James Cameron, Joe Rohde, Tom Staggs and Disney executives touring Animal Kingdom

[Hakunamatata]

Soarin' is a decent attraction. But it's also a clone of an attraction that can be found elsewhere. I wouldn't call that leading in the Florida area.

So the fact that it is a clone negates the fact that it was the first of its kind in the area and continues to be very popular? Interesting position.

 

[GLaDOS]

So the fact that it is a clone negates the fact that it was the first of its kind in the area and continues to be very popular? Interesting position.

Yup. The innovation didn't happen for Florida. It was brought in because all the R&D was done for another park.

The last thing WDW did that was innovative, IMO, was Mission:Space. But unfortunately the total package just wasn't there with it.

 

[WDWFigment]

I think the fans attachment to Joe Rohde is largely due to his amazing passion for the parks, and the detail that his projects deliver. Have you ever heard him give a presentation? He absolutely gets it, and can talk for hours and hours on details and story. His presentation for DAKs 10th was a great example of this.

Regardless of how much he personally delivers on a project, he is one of the best at WDI right now for headlining a project like this. Nobody else has that personality to sell a concept to guests or management. With him behind AVATAR the message will get out, and he'll create that hype that it will need.

I personally like the way he operates. I respect the way he really believes in what he is doing.

From the outside we unfortunately don't get to meet all the others who work on his projects. I would like to be able to heap as much praise on them, given the chance to know about them.

From an outsider's perspective, this seems to me like a fair response. Excellent points, Steve.

Although now I am curious as to how much of the substance of these projects is due to Rohde. I think maybe we (fans, generally) have gotten carried away wanting to anoint someone as "this generation's Walt" so we build up various people in the company more than necessary or appropriate. Even if Rohde isn't the person the fans have made him out to be, I think it would be hard to deny that he's passionate about the projects on which he works, and hasn't done great things for the parks.

 

[jt04]

I have always thought that the one park that has the potential to be the most amazing of all Disney parks is DAK. The cohesive theme and immersiveness of it goes above and beyond.

DinoRama, in my opinion, was a huge step backwards...but Everest took a giant leap forward again.

Exactly right.

What?!?!?!?

Where in the world do you see "possible proof" that this may mean several changes to DAK such as reconfigs or moving or removing attractions?

Does EVERY single post of yours have to be filled with far-reaching suggestions not based in reality? Can't you just once surpress your need for attention by going against the grain for no reason at all?

How about this: The main players for this project were in the park to look at available expansion locations, and examine existing areas of the park for compare/contrast. That's it. It's that simple.

You constantly make everything out to be a conspiracy. I tire of you.

Conspiracy? :shrug::lol:

Here is the 'money quote' from Cameron....

“Getting the chance to roll up my sleeves and explore Disney’s Animal Kingdom from the inside out was a phenomenal experience,” said James Cameron. “As I walked through the park, I kept imagining Pandora coming to life all around me and found my mind racing with all the possibilities of what we will be able to create in the years ahead. Disney’s Animal Kingdom is truly a remarkable place and I can’t think of a better home for our first AVATAR experience.”


Now I am certain he does not mean he wants to take over the park. But they are obviously thinking big. I am not the only one speculating some stuff could be reimagined, relocated etc to make this a reality. It seems they are squarely in the "Blue Sky" stage where everything gets considered and there are no bad ideas.

And it is not my fault they choose Avatar over 20K for DAK. So don't get mad at me. :wave:

 

[Master Yoda]

It's easy to say Disney is mainly about "having fun," but keep in mind that Disneyland was created because Walt wanted to create a place that was more than just a garish carnival that kids love but most adults don't.

And he did this, in part, by putting carnival style attractions (tea cups, dumbo, carousel, etc) in a perfect Disney setting.

 

[jt04]

And he did this, in part, by putting carnival style attractions (tea cups, dumbo, carousel, etc) in a perfect Disney setting.

It seems they may have 'jumped the shark' on this aesthetic right about the time of dinorama and that spinner landing squarely in the middle of Adventureland.

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

And he did this, in part, by putting carnival style attractions (tea cups, dumbo, carousel, etc) in a perfect Disney setting.

But is Dino-Rama a perfect Disney setting, just like Fantasyland (which at least has an appealing theme, even of the attractions are simple)? I don't think so, so the atrocious attempt at intentionally tacky, backwards theming is inexcusable.

Just because Disney designs it, doesn't make it perfect. It sounds like with Pandora, they're striving for higher quality once again. Dino-Rama just detracts from the park (and its main attraction isn't even that kid-friendly anyway).

 

[lazyboy97o]

This photo makes no sense. This sort of tour should have been done before the decision was made to add the new land to the park, not a few weeks after.

 

[Master Yoda]

But is Dino-Rama a perfect Disney setting, just like Fantasyland (which at least has an appealing theme, even of the attractions are simple)? I don't think so, so the atrocious attempt at intentionally tacky, backwards theming is inexcusable.

Just because Disney designs it, doesn't make it perfect. It sounds like with Pandora, they're striving for higher quality once again. Dino-Rama just detracts from the park (and its main attraction isn't even that kid-friendly anyway).

And what is wrong with tacky? I like a little tacky now and then. Shoe horned or not, like it or not, the roadside carnival fits into the story line of Dinoland.

 

[jt04]

This photo makes no sense. This sort of tour should have been done before the decision was made to add the new land to the park, not a few weeks after.

I know what you are saying but I think it may be better it has unfolded as it has. It seems possible that DAK exceeded Cameron's expectations and that may be a great thing in inspiring him and his team going forward.

And I have a suspicion he has or will be visiting Disney's nature preserve and that can only motivate him all the more.

This really is an exciting turn of events.

 

[Kamikaze]

This photo makes no sense. This sort of tour should have been done before the decision was made to add the new land to the park, not a few weeks after.

Who says that Cameron wasn't there before, surreptitiously? You only do a photo op when you want to promote something.

 

[Master Yoda]

This photo makes no sense. This sort of tour should have been done before the decision was made to add the new land to the park, not a few weeks after.

Had the announcement not been rushed due to the information being leaked they probably would have.

 

[Hakunamatata]

Yup. The innovation didn't happen for Florida. It was brought in because all the R&D was done for another park.

The last thing WDW did that was innovative, IMO, was Mission:Space. But unfortunately the total package just wasn't there with it.

So, to make sure I am seeing your point accurately, the following must occur before something qualifies as "innovative in Florida":

1. The spark of the idea must reside within the territorial boundaries of the State of Florida.
2. All research and development on said idea must take place within the territorial boundaries of the State of Florida.
3. All components of said idea (i.e. attraction) must be created, built, and implemented (including acquiring component materials for all parts of the attraction) within the territorial boundaries of the State of Florida.

If this does not occur, then no credit can be given to WDW in comparison to Universals obvious wealth of innovation.

 

[Hakunamatata]

Who says that Cameron wasn't there before, surreptitiously? You only do a photo op when you want to promote something.

Exactly. Like politicians holding babies. It doesn't happen except during election time when you want the attention.

 

[ScoutN]

Who says that Cameron wasn't there before, surreptitiously? You only do a photo op when you want to promote something.

I am going with this.

Had the announcement not been rushed due to the information being leaked they probably would have.

Cameron has more than likely been visited the park before. Knowing is reputation I cannot see him committing without knowing the environment. Why does this visit make sense? Easy, everything is official and ready to move ahead. He can now put his mind there and begin visualizing what can actually be manifest and not whether or not the environment is suitable or not.

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

And what is wrong with tacky? I like a little tacky now and then. Shoe horned or not, like it or not, the roadside carnival fits into the story line of Dinoland.

Exactly. You just made my point - Dinoland has nothing to do with the rest of the park. The lushness of the Oasis and the excitement of animal sightings carries through Discovery Island, Africa, and Asia. The message of conservation starts from when you enter the park and recurs in Discovery Island, Africa, Rafiki's Planet Watch, Kali River Rapids, and Everest. Even Camp Minnie-Mickey has a theme (camping) that relates to living with nature and not destroying it.

Dino-Land is the odd land out, with a tacky, garish theme that detracts from the beautiful, lush theming throughout the rest of the park. Its theme of roadside America is devoid of living animals and basically represents corporate greed (both in terms of its two fictional frugal representatives - Chester and Hester - and its actual real-life history). If anything, Pandora will help to unify the park even further by fitting in with the majority of AK's lands.

And while you say "I like a little tacky now and then," Disney could do better. Just look at Hollywood Studios. Hollywood Studios is full of things that could be interpreted as tacky (Prime Time Cafe, Sci-Fi Dine-In, etc). And yet, I'd say DHS executed the "tacky" aspects perfectly. It makes sense, the theming is rich and detailed, and it doesn't look cheap in the end. With Dino-Rama, it's not just tacky in an intended way. It's tacky because it looks poorly designed and very very cheap.

 

[Hakunamatata]

Cameron has more than likely been visited the park before. Knowing is reputation I cannot see him committing without knowing the environment. Why does this visit make sense? Easy, everything is official and ready to move ahead. He can now put his mind there and begin visualizing what can actually be manifest and not whether or not the environment is suitable or not.

Plus, Im sure they need stock photos and footage for the Travel Channel, Discovery Channel, History Channel, Weather Channel, and Disney Channel specials that are sure to come.....

 

[GLaDOS]

So, to make sure I am seeing your point accurately, the following must occur before something qualifies as "innovative in Florida":

1. The spark of the idea must reside within the territorial boundaries of the State of Florida.
2. All research and development on said idea must take place within the territorial boundaries of the State of Florida.
3. All components of said idea (i.e. attraction) must be created, built, and implemented (including acquiring component materials for all parts of the attraction) within the territorial boundaries of the State of Florida.

If this does not occur, then no credit can be given to WDW in comparison to Universals obvious wealth of innovation.

No. The idea needs to come to fruition first in Florida.

Not really that hard to understand.

 

[Hakunamatata]

No. The idea needs to come to fruition first in Florida.

Not really that hard to understand.

Thanks for clearing that up for me.

 

[Master Yoda]

Exactly. You just made my point - Dinoland has nothing to do with the rest of the park. The lushness of the Oasis and the excitement of animal sightings carries through Discovery Island, Africa, and Asia. The message of conservation starts from when you enter the park and recurs in Discovery Island, Africa, Rafiki's Planet Watch, Kali River Rapids, and Everest. Even Camp Minnie-Mickey has a theme (camping) that relates to living with nature and not destroying it.

Dino-Land is the odd land out, with a tacky, garish theme that detracts from the beautiful, lush theming throughout the rest of the park. Its theme of roadside America is devoid of living animals and basically represents corporate greed (both in terms of its two fictional frugal representatives - Chester and Hester - and its actual real-life history). If anything, Pandora will help to unify the park even further by fitting in with the majority of AK's lands.

And while you say "I like a little tacky now and then," Disney could do better. Just look at Hollywood Studios. Hollywood Studios is full of things that could be interpreted as tacky (Prime Time Cafe, Sci-Fi Dine-In, etc). And yet, I'd say DHS executed the "tacky" aspects perfectly. It makes sense, the theming is rich and detailed, and it doesn't look cheap in the end. With Dino-Rama, it's not just tacky in an intended way. It's tacky because it looks poorly designed and very very cheap.

So you hate Dinoland as a whole?