DAK AVATAR progress

[lazyboy97o]

I think the resentment of MM+ doesn't stem from it being infrastructure - it stems from it being largely unnecessary infrastructure. There's no compelling reason to move to wristbands other than data mining and upsells.

If a billion had been spent on truly NECESSARY infrastructure upgrades - like to resort transportation, a crumbling problem that no one wants to address - you wouldn't hear a peep.

The base RFID infrastructure that will enable the MagicBand is not entirely unnecessary. RFID keys are becoming more and more common. So if you're going to instal that system, it makes sense to enable the RFID technology for other services like theme park admission and room charging.

 

[GiveMeTheMusic]

The base RFID infrastructure that will enable the MagicBand is not entirely unnecessary. RFID keys are becoming more and more common. So if you're going to instal that system, it makes sense to enable the RFID technology for other services like theme park admission and room charging.

I see what you're saying, but it's still unnecessary. There was no pressing business need to install RFID, other than someone convinced the bigwigs it would result in what must be projected to be astronomical increases in guest spending.

Replacing the bus fleet with an efficient transportation system? Upgrading an aging monorail fleet? Those things are necessary, and as far as I know, they aren't even on the table.

All that aside, glad to hear a new parade and nighttime show are part of the plans. Not wild about nighttime shows in amphitheatres, but it could be worse.

 

[Tim_4]

I think the resentment of MM+ doesn't stem from it being infrastructure - it stems from it being largely unnecessary infrastructure. There's no compelling reason to move to wristbands other than data mining and upsells.

If a billion had been spent on truly NECESSARY infrastructure upgrades - like to resort transportation, a crumbling problem that no one wants to address - you wouldn't hear a peep.

The wristbands aren't the billion dollar items. The majority of the billion dollars will never be seen by the guests but WILL have positive ROI for the shareholders.

 

[RSoxNo1]

I see it as infrastructure not entertainment.

That's exactly what it is. You can make a case that the infrastructure improvements are necessary, or at least beneficial. However, infrastructure improvements are very rarely a reason to plan a vacation. I think it's safe to say that anything other than new attractions and/or entertainment can be classified as infrastructure in some way, shape or form.

 

[doctornick]

And I am surprised that no one has mentioned the Ring of Fire nighttime parade that is rumored to be in the works.

Well, I'm certainly intrigued by this parade news. I wonder what the timeframe would be for development -- assuming it gets greenlit -- since it wouldn't have to be dependent on the Avatar build (I would assume the parade would follow the current route which does not go into CMM). Hopefully, it could be an addition sooner rather than later, like in the 2014 timeframe, since we are apparently losing the current parade.

Then again, if it's only a nighttime parade, they might not want to run it unless the park has enough stuff to warrant being opened longer hours, into the evening. So, that might limit when it would start until Pandora is ready.

 

[RSoxNo1]

FLE-$425 million
Cars Land- $575 million
DCA Do-Over- $1.5 Billion (includes the above $575 million)

WWOHP 1.0-$265 million
WWOHP 2.0- $500+ million

That said, I have heard the the DAK nighttime show is basically World of Color with a different theme and a designated amphitheater (think WDW's Fantasmic vs DL's Fantasmic). They are not planning on a nighttime safari, but keeping the RIDES open. And I am surprised that no one has mentioned the Ring of Fire nighttime parade that is rumored to be in the works. And the budget for Pandora: The World of Avatar is $500 million. Avatar, nighttime spectacular, ring of fire parade, and parkwide lighting package is close to a solid $1 Billion.

So NextGen's $2 Billion, DAK's $1 Billion, DHS's who knows how much. I hope TDO saved all that money they didn't spend on attractions and maintenance over the past decade. They are going to need it.

Is a World of Color type show anything more than Fanboi wishes or is it a legit rumor?

 

[doctornick]

Is a World of Color type show anything more than Fanboi wishes or is it a legit rumor?

Yeah, I see a lot of people talking in this thread as though these items (night time show, parade) are suddenly confirmed and a go when they are sorta out of the blue. I'm pretty skeptical until we see more confirmation. Heck, I'm not particularly convinced that there's going to be more than one ride for Avatar.

 

[GiveMeTheMusic]

Yeah, I see a lot of people talking in this thread as though these items (night time show, parade) are suddenly confirmed and a go when they are sorta out of the blue. I'm pretty skeptical until we see more confirmation. Heck, I'm not particularly convinced that there's going to be more than one ride for Avatar.

I have it on good authority that DAK is getting THREE new parades. For the first time ever, a Disney Park TM(R)(C)SM will have a morning parade. It will be themed to natural resources and called "Wake Up To Wood". Steve Davison and Bob Iger are here, in my house, right now, telling me all about it. It's going to be a bold new direction for parade entertainment, and will prominently feature characters and floats from UP.

In the afternoon, DAK becomes a party scene as the AVATAR aliens take to the streets for a mobile dance party. One of Disney's four DJs will blast classic party tunes (plus a liberal dose of Zumba songs) while nine foot tall blue things awkwardly gyrate on stilts. This daring new vision for afternoon parades, entitled "No One's Blue With James Cameron's AVATAR in Disney Parks TM(R)(C)SM presented in association with 20th Century Fox/Lightship Entertainment". Your favorite Disney friends will be "AVATAR"ed out (think of the plush!) and join the nameless CGI creatures in the frolic and fun.

The Ring of Fire parade (nighttime) is still being hashed out, but early word is that Lotrimin wants to sponsor it.

All of this is CONFIRMED. You're welcome and I'll see you at D23.

 

[novawildcat18]

I have it on good authority that DAK is getting THREE new parades. For the first time ever, a Disney Park TM(R)(C)SM will have a morning parade. It will be themed to natural resources and called "Wake Up To Wood". Steve Davison and Bob Iger are here, in my house, right now, telling me all about it. It's going to be a bold new direction for parade entertainment, and will prominently feature characters and floats from UP.

In the afternoon, DAK becomes a party scene as the AVATAR aliens take to the streets for a mobile dance party. One of Disney's four DJs will blast classic party tunes (plus a liberal dose of Zumba songs) while nine foot tall blue things awkwardly gyrate on stilts. This daring new vision for afternoon parades, entitled "No One's Blue With James Cameron's AVATAR in Disney Parks TM(R)(C)SM presented in association with 20th Century Fox/Lightship Entertainment". Your favorite Disney friends will be "AVATAR"ed out (think of the plush!) and join the nameless CGI creatures in the frolic and fun.

The Ring of Fire parade (nighttime) is still being hashed out, but early word is that Lotrimin wants to sponsor it.

All of this is CONFIRMED. You're welcome and I'll see you at D23.

"Wake Up to Wood" hilarious

 

[SirLink]

That's exactly what it is. You can make a case that the infrastructure improvements are necessary, or at least beneficial. However, infrastructure improvements are very rarely a reason to plan a vacation. I think it's safe to say that anything other than new attractions and/or entertainment can be classified as infrastructure in some way, shape or form.

Totally 100% agree.

 

[Disneyhead'71]

As far as I know, the nighttime show and parade are still just a pitch on how to expand the park hours into the night. I don't believe any of it has been green lit.

 

[JenniferS]

Makes me wonder if I should've spent $7800 on my toupee.

No no - it looks good. Money well spent.

 

[marni1971]

So wait a parade, an ampitheatre and some lights is coming to $500million? Some of blame has to be on WDI. Why the hell are they billing entertainment and lights at half a billion

WDI are like black ops.... $50 for a screwdriver, $100 for a bag of screws. So overinflated its embarrassing. If Potter One can be done for $250ish (and FJ cost less than half that)

 

[SirLink]

WDI are like black ops.... $50 for a screwdriver, $100 for a bag of screws. So overinflated its embarrassing. If Potter One can be done for $250ish (and FJ cost less than half that)

It makes you go crackers, especially the background I'm from and have seen entire studios under budget projects to get projects green lit ... so strange why if they budget properly and projects end up being cheaper - the various layers of management would be more willing to fund more projects.

 

[George]

WDI are like black ops.... $50 for a screwdriver, $100 for a bag of screws. So overinflated its embarrassing. If Potter One can be done for $250ish (and FJ cost less than half that)

So, next time I'm selling tools at a garage sale, I should make sure to let the fine folk at WDI know?

"Yeah, that there 20 year old circular saw is in pretty good shape. I think I can let it go for 5 grand, which as you know, is a HUGE discount."

 

[George]

BTW, @Disneyhead'71 and @Tim_4 thanks for all the info. You guys are really driving this discussion. I hope that neither of you is taking undue risks by feeding us this info.

 

[MerlinTheGoat]

BTW, @Disneyhead'71 and @Tim_4 thanks for all the info. You guys are really driving this discussion. I hope that neither of you is taking undue risks by feeding us this info.

I just hope they're actually right in this situation and that their sources aren't just trying to screw with people. And unless it's some kind of account suicide "going out with a bang" prank, I don't see why anyone on these forums would try to put themselves in the line of fire by posting fake info to mess with people when we're so close to D23 now.

I'm not trying to claim anyone here is wrong or right, it's just very difficult to see through the fog on this project with two sides in disagreement on the matter. I'd love for Tim, articos and all the others on that side to be right on the matter. But Lee's track record holds me back from getting prematurely excited on the matter. Until Disney announces it officially, i'm just inclined to keep expectations low to avoid disappointment.

@Lee and @marni1971
Is there any other info or updates you may have heard that contradict the "one ride" plan reported by trusted insiders here?

 

[twebber55]

lots of fluidity to disney projects be it avatar cars land or anything else

 

[GLaDOS]

Saying the nighttime show is coming is way, way, way jumping the gun at this point.

Far from a sure thing.

 

[MerlinTheGoat]

lots of fluidity to disney projects be it avatar cars land or anything else

Yes of course. Though if they're hoping to break ground on the project by the end of this year, I would assume it fair to say they'd need to have wrapped up the final blueprints and all well in advance of the beginning of construction. Otherwise they're cutting the finalization pretty close.

Saying the nighttime show is coming is way, way, way jumping the gun at this point.

Far from a sure thing.

Funny thing is that I wouldn't even have been surprised if a night show had a better chance of happening than a second ride.

Do you know something on the matter btw? Like do your own sources claim Avatar Land is going to contain two rides as well?