up to it... ala Expedition Everest. Why would this be a bad thing?

totally agree

 

[RyenDeckard]

So... If Avatar, the franchise most on here have complained the loudest about, is actually cut back to one state of the art attraction and they build a great mini area leading up to it... ala Expedition Everest. Why would this be a bad thing?

Because it won't be state of the art. It's looking like the only attraction this entire new land will have is Soarin' 2.0

 

[NoChesterHester]

Because it won't be state of the art. It's looking like the only attraction this entire new land will have is Soarin' 2.0

Wait now... There is no denying that Soarin' is a slightly dated but beloved experience. If we are talking about a three dimensional version with more motion with digital projection at 60 fps and a full immersion queue with amazing show building - it absolutely will be a state of the art experience. IF we are talking 4K video... Holy cow.

 

[erasure fan1]

Wait now... There is no denying that Soarin' is a slightly dated but beloved experience. If we are talking about a three dimensional version with more motion with digital projection at 60 fps and a full immersion queue with amazing show building - it absolutely will be a state of the art experience. IF we are talking 4K video... Holy cow.

I look at it this way, A great ride experience is a great ride experience. The IP that its based on can become a very minor factor, very quickly when you have a fantastic ride. Would I rather Disney do something other than Avatar? Yea **cough**starwars**cough** But if they do it and they deliver a AAA experience than I am OK with it.

 

[ParkMan73]

I'm all for Soarin 2.0 and the description sounds good, but 3D has me completely unexcited. The minute I put on those glasses, it breaks any sense of reality. That's what I love about Soarin 1.0. It's a well executed simple concept.

As for a one ride land... More rides are better than fewer rides. I'll take one over none. A one ride land though - doesn't register that much excitement to me. Makes me think of CTX - I didn't even bother making the trek over there on the most recent trip.

 

[Tom]

A thought:

The entire area leading up to Expedition Everest is absolutely fantastic. It would stand alone as a mini land even if Asia weren't there. AND there is nothing else of substance there except a themed roller coaster. Most people are very happy with the execution.

So... If Avatar, the franchise most on here have complained the loudest about, is actually cut back to one state of the art attraction and they build a great mini area leading up to it... ala Expedition Everest. Why would this be a bad thing?

I would consider that a bad thing simply because AK doesn't need 1 more attraction. It needs 3 more attractions (for starters).

If there's ever a prayer of something being done about the Yeti (which I sincerely believe will never happen), AK needs something equal to EE to absorb the lost park capacity while it's down. And then when EE re-opens, they'll be +1 attractions.

But, that's not enough to keep guests interested in that park. Like DHS, it's stale...and for many guests - including me - it's a "half day park." One major attraction isn't going to add enough time spent in a queue and on a ride to extend the time in the park substantially. Perhaps a D and two C's. Or an E, C and D. One of those combinations would give AK a huge shot in the arm. 1 E-ticket would not, IMO.