Walt Disney World Disney's Animal Kingdom Discussion Thread

[The SETGO Guys]

Staying on the Joe Rohde subject ... any coincidence that he was the lead Imagineer for Aulani that is having it's press opening this week and this get's released today? Wonder who is going to be the lead Imagineer for this project?

 

And I'm stealing this from somebody at MiceChat, but if you look at the concept art below ... if somebody pitched this as a new land for Animal Kingdom, and you didn't know it was for Avatar, wouldn't you be stoked about it?

 

I think maybe Disney might be aiming for that angle too. I'm really curious as to what the name of the land will be, if it will be AVATAR-LAND (Very unlikely) or the name of the planet- Pandora. I personally would be more inclined to visit a new land called Pandora that was themed as a distant and lush oasis, rather than a movie themed area. That way Disney and Cameron can create new backstories to the land and allow ALL visitors to be able to enjoy the experience! Not just those who have seen avatar. I think this is what is going to be proven in Carsland, that Disney can tell an elaborate backstory on a franchise, that all guests can enjoy, not just those familiar with the franchise.

 

I think that will be essential to the success of the project.

 

I anticipate hearing more on this project as it develops, and I'm espically curious as to the type of ride(s) system(s) that will be used.

[SLUSHIE]

I'm on the fence about it, because I'm one of the people that didn't care for the movie.

 

Just seems like a money making gimmick too me, but I'll keep my mouth shut from saying any more till I see some more details.

 

It may not be Disney property, like Star Wars or Indiana Jones, but Avatar is no friggen Star Wars or Indiana Jones.

[osm]

You know I don't want to say I called it, but in the Yes or No game;

No.

 

Should they make an Avatar-themed coaster?

I didn't say that they would, but it's an interesting coincidence. Anyway, I didn't love the movie, but this is still a good idea because from a visual perspective, the theming should obviously be incredible-looking. I'm interested to see where they go with this.

[BeemerBoy]

There's absolutely NO way a Star Wars themed "land" wouldn't trump the piss out of both Potter and Avatar combined.

 

I think the last three films demonstrate that's not true. Star Wars can suck when it wants to.

Oh, very true. To me, and a LOT of fans, there's only three real Star Wars flicks. But as for the theoretical possibility of a Star Wars "land," are you willing to say that had this been (stealing from Chris) "Tom Staggs announcing this new land as an expansion to Hollywood Studios during D23 with George Lucas at his side," that this particular thread wouldn't already be 40 pages deep at this point........with at least 90% more excitement than skepticism?

 

While I'm sure Disney will knock our socks off with presentation and technological wonder filled with pixie dust, in reality it's still just Avatar.....which was basically just style over substance anyway.

[Wes]

Just seems like a money making gimmick too me

 

So just like every theme park and every ride in the world?

[Fooz]

There's absolutely NO way a Star Wars themed "land" wouldn't trump the piss out of both Potter and Avatar combined.

 

I think the last three films demonstrate that's not true. Star Wars can suck when it wants to.

Oh, very true. To me, and a LOT of fans, there's only three real Star Wars flicks. But as for the theoretical possibility of a Star Wars "land," are you willing to say that had this been (stealing from Chris) "Tom Staggs announcing this new land as an expansion to Hollywood Studios during D23 with George Lucas at his side," that this particular thread wouldn't already be 40 pages deep at this point........with at least 90% more excitement than skepticism?

 

There are whole age groups who like the prequels more than the original trilogy. I'm not saying that one is better than the other, but I'm saying that things aren't so black and white when it comes to mass marketing, when you and the people you know make up a tiny fraction of the available market.

[ginzo]

^And those age groups just might coincide with a very important demographic to WDW. Everyone get ready for Jar Jar's 4-D Adventure.

[robbalvey]

^And those age groups just might coincide with a very important demographic to WDW. Everyone get ready for Jar Jar's 4-D Adventure.

It will never happen. Jar-Jar is the devil and encourages children to masturbate. Don't believe me? Read this: http://www.landoverbaptist.org/news0899/jar.html

 

Oh, and another one: http://www.landoverbaptist.org/news0899/toy.html

Edited September 21, 2011 by robbalvey

[Saldek]

Oh, and another one: http://www.landoverbaptist.org/news0899/toy.html

 

One mother brought the toy home for her 3 year old son. She had no idea what it was, because the demon's mouth was closed when she purchased it. She turned her head for an instant and when she looked back and saw her boy sucking on the sex tongue, she fainted dead on the spot. It took a team of four paramedics to bring her round. The boy was punished, and the candy destroyed.

 

 

And there's a link to their online shop to the right of that article that says "Sexy University Gear" LOL

[Wes]

I think there's a few larger point that are getting missed. Disney is pursuing more "mature" IP for their parks. Between this and the assumed eventual inclusion of Marvel in the parks, it's a big change from the Pixar deluge for the past decade. It also prevents Universal from getting another hot franchise. Regardless of the success of future Avatar movies, this is a big get for Disney just to prevent Universal from stealing more thunder.

[Airtime&Gravity]

Exactly, plus, unlike Harry Potter, an Avatar themed section probably won't rely on IP like the Wizarding World of Harry Potter does. The rides will be based around the movie, but it probably won't be too difficult to retheme should it ever come to that. If the IP doesn't work out, Disney can, with just a little work, turn it into just a fantasy/environmental land.

 

 

One mother brought the toy home for her 3 year old son. She had no idea what it was, because the demon's mouth was closed when she purchased it. She turned her head for an instant and when she looked back and saw her boy sucking on the sex tongue, she fainted dead on the spot. It took a team of four paramedics to bring her round. The boy was punished, and the candy destroyed.

 

 

 

And there's a link to their online shop to the right of that article that says "Sexy University Gear" LOL

 

Landover Baptist is a parody church.

Edited September 21, 2011 by Airtime&Gravity

[coasterfreak101]

^I mean, Avatar is quite similar to both Pochahontas and Ferngully...so really, you've got three movies with the same plot - and you've already got the IP rights to two of them!

[DenDen]

^The answer from everyone is yes. Anyone who says otherwise is lying.

 

Not necessarily. I'm not into Disney or Avatar. I'm into actual rides, which none of that art has. So, if it were the case that it wasn't said it was Avatar, I'd still be underwhelmed. (Oh, yay, another "area" to walk and spend money in...) <- Sartalics would be perfect here!

 

Has great potential, hope they do it better than Cars, which looks AMAZING!

[Chroniq]

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.

[larrygator]

Avatar in contrast feels like almost to fake to place in a Disney Park.

 

Everything in Disney Parks is fake, that's what Disney does.

[scottian]

You guys are aware of the Marvel situation, yes. I'm reading alot of posts about DHS lacking in the "new attractions" catalogue.

 

Disney bought Marvel and they're making an entire Marvel section in Hollywood Studios.

 

Eventually.

 

But this will also screw up IOA, in them having to either tear down all Marvel characters and likenesses, or pay hefty fees.

[KDcoasterMAN]

I'm not shocked by this... lol

[scottian]

Honestly, something tells me that Dinosaur! will just get an Avatar rehab. That's what my gut tells me, anyway.

[Airtime&Gravity]

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.

 

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?).

[Wes]

You guys are aware of the Marvel situation, yes. I'm reading alot of posts about DHS lacking in the "new attractions" catalogue.

 

Disney bought Marvel and they're making an entire Marvel section in Hollywood Studios.

 

Eventually.

 

But this will also screw up IOA, in them having to either tear down all Marvel characters and likenesses, or pay hefty fees.

 

Ummmmm....sorry, this is not true.

[Chroniq]

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.

 

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.

-------

 

I’d like to thank all of the Disney Parks Blog followers who left comments or sent in questions regarding our AVATAR announcement today. We got a lot of great questions and while I won’t be able to answer all of them, I’ll do my best to get to as many as possible.

 

1) TIMING

 

We got quite a few questions about the timing of our first AVATAR experience at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, including this one from Adam, “Any idea when the experience will be open to guests?”

 

We’ve just begun the design phase on our Animal Kingdom project and we expect to begin construction in 2013. From start to finish, a project of this size and scope takes about 5 years to design and build. We can’t give you an exact date but we know that when it’s complete, it’s going to be a truly unforgettable experience.

 

2) IS THIS A PARK EXPANSION OR WILL “LAND” REPLACE SOMETHING?

 

Several of you asked a similar question, including Doug from Utah – “Will it replace any existing attractions in Animal Kingdom, or will it be built in a new parcel of land within the park’s boundaries?”

 

Well, Doug, we’re just beginning the Blue Sky process so I don’t have much to share about how we are going to execute our vision for our first AVATAR land but we’re focused on this being an important addition to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. I look forward to sharing more details as our plans progress.

 

3) SPECIFIC ATTRACTIONS

 

Jenna from Winnetka, Ill., asks, “What types of attractions will be in AVATAR land?”

 

This was hands-down one of the most popular questions we got and understandably so. While we’re still in the very early stages of design and planning, we expect this land to be anchored by multiple attractions, entertainment, merchandise locations, restaurants and other immersive elements. Our AVATAR lands will give guests the chance to see, hear and touch the world of Pandora and we can’t wait to dive in with James Cameron and his team as we create new experiences that will delight and thrill our guests.

 

 

 

4) FILM IS PG-13, HOW DOES THIS MATCH W/FAMILY-FRIENDLY PARK?

 

Some of you, including Logan in Carnesville, Ga., asked about whether AVATAR was a good fit for a family-friendly brand like Disney.

 

Thanks, Logan, I appreciate your candor in asking this question. At its core, AVATAR is a film that embraces strong, positive themes of family, loyalty, living in harmony with nature and belief in oneself – all values that we share at The Walt Disney Company. You can be sure that these are the same themes that we will explore throughout our AVATAR lands. They will be places where friends and families can spend time together getting lost in a fantasy world, one of the true hallmarks of any Disney theme park experience. And with two sequels in the works, we feel this is a creative property whose potential is limitless.

 

5) AVATAR AT OTHER DISNEY PARKS?

 

We got several questions about whether there will be AVATAR experiences in parks/sites other than Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Kyle from Ontario asks, “Are there plans to add Avatar attractions at any other Disney parks?”

 

Well, Kyle, the only land we are announcing today is at Walt Disney World Resort but AVATAR is a possibility at any of our other locations. The first film AVATAR is a franchise with massive global appeal and its success at the box office both inside and outside of the U.S. – I should also note that as we determine our future locations, we look forward to working with our international theme park partners as our plans evolve.

 

 

 

6) ATTRACTION THEMING

 

Many of you, including Justin from Orlando, want to know, “How does AVATAR fit in with the Disney theme?” and more specifically, how does it fit in with the Animal Kingdom?

 

As I mentioned in a previous answer, AVATAR is a uniquely powerful franchise that has global appeal with audiences of all ages. With its spectacular settings, intriguing characters, imaginative creatures and strong themes of family and loyalty, it’s a great fit for the Disney brand and our parks.

 

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is the perfect place for our first AVATAR land because at its core, the park gives guests the opportunity to experience the worlds of animals and nature – real and mythical – in whole new ways. With AVATAR, we’ve found the perfect opportunity to let our guests explore one of the most compelling mythical worlds ever conceived. Animal Kingdom also celebrates adventure, living in harmony with nature and environmental stewardship – themes that are deeply rooted in the story of AVATAR.

 

7) WHY BUY SOMEONE ELSE’S IDEA INSTEAD OF LETTING WDI COME UP WITH SOMETHING?

 

Some of you asked why we would choose to collaborate with an outside partner rather than use our own Disney characters and stories to expand the parks. We are as committed as ever to creating attractions and entertainment around favorite Disney characters and stories – with Cars Land at Disney California Adventure park and our expansion of Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park being two great examples. At the same time, we like to look beyond our own walls at non-Disney properties, like STAR WARS and INDIANA JONES, creating some of our most popular attractions. At the end of the day, we are focused on creating a great experience for our guests and I truly believe that this unique partnership with James Cameron and AVATAR gives us an entire world of imaginative creatures, fascinating locations and intriguing characters with which to do that.

[SLUSHIE]

Just seems like a money making gimmick too me

 

So just like every theme park and every ride in the world?

 

In a way yes, But I think you know what I mean.

[Chroniq]

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

[JT3000]

And I'm stealing this from somebody at MiceChat, but if you look at the concept art below ... if somebody pitched this as a new land for Animal Kingdom, and you didn't know it was for Avatar, wouldn't you be stoked about it?

 

Not really. Why, you ask? Simple - Disney isn't actually capable of recreating any of that. Realistically, you can only "think big" to a certain extent with theme parks.

[Jew]

^Why would you say that? That would just be rock work+water pumps! Considering how extensive the rock work is for Carsland, I'd say they are certainly capable of matching that "concept art" if they chose to do so.