MerlinTheGoat
Well-Known Member
Conspiracy time, but let me repost what I said in another thread regarding the boat ride possibly being canned or pushed to a "phase 2" project (oh wait, they're the same thing, nevermind). Anyways, here's some thoughts which may or may not be complete BS-I looked at it, yes.
I'd hope the ride is still on ... And not as a Phase II project.
Again, Disney has been so quiet on details that it would be very easy to simply say that the boat ride is 'a possible future expansion' and leave it there.
It's entirely possible that there's an explanation behind Cameron's comments. One possible reason may be that he simply isn't privy to the newest information regarding the project. It depends on when this change of plans was supposed to have been made that cut the boat out, but Cameron is a busy guy (working on the new movies) and he may not have checked in with Disney for some time to ensure they weren't screwing things up. I don't know how likely this scenario is given Cameron's meticulous and hands-on nature, but if he's busy elsewhere with other things then it would make sense that Disney executives would take the opportunity to slash budgets and cut attractions while his back is turned and hope they can come up with an excuse when he finds out. Though he's going to find out eventually if he doesn't know already, and one thing is certain- his reaction isn't going to be pleasant at all. His relationship with Disney has reportedly been rocky from the beginning. Which also leads into my next potential explanation...
Now I suppose it's also possible that he IS aware of the budget cuts and ride slashing and spoke out on the land as a form of political protest and attempt to hold Disney to their promises. It could well be his way to subtly blast them for their decision in a public setting (without being outwardly negative or saying that not all is well), but also to see whether he can bully them into changing their minds. The timing of his comments just after the rumors were begun on various sites is highly suspicious. And whether he does or doesn't know about the cuts, his comments and promises just set Disney up for massive failure if they don't go through with what he said. He promised MULTIPLE rides among other attractions and they're going to look even more foolish, cheap and incompetent than they already do if they refuse to build a project up to par with those promises.