AVATAR land - the specifics

[jt04]

Good point. Too bad the RFID bracelet idea was just a flash in the pan rumor. I would have really been able to get into that idea.

I had not heard the tech was canceled. Quite the opposite in fact. Where did you here it was not happening? It might not be a bracelet but there are many other possibilites such as that animatronic thingy at D23 that utilized facial recognition. So many possibilities.

 

[misterID]

Yes, this is an instance a slow moving e ticket dark ride could be overwhelmingly effective.

You know, if you think about it... Perhaps you ride through the military compound, travel to Pandora, travel through the forests of Pandora, then pass the huge I-Max screens (3D) as you fly over pandora (like Soarin) and then return home.

See, Horizons fits Avatar perfectly!

 

[Kamikaze]

Good point. Too bad the RFID bracelet idea was just a flash in the pan rumor. I would have really been able to get into that idea.

RFID isn't a rumor.

 

[Disaddict]

I had not heard the tech was canceled. Quite the opposite in fact. Where did you here it was not happening? It might not be a bracelet but there are many other possibilites such as that animatronic thingy at D23 that utilized facial recognition. So many possibilities.

I was actually referring to the RFID bracelets being canceled, not the next-gen. And to be honest, I think that I may have spoken too fast. I do not know if they will even be out or not, but reading all of the boards, and various websites, they all say the same thing, the bracelets were just a rumor. Too bad too. Although I hope I am wrong and that they do get put into circulation.

Btw, what is this facial recognition that you speak of? :slurp:

 

[jt04]

You know, if you think about it... Perhaps you ride through the military compound, travel to Pandora, travel through the forests of Pandora, then pass the huge I-Max screens (3D) as you fly over pandora (like Soarin) and then return home.

See, Horizons fits Avatar perfectly!

It would be incredible if they just moved you from one ride experience right into the next. Mild simulator ride (Star Tours) from earth to the military base, then a jeep like ride through the jungle (Dinosaur) then a simulated flying ride (new 3-D Kong Ride tech) and then some sort of runaway rapids ride (Kali) and finally a soarin style ride with those flying dragons. Then everyone gets exited through the gift shop. :lol:

 

[jt04]

I was actually referring to the RFID bracelets being canceled, not the next-gen. And to be honest, I think that I may have spoken too fast. I do not know if they will even be out or not, but reading all of the boards, and various websites, they all say the same thing, the bracelets were just a rumor. Too bad too. Although I hope I am wrong and that they do get put into circulation.

Btw, what is this facial recognition that you speak of? :slurp:

It was called "The Great ....." or "The Amazing...." something.:lol: I can't remember. Maybe somebody will provide a link to the youtube video. It is both fascinating and threatening in an orwellian way. We really are entering a brave new world.

 

[Pioneer Hall]

I still don't really think the idea of a full blown attraction just to get into the land would be effective. You don't want to limit people's access to food and merchandise by putting something like a simulator between them and the product. If a simulator into the land had an hour long wait, there would unquestionably be a number of people who would skip it altogether regardless of how impressive it may or may not be. You also have to account for families and you cannot have anything that even a hand held infant cannot be a part of. This is why I feel that if they somehow go this route (which I just feel that they will not) it has to be something short, sweet, and basic like the Hydrolators were. Keep it to about 90 seconds max and you can probably pull it off.

 

[Disaddict]

RFID isn't a rumor.

The RFID bracelets are a rumor. For now. They still have not confirmed these things. I know that standard RFID is being utilized. All Stars Sports and the mugs.....

 

[jt04]

I still don't really think the idea of a full blown attraction just to get into the land would be effective. You don't want to limit people's access to food and merchandise by putting something like a simulator between them and the product. If a simulator into the land had an hour long wait, there would unquestionably be a number of people who would skip it altogether regardless of how impressive it may or may not be. You also have to account for families and you cannot have anything that even a hand held infant cannot be a part of. This is why I feel that if they somehow go this route (which I just feel that they will not) it has to be something short, sweet, and basic like the Hydrolators were. Keep it to about 90 seconds max and you can probably pull it off.

I think it could be a bit longer that 90 seconds. Perhaps two or three minutes. And you could have specific "boarding times" with all the new technology. I agree with you though that the idea presents some logistical problems. You would need a very large common area where people can gather such as the area in The Land at Epcot. And probably a small seperate entrance for people with very young children.

 

[Computer Magic]

Actually I was thinking they might do this after looking at aerial photos earlier. There is a tremendous amount of space that would allow for Avatar and a new resort. Some sort of people mover system would allow for transportation not only from this new resort but also could easily be connected to the CSR (which has a certain DAK-esque/S.E.A. aesthetic to it. This might ensure occupanciy rates similar to what the EPCOT resorts have always maintained because of their location, location, location. :lol:

If CSR became part of a resort that is connected to a park or had transportation other than bus/boat, they would change the resort to a Deluxe. CSR would be renamed and lose the moderate status to increase the nightly price.

 

[anonDisney]

I hope AVATAR land goes where Camp Minnie/Mickey is. That way the two imaginary lands (not technically the right word since dinosaurs aren't imaginary, but you get the idea hopefully) are at the front of the park to the right and left.

The back half of the park can then remain real world locales with Africa to the left, Asia to the right, and (hopefully someday) Australia in the middle.

 

[jt04]

If CSR became part of a resort that is connected to a park or had transportation other than bus/boat, they would change the resort to a Deluxe. CSR would be renamed and lose the moderate status to increase the nightly price.

I don't have a problem with any of that except the name change. When I finally visited this resort I was very impressed. They could easily upgrade it to a deluxe especially if it had easy access to DAK. Although they may need another resort that caters to conventions as CSR does now. Possibly the Flamingo Crossing site.

And CSR would be a great place for "Trader Sams" type venue and various shops and eateries. It has great potential.

 

[Figments Friend]

I still don't really think the idea of a full blown attraction just to get into the land would be effective. You don't want to limit people's access to food and merchandise by putting something like a simulator between them and the product. If a simulator into the land had an hour long wait, there would unquestionably be a number of people who would skip it altogether regardless of how impressive it may or may not be. You also have to account for families and you cannot have anything that even a hand held infant cannot be a part of. This is why I feel that if they somehow go this route (which I just feel that they will not) it has to be something short, sweet, and basic like the Hydrolators were. Keep it to about 90 seconds max and you can probably pull it off.

Reading this reminded me of my one ( and only..) visit to Sea World's 'Wild Artic' attraction in Orlando. Basically, for those who do not know about it, this is a themed area showcasing Artic wildlife in a indoor controlled enviroment set up to resemble a Artic expedition facility and campsite. Before entering the building to begin viewing the attraction, Guests had a choice between 'arriving by helicopter' ( a simulator-style experience) or just....uh.....'arriving' via your own feet via a door past the simulator exit. Something similar could be done for 'arriving' at Pandora.

It would be very cool if people were brought into the Pandorain rainforest through some type of special themed gate..be it a walk through changeover ( think the queue to the 'Nemo' Clamobile ride at "Seas") or something more involved.

Anything is really possible with this concept. I watched the film again last night and my mind was bursting with ideas for how the flora and fauna of Pandora could be incorporated into new attractions.

 

[Figments Friend]

Whoops....just now seeing others have already brought up 'Wild Artic'!

See below....



-Originally Posted by Master Yoda
"SeaWorld Orlando does this with their Wild Arctic exhibit. Groups are broken in to land and air traveling groups. Air groups get the simulator, land groups watch the movie from the simulator in a stationary theater. Personally, I loved this approach. It really completed the illusion much like the Hydrolators did in the living seas. About the only problem I see is capacity especially during the first year or so when demand has the potential for being absolutely insane."

-

I agree Master Yoda....the way they could handle the capacity issue is just build multiples of the experience ( i.e. 'Star Tours' ). This would help keep the crowds moving smoothly. As crowds started to dwindle, perhaps some of the 'extra' rooms could be changed over to other experiences.

 

[Computer Magic]

I don't have a problem with any of that except the name change. When I finally visited this resort I was very impressed. They could easily upgrade it to a deluxe especially if it had easy access to DAK. Although they may need another resort that caters to conventions as CSR does now. Possibly the Flamingo Crossing site.

And CSR would be a great place for "Trader Sams" type venue and various shops and eateries. It has great potential.

All the moderates are built the same except for theming. By this I mean multiple buildings around a large lake. There are no balconies and all rooms exit outside. I don't know about SSR or OKW but the other deluxe resorts have mostly balconies. exit into a hallway leading to the main room and and a table service. I guess my point, CBR would have change in order to keep the Value, Moderate and Deluxe theme. Unless CBR becomes a DVC like SSR and OBW. The same kind of renovation AKL went though with their rooms in order to become a DVC.


but it could be done. I like you ideas

 

[Disneyfanatic!!]

SeaWorld Orlando does this with their Wild Arctic exhibit. Groups are broken in to land and air traveling groups. Air groups get the simulator, land groups watch the movie from the simulator in a stationary theater. Personally, I loved this approach. It really completed the illusion much like the Hydrolators did in the living seas. About the only problem I see is capacity especially during the first year or so when demand has the potential for being absolutely insane.

And the exit problem listed above... How do you have such an elaborate entrance with no elaborate exit? :shrug:

The low capacity would make this a nightmare. The lines to get on an attraction to get into the land would be a nightmare. Why not just have a very elaborate, base camp-themed bridge linking Discovery Island to Pandora? That would bridge the gap... In more ways than one. :drevil:

 

[nytimez]

It would be incredible if they just moved you from one ride experience right into the next. Mild simulator ride (Star Tours) from earth to the military base, then a jeep like ride through the jungle (Dinosaur) then a simulated flying ride (new 3-D Kong Ride tech) and then some sort of runaway rapids ride (Kali) and finally a soarin style ride with those flying dragons. Then everyone gets exited through the gift shop. :lol:

This is my hope, too. As I wrote on another board/thread, I'd like to see a walking trail like Pangani Forest Trail -- only a landscaped, imagineered Pandora and there would be two or three paths... this could basically be an elaborate and interactive queue in the form of a ground-level exploration of 'gentler' Pandora features, leading up to the first attraction -- a vehicle-based attraction to see the wilder creatures of the Pandora forest floor. I'm thinking an Indy Jones/Mummy/Dinosaur-level indoor ride.

Then, that would dump out into a second next-gen style queue which is actually an "experience" -- an experience where you are given an Avatar. This is actually basically a preshow for the next ride, an air-based ride to see Pandora from above.

 

[RSoxNo1]

It was called "The Great ....." or "The Amazing...." something.:lol: I can't remember. Maybe somebody will provide a link to the youtube video. It is both fascinating and threatening in an orwellian way. We really are entering a brave new world.

Destini.

As for a new mode of transportation to the Animal Kingdom - If anything is coming I would expect boats to and from Animal Kingdom Lodge.

As for accessing the north plot of land: Assuming the train is removed, A straight pathway from the existing path to the expansion area is approximately 800 feet. Comparatively the walking path from Kilimanjaro Safaris to Expedition Everest is approximately 1800 feet. To get to the middle of the expansion pad from the area between Harambe and Anandapur is about 1550 feet.

From the entrance, the attraction distances are as follows:

Kilimanjaro Safaris: Approximately 1800 feet
Kali River Rapids: Approximately 1600 feet
Expedition Everest: Approximately 2100 feet via the Kali Bridge or 2200 feet via the Theater in the Wild Bridge
Edge of the North Expansion Plot: 2450 feet
Edge of the South Expansion Plot (edge of Camp Minnie Mickey and Expansion Plot): 1700 feet

Again, by comparison - The Main entrance of Epcot to The American Adventure is approximately .8 miles.

If anyone wants to play around with this, wikimapia has a ruler tool that will allow you to create multiple segments. Here's the link centered on the North expansion plot:
http://www.wikimapia.org/#lat=28.3627888&lon=-81.5880668&z=17&l=0&m=b

 

[Skipper Dan]

Reading this reminded me of my one ( and only..) visit to Sea World's 'Wild Artic' attraction in Orlando. Basically, for those who do not know about it, this is a themed area showcasing Artic wildlife in a indoor controlled enviroment set up to resemble a Artic expedition facility and campsite. Before entering the building to begin viewing the attraction, Guests had a choice between 'arriving by helicopter' ( a simulator-style experience) or just....uh.....'arriving' via your own feet via a door past the simulator exit. Something similar could be done for 'arriving' at Pandora.

It would be very cool if people were brought into the Pandorain rainforest through some type of special themed gate..be it a walk through changeover ( think the queue to the 'Nemo' Clamobile ride at "Seas") or something more involved.

Anything is really possible with this concept. I watched the film again last night and my mind was bursting with ideas for how the flora and fauna of Pandora could be incorporated into new attractions.

I have given this lots of thought, but just couldn't see it working, until I saw you mention guests having a 'choice'. That makes it simple. You could have the choice to ride an attraction - via Star Tours, etc. - to arrive in Pandora, or you could just walk right on in. Nice...

 

[Unplugged]

As for a new mode of transportation to the Animal Kingdom - If anything is coming I would expect boats to and from Animal Kingdom Lodge.

I wouldn't expect boats to/from AKL at all. A water way would have to be created, which on the AKL side would split the savannah. At the AK park, it would take some significant roadwork to get those boats anywhere close to the park entrance.

Anything with enough money and time is possible, but I see the ROI on this to be all but impossible and in general, highly unlikely considering the current design. Since the layout and waterways are fairly new, you can tell that such a design was not part of the original plan and it was not even in the consideration as a future option.