AVATAR coming to Disney Parks

[Ian]

Soarin'? It's a wonderful attraction, but it does not even bother with story -- every Disney fan's favorite buzzword.It also shows why Disney ignores its fans with nearly every decision it makes.

I actually agree with a lot of what you say, but this is just ridiculous. History is littered with the shuttered doors of companies that ignored their fans because they thought they knew better. If you're actually lauding Disney for ignoring its fan base, then you need to brush up on your business history. It's essentially the kiss of death.

Now if you're saying they're ignoring their hardcore fans in favor of going for a broader appeal I don't agree with that either, but at least it's a more defensible nuance.

I agree with that, but I'm sure Disney is trying to build it during the biggest surge, not toward the end like HP. It's a calculated risk.

When I first read this I went, "Huh?" with a lot of other people. And I get the negative comments. But even if you've never seen the movie or know the story, if Disney does this right, they could really have something.

First, James Cameron is a BIG thinker. In Disneyspeak, he likes to "plus" things. He uses technology to his strongest advantage in his films, and he definitely gets "immersion" into a place and time. And, big exclamation point, he likes to spend money to make things look good.

Okay so, like many people, when I first heard this I had a gut negative reaction. Avatar wasn't a film that appealed to me, I had no interest then and still have no interest now in seeing it.

But the more I've thought about it, and the more I've read some of the comments in this thread, the more I think I like it. I mean, I may not like the ultimate product (or I may, who knows considering it's 4 years from opening), but I like that Disney is "going for it" with this. I've been uber-critical of them in the past for being too slow to capitalize on opportunities. I killed them for opening an American Idol attraction in the Studios like five years after AI ceased to be really relevant.

Here they're taking a chance. Yeah, Avatar may ultimately not have the staying power to match it's first-movie hype (I think the Matrix analogy is perfect), but then again maybe it'll become the next Harry Potter. At least Disney is out in front of it this time. I'll give them props for taking a risk on a project that is sure to be uber-pricey.

And I agree about Cameron. The guy is known for being a stickler for details. I can only imagine what this land will look like when it's built out and it's undeniable that the theme is a perfect match for AK. That plus the fact that I'm just happy they're finally going to spend some money on Animal Kingdom!

Would I have preferred that they built Beastly Kingdomme? Sure. No doubt. But hey ... this could end up being better. It could, in theory at least, end up being the best theme park experience anywhere ever.

I just hope Disney realizes that they could also end up four years from now with a land in Animal Kingdom that no one wants to visit.

[PirateLover]

I had all these different things multi quoted but my mind is in such a tizzy over all that's being said that I lost my direction.

I will start by saying that I did see Avatar, the visuals were amazing....and that's about it. Yes, the movie was a MASSIVE hit...but I have some pretty big "nerds" in my various circles of friends, and I don't know anyone who is an Avatar geek. Clearly they exist, but on the other hand I can't even begin to count the number of Star Wars nerd and Harry Potter nerd friends that I have.
I know at least 10 friends/families (myself included) that went to Wizarding World within the first year of opening. I don' t know a single person who would travel to WDW just because they created an Avatar land. I'm willing to take the wait and see approach because we have no idea what the sequels will be like, but I wasn't a fan of the script in the first one so my hopes aren't too high.

As for all the Pocahontas comparisons... you guys do know that she was an ACTUAL person, right? Not a figment of Disney's imagination?They certainly took liberties with her story but She did indeed befriend John Smith and may or may not have valiantly saved him from execution depending on which account of his travels you choose to believe, but they weren't lovers. The "romance" aspect of this tale has been around in writings for at least two centuries, so I really doubt James Cameron came up with the plot first (unless he's an ageless vampire?) Anyway, take away the romance and it reminded me more of that Fern Gully movie!

Lastly I am a bit surprised by the tone taken by some in this thread. Yes, people are being negative. People are allowed to be negative if they want. There is some initial shock that inevitably comes with this seemingly out of left field announcement. There are people that will always be critical-that's just a given. In particular, those unfamiliar with the Avatar property and it's success at home and abroad and the future benefits that may come from a deal such as this should not be talked down to. No one REALLY knows if this will be a boom or a bust for Disney until the gates open in 4 years. All we can do at this point is what we do best on message boards like this- speculate. Can't wait to hear the next podcast!

[PirateLover]

I just hope Disney realizes that they could also end up four years from now with a land in Animal Kingdom that no one wants to visit.

In a park that many people feel they don't need to visit to begin with.

[T--]

Anyone that went to D23 think that they would have gotten more of their money's worth had the announcement happened there?

[valjane]

Ugh. I hate this. I hated the movie-- so CHEESY. This isn't going to bring people into the parks. I don't know anyone who loved Avatar THAT. MUCH.

If I were in charge and wanted to compete with Harry Potter, I'd tear down the backlot tour at the Studios and build a Star Wars "land."

And I'd use extra room at AK for an Australia section to complement Asia and Africa.

[Disney Hungarian]

Where would the Walt Disney Co. be without Walt taking some major risks? I think this is exactly the position the Walt Disney Co. needs to take at this point in the current competitive market. It may flop, it may succeed. Either way it is at least a step in a direction away from the stagnancy. The shake-ups and the new expansions are an indication of a company that wants to move forward.

[MstngDrvnDsnyLvr]

Let's see, Disney has paired up with a top grossing Movie Director/Producer to bring his top grossing film to one of their parks and you all think this is a n idiotic idea? Well , it WILL have the Disney touch - let's reserve judgement on what they bring to the park until after they open.


As for the movie - You tell me, would you rather they pair up and do "Avatar" or the "Twilight" franchise - I'm voting for "Avatar"!

[caryrae]

As for the movie - You tell me, would you rather they pair up and do "Avatar" or the "Twilight" franchise - I'm voting for "Avatar"!

Neither. Just my opinion.

[Mammabruski]

Very interesting... I think this is the most exciting thread I've seen in a while... I'm still on the fence about the whole idea, at the very least it will be very visually stimulating (like the movie)...

[2Epcot]

I liked Avatar, and have always been a big fan of James Cameron's films. As a creative master, I put Cameron in the same category as Walt Disney, George Lucas, and Jim Henson. I can only imagine what the combination of Cameron and WDI could come up with in attractions to go along with Avatar.

Avatar represents more global value than Harry Potter ever could (remember, this announcement pertains to Disney Parks worldwide- any coincidence that there's a major park being built in Shanghai right now where Avatar was a huge hit?)

The Avatar film was the all-time highest grossing film in China. I think an Avatar world in the new Shanghai Disneyland would be extremely successful. I think it will be pretty much a given that we will see this in China as well as WDW. I can't wait to visit both.

I think this could have gone into the Studios at WDW, but I like the idea of it being in the Animal Kingdom. I do believe it is a good fit, and will certainly satisfy the complaints that there isn't enough in that park.

[NH Disneyfan]

Years from now, when Avatar land is all built out and awesome, we'll all claim to be experts in the land that is the greatest Disney theme park adventure of all time. Until then, we'll be able to enjoy and respect the many opinions of Disney fans from all over the world by reading these types of boards as each press release is provided to us.

I didn't get through all of the Avatar movie when watching it OnDemand, but Titanic was one of my favorite movies of all time. James Cameron is an amazing mind and talent that you just don't see everyday, read up on some of his inventions beyond the movies. This guy is incredible. He's partnering with the most creative company in the world. I have faith this will be amazing and quite possibly turn me into a fan of something I just haven't gotten into. Seriously, Disney is taking a major risk with this, and I'm curious to see it go through the phases of a major project. I'm sure we'll all be surprised and intrigued by what they come up with. I seriously hope it isn't too small and that the investment is truly realized at the end through an amazing product. Good for them, good for us, good for the theme park battle ongoing in central Florida. May the games continue.

[TheHD]

I wasn't a huge fan of the movie, but the graphics were amazing.

I think we'll all walk into the land for the first time and be stunned by how amazingly and visually stunning it will look regardless of whether you like the idea or not.

[Jared]

I actually agree with a lot of what you say, but this is just ridiculous. History is littered with the shuttered doors of companies that ignored their fans because they thought they knew better. If you're actually lauding Disney for ignoring its fan base, then you need to brush up on your business history. It's essentially the kiss of death.

Now if you're saying they're ignoring their hardcore fans in favor of going for a broader appeal I don't agree with that either, but at least it's a more defensible nuance.

OK, maybe there was some hyperbole in my original post. It was out of frustration, really. I am tired of Disney fans who complain about literally every single thing the company does. The criticism has no value at this point. Sometimes I honestly think that the biggest Disney fans think Disney World should consistent of Horizons and a Dole Whip stand, and that's it. (You've been extremely critical of Disney over the years yourself, but you also have been reasonable enough to admit when Disney does something right. I may say you're too negative or pessimistic at times, but I can never discount your opinion because I know that you'll give Disney credit when it's right. I respect that. Maybe I'm too pixie-dusted.)

There's no doubt that this "Avatar" land can backfire. It's a risk, and a calculated one. There's no question that Disney would not go into this partnership without seeing the preliminary fans for the next two films, and they must feel comfortable that they will be more successful than the sequels to "The Matrix." At one point, "Star Wars" was just one movie and nothing more, too. I'm not trying to say that we're looking at the next "Star Wars," but I'm saying it's not beyond the realm of possibility.

Also, I think people are putting too much stock in the property in some ways. Ultimately, if the theme park experience lives up to what we all hope it will, it won't even matter much if "Avatar" loses steam. The Honey, I Shrunk the Audience attraction -- albeit on a much smaller scale -- was popular years after "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids" was out of the public eye. Nobody has seen "Song of the South," yet Splash Mountain remains perhaps Disney's finest attraction. How many people know that Mr. Toad's Wild Ride -- the ride Disney fans fought so hard to save in Florida -- is based on a Disney animated film from 1949? Not many I bet.

I just want a thematic, immersive experience. I have confidence that James Cameron and Joe Rohde together can deliver that, even if it's based on a property I don't care much about. Like I said earlier, I have little interest in "Harry Potter," but there's no denying that the Wizarding World is an amazing experience.

[Tink#64]

OK, well I'm glad to know that I'm not alone with my first reaction! Ugg! We really need "Like" buttons on here!

I'm thinking they are trying to compete with Universal & their Harry Potter World! Please! I see no longevity here! Toy Story has way more staying power & could've been targeted a bit more. I liked Avatar, but I don't see this as a good fit for WDW.

[fupresti]

Disney could have saved themselves a lot of money by just starting on a John Carter of Mars land since Avatar stole the story from Burroughs anyway.

That said, I see where Disney is coming from. The biggest movie of all time, coupled with impending billion dollar sequels spanning land, water, and air based environments could be amazing. Although a marvel Land and Pixar Place with a Monsters Inc. Coaster would have stirred up more excitement. If they wanted to push an environmental agenda they could have redone Universe of Energy with Wall-E.

[texas211]

Great. Not. The only thing that saved the movie was special effects. I'm surprised Disney allowed this. Afterall, wasn't it a ripoff of Disney's Pocahontas? Just with blue aliens and fancy technology?

If the Avatars start singing the Colors of the... I'll lose it.

[HackLaSalle]

Wow. If this went to Universal... What would everyone say then? Disney lost out on a multi billion dollar property and IOA gets bigger and cooler?


Personally, I had no interest in Avatar. It was a FernGully rip off in my mind (FYI everything is a rip off. There are literally something like 7 basic plots). But AK NEEEEEEEEEDS some loving. And this is it. I think it would fit better at DHS but I get it at AK. just think with a new eticket at AK maybe they can shut down and repair the yeti! *gasp*.

And for those of you bemoaning the raciness and violence have you paid attention to the measurements of the princesses? Or how miss swan dressed in potc? Off the high horses please.

[Stu29573]

Well it looks like Disney has gone into Damage Control mode over on the official blog. They have a new blog where they address concerns over the announcement. How well they do is open to interpretation, I guess, but its very interesting that less than 24 hours after the announcement we are at this point. Apparently folks on this board aren't the only ones with concerns...

[Dulcee]

Wow I can't believe how negative the reactions are!

I saw Avatar, liked, wasn't obsessed like some but overall a good movie and personally I was a big fan of the environmental message it carried. I also think it's a good fit for AK. AK already contains plenty of "fantasy" why not continue it? Yes Avatar isn't a classic disney movie but then again there are many other park themed attractions that I wouldn't consider classic disney either.

I'm sitting and waiting on this one. It could be pretty awesome if they do it right.

[Jared]

Wow. If this went to Universal... What would everyone say then? Disney lost out on a multi billion dollar property and IOA gets bigger and cooler?


Personally, I had no interest in Avatar. It was a FernGully rip off in my mind (FYI everything is a rip off. There are literally something like 7 basic plots). But AK NEEEEEEEEEDS some loving. And this is it. I think it would fit better at DHS but I get it at AK. just think with a new eticket at AK maybe they can shut down and repair the yeti! *gasp*.

And for those of you bemoaning the raciness and violence have you paid attention to the measurements of the princesses? Or how miss swan dressed in potc? Off the high horses please.

I agree with just about everything in this post. If "Avatar" went to Universal, there would be a mass revolt. It also would essentially solidify Universal's place as the premiere theme-park destination in Central Florida. Let's not forget that Universal's parks are still growing in annual attendance as a result of the Wizarding World. Disney's parks in Florida are most certainly not.

As for the PG-13 rating of the film, who the heck cares? Obviously, the "Avatar" experience will be appropriate for children, outside of an attraction or two with height requirements. The princesses walk around the park every day with their cleavage hanging out, and I don't hear anybody complaining about that. Heck, the "Pirates of the Caribbean" films are all rated PG-13 and the ride is still popular. The Tower of Terror has mature themes as well. Let's move on.