Is Avatar to political for a Disney park?

[wdwmagic]

The thing about this land is that it seems to be built on the idea that it's going to attract new clientele to the resort much like Potter did with Universal Orlando or Cars to DCA.

Is Avatar that kind of franchise? I don't know. But I know the first thing my family said when I told them Avatar was coming to DAK their only response was, "Why?" Whereas we've already been to WWoHP multiple times and have a Carsland trip planned for early next year.

I could see Avatar pulling more guests to DAK than say EPCOT, but is it going to pull a Carsland/Potter and attract people not already going to WDW? I'd be surprised if it did, but that remains to be seen.

Difference is your family already know what attractions Potter and Carland have, and have probably seen reviews, photos and videos of the attractions on offer.

If WDI can produce a killer attraction, I still believe that regardless of whether it is based on Avatar, or an entirely original story, it will be a huge hit. People will want to go and see it.

Reactions are weak now because there are no details on what to expect with the experience, and so people are just falling back to "I don't like the movie".

 

[wdwmagic]

That's the million dollar question. Is Disney willing to learn from their mistakes and let Cameron have enough creative control to do what he wants with it? I just don't think so.

Imagineering are the experts in this field. Yes Cameron is a great movie maker, but he has no experience of what works in a park setting. I'm sure the collaboration can deliver a great result, but you can bet that Disney will keep very tight control of everything that goes into it.

 

[GLaDOS]

Difference is your family already know what attractions Potter and Carland have, and have probably seen reviews, photos and videos of the attractions on offer.

If WDI can produce a killer attraction, I still believe that regardless of whether it is based on Avatar, or an entirely original story, it will be a huge hit. People will want to go and see it.

Reactions are weak now because there are no details on what to expect with the experience, and so people are just falling back to "I don't like the movie".

I dunno. We were chomping at the bit long before we knew the rides of Potter-land and Carsland. We wanted to be in those worlds. Things like Forbidden Journey and Radiator Springs Racers are just icing on the cake.

 

[Atomicmickey]

Um, Pocahontas?

The only people I have talked to who saw Avatar as a political film,
have seemed to be people who see politics in everything. So, yeah.
Mickey Mouse is a giant corporate global icon of greed and capitalist
Disneyfication. "The Rat" as he is referred to by some people.

Get the RAT out of the parks, first.

On another note, I'm thinking of starting a new thread about Avatar
coming to the parks.

 

[twebber55]

The thing about this land is that it seems to be built on the idea that it's going to attract new clientele to the resort much like Potter did with Universal Orlando or Cars to DCA.

Is Avatar that kind of franchise? I don't know. But I know the first thing my family said when I told them Avatar was coming to DAK their only response was, "Why?" Whereas we've already been to WWoHP multiple times and have a Carsland trip planned for early next year.

I could see Avatar pulling more guests to DAK than say EPCOT, but is it going to pull a Carsland/Potter and attract people not already going to WDW? I'd be surprised if it did, but that remains to be seen.

the first thing my family of a 20 year old son 13 old son and 9 year old girl was wow i cant wait that will be sweet

one dragon goes up in the air and people went crazy and totally assumed avatar...like i said i think avatar will rocket DAK to number 3 in the US for parks..of course this is one dumb guys opinion

 

[twebber55]

Um, Pocahontas?

The only people I have talked to who saw Avatar as a political film,
have seemed to be people who see politics in everything. So, yeah.
Mickey Mouse is a giant corporate global icon of greed and capitalist
Disneyfication. "The Rat" as he is referred to by some people.

Get the RAT out of the parks, first.

On another note, I'm thinking of starting a new thread about Avatar
coming to the parks.

very funny

 

[CinematicFusion]

no you didnt at all..i actually agree with you..and have enjoyed your comments on this

Cool...it's a very interesting topic and fascinating to have a huge project coming to animal kingdom. Can't wait to see when the unknown is known.

 

[orky8]

Difference is your family already know what attractions Potter and Carland have, and have probably seen reviews, photos and videos of the attractions on offer.

If WDI can produce a killer attraction, I still believe that regardless of whether it is based on Avatar, or an entirely original story, it will be a huge hit. People will want to go and see it.

Reactions are weak now because there are no details on what to expect with the experience, and so people are just falling back to "I don't like the movie".

Tower of Terror is a great attraction. But it doesn't belong in Animal Kingdom. That is my problem with Avatarland. I agree with your sentiment that WDI just needs to spend the money and build a great attraction (I would go further and say an immersive land WITH great attractions). But it can, and should do that without Avatar. They could use Disney franchises or original concepts and have more creative leeway and better fit.

Iger did a knee-jerk reaction with Avatar because he wanted to collect on merchandise and recognizability, and that seems, well, stupid, because Avatar, at least thus far, doesn't really offer those things. it did briefly, when it came out, but has now faded into a distant memory. Maybe the sequels will turn Pandora into a brand-name franchise, but as others have mentioned -- fans even, I don't recall the name of a single character (unless Sigorney Weaver counts).

The absolute worst thing, IMO, that could happen, is that Avatar comes, but stripped down. And, unfortunately, if I were a betting man, that's where I'd put my money.

 

[GLaDOS]

like i said i think avatar will rocket DAK to number 3 in the US for parks..of course this is one dumb guys opinion

That's not really all that much of a "rocket". If EPCOT continues to lose attendance DAK might get there before Avatar even opens.

 

[twebber55]

and i dont really see the difference if its Pandora, Mysterious Lisland, Beastly Kingdom or whatever if its a great themed land with a major e ticket people will love it...i never saw any of the harry Potter films before i went to WWOHP and i was blown away

 

[wdwmagic]

Maybe the sequels will turn Pandora into a brand-name franchise, but as others have mentioned -- fans even, I don't recall the name of a single character (unless Sigorney Weaver counts).

This is of course the big unknown to all of us on the outside, but perhaps those with inside knowledge, such as Iger and WDI, see things much more positively.

 

[themoose]

I agree with Steve. If there is a section of AK where I can walk into it and be transported into another world, I am there. The creative opportunities far surpass WWoHP or Cars. People remember specific scenes and images from those movies. If you fail to recreate them properly, the land will fail. With Avatar, people remember the scenery, but not specific images. Having the name attached will only help. But overall, a killer attraction is key (and a new restaurant wouldn't hurt).

 

[tracyandalex]

I think that if Avatarland is being built to draw in crowds, then it will be a disappointment. One cannot compare the Avatar franchise to the Harry Potter franchise. Perhaps Floridians will be attracted to AK for Avatarland, but I just don't see people coming from everywhere in droves for Avatarland.

I like the conservation message for AK, but I'm not sure Avatar is the right vehicle to make that message resonate with today's pop culture. That being said I reserve my final judgement until after I have been to Avatarland.

 

[twebber55]

That's not really all that much of a "rocket". If EPCOT continues to lose attendance DAK might get there before Avatar even opens.

lol..i know i was being somewhat funny...thought about using catapult

 

[Florida_is_hot]

.... Really it is not Political, strange comment.

1. You know sure it made a lot of money but does anybody have a desire to watch it over and over again?
2. It does not belong to Disney is that a problem? Do they need to pay for the Film Rights?
3. Does it fit Disney? 12 foot tall, almost naked blue Aliens?

I think the Aliens are kind of scarey.

Politics are ok, Disney is kind of a "left" company, the film fits.

 

[captainkidd]

and i dont really see the difference if its Pandora, Mysterious Lisland, Beastly Kingdom or whatever if its a great themed land with a major e ticket people will love it...i never saw any of the harry Potter films before i went to WWOHP and i was blown away

You'll be more blown away once you see the movies. And that's coming from someone who didn't really care for them.

 

[wdwmagic]

I think that if Avatarland is being built to draw in crowds, then it will be a disappointment. One cannot compare the Avatar franchise to the Harry Potter franchise. Perhaps Floridians will be attracted to AK for Avatarland, but I just don't see people coming from everywhere in droves for Avatarland.

I like the conservation message for AK, but I'm not sure Avatar is the right vehicle to make that message resonate with today's pop culture. That being said I reserve my final judgement until after I have been to Avatarland.

How about if you forget the fact that it is based on Avatar, and just go with the concept that Disney can create an amazing attraction. So let's go with the hypothetical scenario of it being built and is DIsney's best work to date. Once word gets out on this amazing attraction, do you still think people won't visit?

 

[ExtinctJenn]

I think Avatar is less "political" and more about taking care of our planet... something Animal Kingdom already focuses on. That said, even if it was entirely political, Disney hasn't shyed away from that in the past (as others have mentioned - Pocahontas etc.).

 

[GrumpyFan]

Not to mention that the movie has depicted us as having already destroyed/raped Earth. That's a great message to send at Animal Kingdom!

True, but it's not like that message isn't already "preached" at AK on Kilimanjaro Safari and Kali River Rapids. Although, I understand of late the message has been significantly reduced on Kilimanjaro removing the harsh overtones of poaching.

 

[El Grupo]

But what will bring people to DAK in droves is if it is a GREAT attraction. Forget the fact it is AVATAR, people love a great attraction, and if WDI deliver - it will be a huge hit.

I agree with your statement. However, does WDI need the Avatar franchise in order to create a great attraction? If not, why spend the money on the franchise?