Chroniq

A possible AVATAR related patent? http://www.google.com/patents/about/12_718_803_FLYING_ENTERTAINMENT_VEHICLE.html?id=W5bZAAAAEBAJ

I would hardly put Orlando in the Bible Belt, and even if it were, I doubt it would matter. Those that would get upset about this are already upset for other actions Disney has taken. Also, this is the first time they've themed a ride to a PG-13 movie? I guess it makes sense that they haven't before given their target demographic, but I was sure Indiana Jones was PG-13 (Wasn't IJ the first PG-13 film?). Of note- The Indiana Jones sequels (but not the first one) were all rated pg-13. I believe the entire Pirates trilogy is pg-13 as well . This would still be the first ride based on a film where the original was pg-13. In regards to Orlando being in the bible belt, It isn't, but many of WDW's most active and vocal guests live in that neck of the woods.. I'm just playing devils advocate with the whole pg-13. The Disney Parks blog posted a q&A (and surprisingly touched on the whole pg-13 thing).. They also wrote this q&a in the same manner I wrote my original post .. Here is the transcript below. -------

This will be Disney's first ride based on a pg-13 film.. While this doesn't bother me or the majority of TPR, It will be interesting to see how this plays out in the bible belt.

So yeah, this announcement kind of blows my mind.. Here's why...... Project- Avatar was an incredibly high grossing film and an intellectual property (IP) that I'm sure universal would have been happy to have under their wing. I think it's a huge coupe for Disney to get their hands on IP of this level if they are willing to spend the money... but..... Location- As other posters have mentioned, Animal Kingdom originally included a land that would have been a home to all of the "fictional" animals out there. Planned projects included a dueling dragons coaster as well as a unicorn maze. Many of the planned attractions were based upon well known mythical creatures and not one specific film or IP. Beastly Kingdom was axed due to budget cuts and lives on at IOA and in spirit at Expedition Everest. Animal Kingdom has remained a park that hasn't had to heavily relied on IP as a draw. Sure you've got bug's life, finding nemo, and lion king but none of the E Tickets are taken from from pre existing IP. I always enjoyed Animal Kingdom for being original and not relying on the crutch of a popular film or show to bring in the crowds... Do you think Joe Rhode (America's favorite imagineer) thinks this is a good idea for the park? Any armchair imagineer would have clearly placed the world of Avatar at Hollywood Studios as it's the most appropriate location and one that is, arguably, in need of a new E-Ticket. Concept- Avatar... Yeah I saw it. You probably did too. I got caught up in the years of hype and the novelty of 3D. I honestly enjoyed the film. Do I plan on rushing to the theatre on opening night for the sequel? Nope, and I'm thinking the majority of theater goers are in the same boat as I am. This film is unproven as a franchise. It absolutely has the potential to make for an awesome attraction/land, but I honestly think it lacks the pull to the general public when compared to something like Harry Potter. Is there potential for the next film to flop concurrently with the new AK land opening? I think so. Execution- WDW is currently underway with one of it's most expensive in-park capital improvements in the company's history. To announce a land in this way, less than a month after D23 (where they are expected to make their major announcements) shows desperation in the fact that they realize the new Fantasyland won't bring in Harry Potter sized crowds or at the very least trouble negotiating the rights, which will lead to delays and cost overruns. To put it a little more succinctly- If Tom Staggs announced this new land as an expansion to Hollywood Studios during D23 with James Cameron at his side showing a teaser trailer for the next film, I'd have a lot more faith in the outcome. Right now, I'll just cross my fingers. Chris "just saying" Connolly

I've ridden this and it's totally overrated. Superman at Darien Lake is much more effective and has way more airtime. Chris "too soon!" Connolly

For what it's worth, I just listened to this podcast and thought it was one of the most entertaining ones that TPR has been involved with.. The host was pretty awesome as well.. Chris "trust me, listen to it" Connolly

Great trip report so far Richard.. Great captions!.. I think I may need to take in insulin shot after viewing all of that cuteness though.

Maureen--- Absolutely, another "unspoken" perk of TPR trips.. You've got good friends that are happy to watch the little ones while you ride a coaster together (I see you everyone that has so graciously offered and knows that we will totally take them up on that offer ) ...Not to get all sentimental, but this is the kind of stuff that makes TPR different and better than many of those other groups.

This comment definitely made me laugh. Seriously though, great pictures. The bash was a blast! Great trip report Brandy! This makes Kristin and I want to get little Bean on a trip as soon as he can crawl...

After years of construction delays, train modifications, and retracking efforts, Knoebels is proud to announce it's newest ride, Swimming Turns.

7.5 Hours, 4 breakdowns, 6 games of charades, 4 freestyle rap battles, 3 attempts to be a living a statue, and one hour of attempting to speak only in pig Latin --- Kingda Ka Opening Year. Chris "would love those lost hours of my life back" Connolly

Never one to be outdone by Seaworld, Hersheypark has announced today their renaming and retheming of Great Bear into "Manta-The Real Undersea Adventure". This ride features the first underwater inversion as well as onboard scuba gear. Opening September 7.

Wow that's incredible. Hope the flooding damage doesn't turn out as bad as it looks.

Never to be one that is shut out of major park announcements, Great Adventure announced today that they are completely rebuilding el-toro after the tornado that demolished it on sunday.. New enhancements for 2012 include trident themed trains and new commercials in the queue.

So I'm guessing we will have to wait for the official announcement to get stats tomorrow?

I'm pretty sure someone was drinking during the creation of the last few captions, but can we hire you to caption our baby album? please?

Yeah.. sorry for starting that rumor.

I missed the leaked LA times article before it was pulled.. So what are we getting?

Just testing my new signature.. That's kind of random.

Caesar, this is the first and last time I give you a compliment but, this trip report is effing awesome. I laughed, I cried, I drank a beer, ate a dog, and laughed some more... Awesome. Chris "thinks this should be on the front page" Con

This will probably turn out to be nothing, but the local ABC news affiliate in New York, just reported a tornado is expected to be near the park in the next 5 minutes.

I couldn't have said it better myself It's all depends on when Con Jr is born (apparently the drop in barometic pressure due to hurricanes can induce labor, who knew?) and if TPR still has tickets available when that moment happens.... So we'll see.. Looks like a good group of friends at this event and some really cool stuff lined up with TPR.. Greg- I may take you up on that offer . Thanks man!

I'm not sure what this says about me as a person, but I just spent a good 15 minutes trying to figure out if I could somehow finagle (yes that is now a word even if it wasn't before) a free flight and also convince my very pregnant wife to let me fly to GA for a night.. Fingers crossed (on all aspects of this post) .

Well played Disney, Well played..