robbalvey Posted February 26, 2015 Share Posted February 26, 2015 New Avatar information released today! http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2015/02/bringing-the-world-of-avatar-to-life-at-disneys-animal-kingdom/ Since we first broke ground last year at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, we’ve been looking forward to welcoming guests into Pandora, the mythical land based on the blockbuster film AVATAR. We’re having a lot of fun dreaming up ways to bring to life the land’s iconic elements from the magnificent floating mountains to the interactive bioluminescent forest, and even to the soaring banshees. This creative process has been one of the most dynamic and collaborative ones we’ve ever undertaken. It began when our then-Chairman of Disney Parks and Resorts proposed to James Cameron that together we might recreate the world of Pandora at Disney. Since that time, our creative development team, led by Joe Rohde, has been working hand-in-hand with Jim, Jon Landau and their team of artists and designers at Lightstorm on every aspect of this project—from overall design to the smallest—yet crucially important—details. And along each step of this process, Tom, as well as Disney CEO Bob Iger have been actively involved in helping guide the creative vision that is shaping the extraordinary world we’re building. We all recently got together at our offices in Glendale, California and walked through the fantastic progress on the whole land—including the awesome experience of seeing Pandora while riding on a banshee. When he was with us, Jim said, “I think one of the things that people loved about the movie is that they felt as if they had visited Pandora… now, thanks to Disney’s amazing Imagineers, people are going to truly experience Pandora firsthand. From the details in the plants to the production and design, extraordinary thought and care has gone into this entire world. The teams have really created something special, and it’s not going to be like anything else.” This project is really pushing the boundaries of what is possible. But one of the things that makes Disney Parks so special is that it takes all of our Cast—across the segment—to really bring these experiences to life. We were glad to be able to share our work with the creative teams and thought you might want to see it, too. Here’s a sneak peek of what we showed them: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SFSTLMO Posted February 26, 2015 Share Posted February 26, 2015 Wow! I wonder how they are going to pull off those floating mountains! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
COASTER FREAK 11 Posted February 26, 2015 Share Posted February 26, 2015 They could use a steel superstructure hidden in the vines and then make the rocks out of layer of Styrofoam. Coat in plaster and paint. Just one of many options. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robbalvey Posted February 26, 2015 Share Posted February 26, 2015 (edited) ^ OR...they could use magic!!! Isn't that was Disney is all about? Edited February 26, 2015 by robbalvey Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
COASTER FREAK 11 Posted February 26, 2015 Share Posted February 26, 2015 LOL, well yes. That's another option too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cfc Posted February 26, 2015 Share Posted February 26, 2015 ^ OR...they could use magic!!! Isn't that was Disney is all about? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woodie Warrior Posted February 27, 2015 Share Posted February 27, 2015 Gotta say, the area itself looks like it could easily be the most immersive environment ever constructed in an amusement park. Those floating mountains are gonna be gigantic! The only thing I'm a little bit worried about is that from the sound of it the E-ticket is going to be a simulator ride similar to Soarin' except for it will take place on a dragon. Hopefully it doesn't disappoint, but either way it'll still be one of the best attractions in the park. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J man Posted February 27, 2015 Share Posted February 27, 2015 The glowing footprints effect is pretty neat. I can't wait to see more. It's looking like it'll be pretty fantastic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jew Posted February 27, 2015 Share Posted February 27, 2015 ^It was especially cool when I first saw it at my local mall 10 years ago. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DBJ Posted February 27, 2015 Share Posted February 27, 2015 The concept art is indeed fantastic. I am very curious to see the execution of the floating mountains. Will it be like Carsland, where the mountain are backdrop for the simulator? Will Pandora be more than just one attraction in the final build? How do they plan on creating the world of Pandora with the retail and food ops? I think that is massively challenging, to adapt the theme of Avatar into food services. It certainly does lend itself to easy adaptation like Harry Potter, Cars, Simpsons, etc. And it is not like Avatar merchandise is still a hot commodity. I am fascinated to see how this expansion will all come together. At least they don't have to worry about the sequels being out before the new land is done. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robbalvey Posted February 27, 2015 Share Posted February 27, 2015 ^It was especially cool when I first saw it at my local mall 10 years ago. To be fair, I've never actually seen an effect like that in all the theme parks I've visited nor any of the shopping malls I've visited, so just because there might be a similar effect that you've seen at one place doesn't mean that tens of thousands of people who see it every day in Avatar won't be experiencing something like it for the first time in their lives. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DJeXeL Posted February 27, 2015 Share Posted February 27, 2015 I have yet to see [And really have no intention of seeing] Avatar but I'm excited for this project. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cfc Posted February 27, 2015 Share Posted February 27, 2015 The concept art is indeed fantastic. I am very curious to see the execution of the floating mountains. Will it be like Carsland, where the mountain are backdrop for the simulator? Will Pandora be more than just one attraction in the final build? How do they plan on creating the world of Pandora with the retail and food ops? I think that is massively challenging, to adapt the theme of Avatar into food services. It certainly does lend itself to easy adaptation like Harry Potter, Cars, Simpsons, etc. And it is not like Avatar merchandise is still a hot commodity. I am fascinated to see how this expansion will all come together. At least they don't have to worry about the sequels being out before the new land is done. I recall that they were planning some sort of boat ride, too--or was that dropped? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robbalvey Posted February 27, 2015 Share Posted February 27, 2015 ^ We have not heard one way or the other. I assume it's still happening since it's been in recent concept art we've seen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
browr020 Posted February 27, 2015 Share Posted February 27, 2015 B&M Wingrider Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I305forever Posted February 28, 2015 Share Posted February 28, 2015 (edited) Omg if they get a B and M wing rider i will just be like ALL MY FAITH HAS FINALLY BEEN RESTORED IN DISNEY also btw in robs ultimate face palm meme continum was spelled wrong Edited March 31, 2015 by I305forever Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I305forever Posted February 28, 2015 Share Posted February 28, 2015 Unless they make it a "family attraction" the i will be like SO MUCH POTENTIAL WASTED Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gisco Posted February 28, 2015 Share Posted February 28, 2015 Have they given a time frame of when this will open? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cfc Posted February 28, 2015 Share Posted February 28, 2015 (edited) Unless they make it a "family attraction" the i will be like SO MUCH POTENTIAL WASTED Perhaps you'd like a hanky, o over-emoticonning one? Edited February 28, 2015 by cfc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nrthwnd Posted February 28, 2015 Share Posted February 28, 2015 ^^ Um, Opening in 2017 (month not sure)? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I305forever Posted February 28, 2015 Share Posted February 28, 2015 ^^No, but thanks for the offer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
larrygator Posted February 28, 2015 Share Posted February 28, 2015 I've never watched a scene from Avatar (just like Harry Potter) but of course I'm looking forward to this addition as I did with Potterville. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jray21 Posted February 28, 2015 Share Posted February 28, 2015 I can't wait to see what things Disney brings with this project. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jew Posted February 28, 2015 Share Posted February 28, 2015 ^It was especially cool when I first saw it at my local mall 10 years ago. To be fair, I've never actually seen an effect like that in all the theme parks I've visited nor any of the shopping malls I've visited, so just because there might be a similar effect that you've seen at one place doesn't mean that tens of thousands of people who see it every day in Avatar won't be experiencing something like it for the first time in their lives. Oh, I totally agree. This implentation is sure to blow away the simple ones I've seen at malls (basically just a projector hung from the ceiling with a motion sensor that simulates splashing water when people walked over it) and will surely impress. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robbalvey Posted February 28, 2015 Share Posted February 28, 2015 ^ Oh, yeah, that. I've seen that. I don't think this is even anywhere remotely in the same class! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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