AVATAR land construction progress

[flyerjab]

You really think so? I know there isn't much to go on, but we do know it's much closer to the camera then the simulator ride building, so I would say it's much shorter.

That was only an uneducated guess on my part. It's height might fall in between the third and fourth floor of the simulator building . It's just hard to tell from the numerous vantage points I tried.

My advice would be to look from the Disney bus as you approach the park. You can still see through the simulator building. You might be able to see it from there for the best height comparison.

 

[G00fyDad]

@flyerjab how tall do you think this structure is?

Apparently we need someone standing beside it to tell for sure.

 

[twebber55]

You really think so? I know there isn't much to go on, but we do know it's much closer to the camera then the simulator ride building, so I would say it's much shorter.

@danlb_2000 after looking @flyerjab s photos again it does look quite a bit taller than the wooden structures which are easily 25-30'..so 40' is not out of the question

 

[danlb_2000]

@danlb_2000 after looking @flyerjab s photos again it does look quite a bit taller than the wooden structures which are easily 25-30'..so 40' is not out of the question

Yes, but those walls are only about half the height of the simulator ride building.

 

[flyerjab]

Yes, but those walls are only about half the height of the simulator ride building.

It is definitely higher than the walls. With that in mind, I retract my over zealous first post regarding the height approaching the top of the building. It might be more accurate to say it is approaching the height of the fourth floor as opposed to the fifth.

In any case, it will be enjoyable to watch this build due to the unique geometry of the structure.

 

[twebber55]

It is definitely higher than the walls. With that in mind, I retract my over zealous first post regarding the height approaching the top of the building. It might be more accurate to say it is approaching the height of the fourth floor as opposed to the fifth.

In any case, it will be enjoyable to watch this build due to the unique geometry of the structure.

regardless, that is still pretty tall
appreciate your info today

 

[danlb_2000]

In any case, it will be enjoyable to watch this build due to the unique geometry of the structure.

... and the fact that it's in a location where people can actually get pictures of it.

 

[toolsnspools]

Apparently we need someone standing beside it to tell for sure.

Preferably someone exactly 10 feet tall. Our math skills need all the help they can get.

 

[twebber55]

That was only an uneducated guess on my part. It's height might fall in between the third and fourth floor of the simulator building . It's just hard to tell from the numerous vantage points I tried.

My advice would be to look from the Disney bus as you approach the park. You can still see through the simulator building. You might be able to see it from there for the best height comparison.

and the fact at they re not done building this structure which we presume is a floating mtn it certainly could reach the height of the E ticket

 

[flyerjab]

and the fact at they re not done building this structure which we presume is a floating mtn it certainly could reach the height of the E ticket

The one good thing for us is my family has visited in March and May of this year. Since we are DVCers, we will also be there in July, October and December of this year, so I should be able to really capture this construction project as it develops throughout all of 2015. Many more photos to come. I just wish we could get some new overhead photos.

 

[gmajew]

I was not excited for this project when it was announced but now seeing it being built and what looks like some cool features of the land I have turned optimistic that this will be a good land and well done from a theming purpose.

How the rides develop we will wait to see still but I am now looking forward to riding them and walking the area.

 

[twebber55]

The one good thing for us is my family has visited in March and May of this year. Since we are DVCers, we will also be there in July, October and December of this year, so I should be able to really capture this construction project as it develops throughout all of 2015. Many more photos to come. I just wish we could get some new overhead photos.

great because im going first week of june after that I don't plan on going back until 2017
we re taking a break from Orlando next year

 

[twebber55]

I was not excited for this project when it was announced but now seeing it being built and what looks like some cool features of the land I have turned optimistic that this will be a good land and well done from a theming purpose.

How the rides develop we will wait to see still but I am now looking forward to riding them and walking the area.

great point and I still think some are missing the point of avatar being a part of this expansion....we really haven't seen a theme park change so much even more so than DCA because this expansion involves the hours of the park changing

 

[djkidkaz]

Just to add, I think that what they are adding to the park will make it a full day park if you experience all of it. I went last week with a friend who was visiting for the first time so we did everything the park had to offer except for Finding Nemo the Musical and Rafikis Planet Watch. We had booked three fast passes before hand for Safari, Everest and Kali Rapids. We were there from 10:30-6 and got everything done with very little waits on all the attractions and shows and had lunch. Now if you add in being there when its a little busier, doing the two things we missed, plus Avatar, Rivers of Light, the night safari as a second time riding to see both versions in one day and having dinner you definitely would get a whole days worth.

The problem for most I think is that they run from ride to ride, don't bother with walking trails or the animals and they only ride the handful of big attractions. Sure if you still go and only ride Dinosaur, Everest, Safari and Avatar, your gonna be in and out of there in no time. But if your spending the time to do Flights of Wonder, Bugs Life, Kali and the walking trails you can really make a day of it.

Honestly, finally slowing down at this park and just taking the time to relax and just observe the animals and do some of the smaller things, I have to say it was one of the best days I've ever had at the park.

 

[flyerjab]

Just to add, I think that what they are adding to the park will make it a full day park if you experience all of it. I went last week with a friend who was visiting for the first time so we did everything the park had to offer except for Finding Nemo the Musical and Rafikis Planet Watch. We had booked three fast passes before hand for Safari, Everest and Kali Rapids. We were there from 10:30-6 and got everything done with very little waits on all the attractions and shows and had lunch. Now if you add in being there when its a little busier, doing the two things we missed, plus Avatar, Rivers of Light, the night safari as a second time riding to see both versions in one day and having dinner you definitely would get a whole days worth.

The problem for most I think is that they run from ride to ride, don't bother with walking trails or the animals and they only ride the handful of big attractions. Sure if you still go and only ride Dinosaur, Everest, Safari and Avatar, your gonna be in and out of there in no time. But if your spending the time to do Flights of Wonder, Bugs Life, Kali and the walking trails you can really make a day of it.

Honestly, finally slowing down at this park and just taking the time to relax and just observe the animals and do some of the smaller things, I have to say it was one of the best days I've ever had at the park.

Absolutely great post.

I am a huge DAK fan and support it incessantly when I talk to people about their upcoming trips. There really is a lot to do at this park if you really understand it and appreciate it for what it is. It has always been an animal park first for me, with the rides coming second. With added food opportunities, expanded walking areas, the RoL nighttime show, night safaris, additional animal attractions, and of course, the Pandora expansion - with a huge E-Ticket, boat ride and possible 3rd attraction - this park will absolutely be an all day park.

The one thing that is funny about this expansion is that there seems to be a succinct, core group of die hard followers. I honestly believe that once the theming starts to become visible, and the floating mountains become more apparent, the interest in this is going to grow along with the addition. My bet is we see more concrete plans at D23 this year.

 

[stichrules]

Absolutely great post.

I am a huge DAK fan and support it incessantly when I talk to people about their upcoming trips. There really is a lot to do at this park if you really understand it and appreciate it for what it is. It has always been an animal park first for me, with the rides coming second. With added food opportunities, expanded walking areas, the RoL nighttime show, night safaris, additional animal attractions, and of course, the Pandora expansion - with a huge E-Ticket, boat ride and possible 3rd attraction - this park will absolutely be an all day park.

The one thing that is funny about this expansion is that there seems to be a succinct, core group of die hard followers. I honestly believe that once the theming starts to become visible, and the floating mountains become more apparent, the interest in this is going to grow along with the addition. My bet is we see more concrete plans at D23 this year.

I agree with both posts. My wife and I simply Love DAK park. It is by far are favorite and have never considered it a half day park. yes, if all you do is go on a few rides you can be out before noon, but we always take our time and enjoy most of the shows and do a slow leisurely walk around the most beautiful park we have seen. Cannot wait for all of the new additions.

 

[marni1971]

Just to add, I think that what they are adding to the park will make it a full day park if you experience all of it..

That's the problem. It seems a lot of tourists expect more rides and assume it's a theme park like other theme parks. They aren't prepared to spend time exploring the non attraction areas save for a cursory glance.

Avlands short simulator and possible C ride won't add the needed hours for those people to kill before the night show. The park still needs more attractions to appeal to all demographics. And I say that as someone that wants DAK to get all the help it needs and to be able to pull its own weight and stand on its own.

 

[CaptainAmerica]

That's the problem. It seems a lot of tourists expect more rides and assume it's a theme park like other theme parks. They aren't prepared to spend time exploring the non attraction areas save for a cursory glance.

Avlands short simulator and possible C ride won't add the needed hours for those people to kill before the night show. The park still needs more attractions to appeal to all demographics. And I say that as someone that wants DAK to get all the help it needs and to be able to pull its own weight and stand on its own.

I feel like your second paragraph contradicts the first. A mad scramble to appease the "ride only" guests will (IMO) ruin what makes DAK so great in the first place.

 

[Master Yoda]

That's the problem. It seems a lot of tourists expect more rides and assume it's a theme park like other theme parks. They aren't prepared to spend time exploring the non attraction areas save for a cursory glance.

Avlands short simulator and possible C ride won't add the needed hours for those people to kill before the night show. The park still needs more attractions to appeal to all demographics. And I say that as someone that wants DAK to get all the help it needs and to be able to pull its own weight and stand on its own.

I certainly understand the business side of appealing to the largest demographic possible, but do we really want that?

Part of the reason Epcot is the way it is vs. what it was in the 80s-90s was an appeal to the masses. At minimum we lost WoM and Horizons due to the quest to add more thrilling rides. In addition to that WS has been turned into a labyrinth of food kiosks and an entire country is just shy of being turned into a fictional place.

I am all for adding attractions into AK, but not at the sacrifice of the heart of that park.

I for one have never had an issue spending all day at AK even without going on every attractions they currently have, let alone the addition of Pandora.

 

[marni1971]

I am all for adding attractions into AK, but not at the sacrifice of the heart of that park.

Oh absolutely. Hence it needs to appeal to all groups. Those who want to ride, those that want to wander and to those in between.