Originally Posted By Jim in Merced CA People wonder...'What will Disney do in response to Harry Potter at Universal?' well, this is it...
Originally Posted By dagobert It is official: <a href="http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2011/09/avatar-coming-to-disney-parks/" target="_blank">http://disneyparks.disney.go.c...y-parks/</a>
Originally Posted By Dr Hans Reinhardt "I am more excited about this than a mermaid or snow white attraction. This is actually likely to bring me back." I agree. I'm actually very excited about this news and I'm not one to break a sweat over movie tie-in, but the message of the film seems like a natural fit for Animal Kingdom. Although it's science fiction based, at least its a story that has some teeth for those of us wanting a breath of fresh air from the string of hard core toon stuff Disney has been producing at the parks for the kiddie set lately. "Instant analysis: Disney IS worried about that Harry Potter phenomenon across town. I don't see them doing Avatar without HP having been such a huge success." Worried? I think you might be jumping to conclusions. No one said that Universal was "worried" about Disney when they installed WWoHP. These kinds of developments are just the natural evolution of these businesses: theme park operators have always tried to outdo one another and both Orlando and Southern California are very competitive markets. One of the earliest examples of Disney doing this is when Walt Disney opened the Subs and Matterhorn to compete with Pacific Ocean Park, which, when it first opened, sometimes attracted more guests than DL did.
Originally Posted By skinnerbox Question for leemac: Is this the "under wraps" project that Joe Rohde is working on?
Originally Posted By Dr Hans Reinhardt "People wonder...'What will Disney do in response to Harry Potter at Universal?'" Actually the first thing I thought is that this news of this investment should put an end to the rumors that Disney is thinking about putting its parks up for sale.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 I am a sci fi fan yet never wanted to see Avatar-- not sure why- and didn't. If they are going to pour tons of $$ into a franchise - I don't think Avatar is going to rival Harry Potter to any degree whatsoever. The only one with a chance would be Lotr--- especially with the Hobbit movies coming and a 60 year history of fan base. Lotr may not be as appealing to children however. Nothing out there is going to rival Potter for the foreseeable future...closst franchise is star Wars if Georgie doesn't whittle that away also
Originally Posted By JeffG >> "If they are going to pour tons of $$ into a franchise - I don't think Avatar is going to rival Harry Potter to any degree whatsoever." << One really important factor in this is that James Cameron has already announced that "Avatar" is intended as a trilogy and he plans to shoot the two sequels back-to-back. The scheduling on this project has the land in Animal Kingdom likely opening between parts 2 and 3 of the movie series. In other words, the franchise will be very active at the time that the attractions open. -Jeff
Originally Posted By TDLFAN >>I think I am the only person who has not seen this film.<< Actually, you are not. I have not seen this film either. Now as for WDW.. I wish they would stop raping the parks with non-Disney franchises. Not excited about this in the least.. but I am glad to see DAK get something new.. but I wish it was "Beastly K" instead or an Australian themed area. We don't need more blue men groups in Central FL parks.
Originally Posted By DDMAN26 <<Let me go on record as saying if Disney brings in a MILF attraction then I will finally break down and buy an annual pass. In fact, they would probably sell me on a lifetime pass.>> If they brought in a MILF attraction I'd live at Fort Wilderness.
Originally Posted By leobloom Interesting that they chose to go with Cameron for their big expansion and not with Lucas. Star Wars would have been a natural choice if they were looking for a loyal, obsessive fanbase. But I guess they think they already have tapped into that market, so why not go for the obsessive manic-depressive weirdos who love the uninspired character design of the blue smurf people (and all in 3D!!!). I guess this is Iger's idea of expanding the Disney brand. Good for him and for the Avatar fans. But the blue alien people don't really sound like a "natural" (get it?) fit for this park, conservation theme or no. And of course, the irony of anti-establishment Cameron teaming up with Disney is priceless.
Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer I've seen the film... it's decent... ...Eh. I don't understand how this will fit in DAK. DAK isn't scifi, and this is. DAK is a intricate, unique and calm environment. Avatar isn't that. Happy they are investing, but unhappy that they aren't investing right. Iger is determined to brand and synergize everything, and that kills creativity and Disney.
Originally Posted By Rsey103 hopefully the ride won't be 3 hours long and will at least contain some humor... not that I care to ride it. .......yawn,,,,,,,
Originally Posted By leobloom >> Iger is determined to brand and synergize everything, and that kills creativity and Disney. << That's the 21st C. model for TWDC. Maybe you need some more pixie dust to fully enjoy it?
Originally Posted By DDMAN26 Does anyone think this may have been done because they are unable to get any of the Marvel characters into the parks because of their exclusivity to IOA?
Originally Posted By Mickeymouseclub I guess it is blue pixie dust. Weird choice for AK...did they announce anything good?
Originally Posted By Witches of Morva ORDDU: The main reason my sisters and I have always loved Disney theme parks is because they usually showcase attractions based on Disney movies. ORWEN: But when they started building attractions based on movies from other studio's, it troubled us. ORDDU: If they keep going down the same road--building more and more attractions based on OTHER studio's movies, Disney theme parks will cease to be Disney theme parks. They will, instead, become a mish mash of other studio's franchises and stories. This does not appeal to the Disney purist in us....
Originally Posted By Malin *** People wonder...'What will Disney do in response to Harry Potter at Universal?' well, this is it... *** The question now will have to be how will Universal respond to Avatar. And Sea World for that matter. This has given its rivals 5 years notice to think something big. Will there ignore what Disney is planning or come up with alternative plans. Personally I feel Avatar was a beautiful movie. And I'm very excited that Disney have the rights to use this franchise at the parks. James Cameron used cutting edge technology to bring his world alive on the big screen. Very much a fit for Disney and I can't wait to see some concept art in the future. Now where will this expansion end up going. And can we hope Chesters and Hesters is in its location.
Originally Posted By Mickeymouseclub i just saw Lion King.There is something so delightfully evil about Disney's Villains and they just do not have a clue of what they already possess! We want Disney Villains and we have been saying this for at least 10 years on LP!!! Disney :To thine own self be true.
