Avatar Land Coming to Disney World!
Seemingly authentic plans for AVATAR Land have been posted online, and there are growing rumors that James Cameron has signed off on these plans, with a formal announcement and art to come on December 7, 2012 and construction to begin shortly thereafter. After months of rumors that the project was on life support or dead (see below), it sounds as if an agreement between the parties has been reached concerning the content of AVATAR Land. After the colossal success of the Disney California Adventure overhaul, let’s hope AVATAR Land is similarly well-done. Supposedly, Disney wants to fast-track these plans to counter Universal’s Transformers announcement. It sounds as if the theme park wars in Florida have been reignited!
This all after our September 5, 2012 Update, in which we indicated that we had been hearing for months that Avatar Land (or “The World of Avatar”) has been on life-support or is to be quietly canceled by Disney. These rumors seemed reliable, and there was intense speculation that the project was shelved along with Cameron’s 4th Avatar film.
Original article: Today is one of those days where the Disney community received such monumental, discussion-provoking, and exciting news that we felt behooved to share it with the 3 or so of you who haven’t yet heard about it: I’m talking about James Cameron’s Avatar coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
You read correctly–as of September 21, 2011, Disney’s Animal Kingdom gift shops will be selling the Avatar Blu-ray/DVD Combo
In other news, James Cameron and Disney announced today that Disney will be building attractions based on the film (soon to be films as two sequels are released) Avatar under a long-term, exclusive agreement with the parties involved in creating the films. The attractions are going to be built in an all-new Animal Kingdom “land” and is set to begin in early 2013. The Wall Street Journal estimates that the initial phase of the project is likely to cost $400 million.
At a Tuesday Walt Disney Imagineering press conference, Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Thomas Staggs said: “We’re just beginning the development phase on this project.” These plans will include heavily themed recreations of the environments from Avatar and its sequels, to be fleshed out with Walt Disney Imagineering at the helm, in collaboration with James Cameron.
Disney CEO Bob Iger was also on hand for the press conference, and he said new the project would let park visitors “enter the ‘Avatar’ universe and explore it first hand.”
Reaction
Sarah and I haven’t seen Avatar (I think we’re like 2 of 6 people on the planet who haven’t seen it), and until this announcement, we really had no desire to see it. I’m not at all a fan of James Cameron, as I think he’s about as overrated as Michael Bay. I question whether Avatar made so much money because it was a good movie, or because it was a visually stunning movie. I prefer thought-provoking films and well-scripted drama to special effects, and his films are definitely the latter. Additionally, I would have preferred an original concept to drive Disney’s Animal Kingdom expansion, rather than relying on a franchise.
All of that said, I respect quality and think it always “outs.” From what I have seen of Avatar, it looks like an incredibly themed universe, and I have no doubt that Walt Disney Imagineering will faithfully execute the design into something absolutely breathtaking. I think the transition from Song of the South to Splash Mountain is a perfect example of this. I’m not wild about Song of the South at all (I do understand its historical significance, though), but Splash Mountain is an amazing attraction. Likewise, I think the attractions in Avatarland have the potential to be amazing, regardless of their source material. I also think that, with the Wizarding World of Harry Potter right down the road, Disney needed to bring a high profile franchise into the fray as an appropriate response. Thus, when viewing this purely as an objective business decision, I think it is likely to be a brilliant decision that will pay great dividends. Even the best original idea WDI could have executed wouldn’t have the same built-in fanbase as a franchise, and to that end, I completely understand why bringing in something like Avatar was necessary. Overall, I think it’s very exciting news, and am really looking forward to 2015, ’16, or ’17 when it finally opens!
Rest assured we’ll be covering the progress of this project…
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39 Responses to “Avatar Land Coming to Disney World!”
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I’m trying to keep an open mind, but it’s really hard! Disney has so many of it’s own material that would lend itself beautifully to an AK expansion: 1) Revitalizaion of Pocahontas, 2) Add a Australia or South American continent and utilize characters from UP or Rescuers Down Under (a little older). I mean who wouldn’t want to ride in a floating house ride?
Oh yes, Disney does have a lot of its own properties it could have used, but I think the question you have to ask is: “What does Disney have that is on the same level as Harry Potter?”
I don’t think any of its ideas or properties have the same existing fanbase as Potter. I think an outside entity–like Star Wars, LOTR, or Avatar–was almost NECESSARY for this project.
I really wish it were Beastly Kingdom, but I realize Disney has a business to run, and that wouldn’t draw people the same way Avatar would draw people.
Who gives a crap about Harry Potter-land? Are those 2 rides and a giftshop really a threat to Disney? uh no?
Disney lack-luster prefomance of past 10-15 years is what’s hurting Disney, they are their own worst enemy anymore
I appreciate your rational commentary on this topic. I was completely thrown off by this announcement, but after having a few hours to digest the news, I am excited. Animal Kingdom needs something, and if executed well this could be a great addition to the parks. Of course, it will be a while before we truly know what this expansion will entail, but the potential is definitely there. I’m excited to see what develops over the next few months and years!
>I think he’s about as overrated as Michael Bay
Wow.
Them’s fighting words. Say what you will about Cameron, but his stories are always a lot more emotionally resonating than Bay’s.
I do think your business rationale is sound. I’m happy for Animal Kingdom… even if this doesn’t fully seem thematically appropriate (based on a SciFi film…). But, hey, at least it isn’t Marvel.
I’m not comparing his style to Bay’s, I’m saying they’re both overrated. I also think Le Cellier is overrated, if I said, “Cameron is as overrated as Le Cellier,” I wouldn’t be implying that he’s a steakhouse!
Idk how I feel about this either, Avatar was spectacular cause of it visual stunningness (at least in my perspective, though it probably has something to do with seeing it first row Imax where it’s so large, you have to turn your head from side to side….). It kind of makes you think though, what the general public thought about Star Tours when it was first released. However, Star Wars has a much more dedicated fan base. Avatar on the other hand seems to have run it’s course as a movie theater hit. Though with some clever marketing it could be done…
And I definitely agree about the Australia/South America area could be like an Amazon Themed area.
I find this to be quite the odd announcement myself. While I definitely agree Animal Kingdom needs a big expansion, I would have rather seen it done their own way. This should provide a good short term impact on the park when it opens, but I really have doubts about the long term impacts.
It seems as thought Avatar was the big thing for a short period of time, but quickly became an afterthought. Two more movies should help, but how relevant will Avatar be when the land finally opens? I don’t think it will be anywhere near the monstrosity of a franchise that Harry Potter has become.
I would have personally rather seen Disney put their own ideas into the park like Magic Kingdom and Epcot. The big time attractions at those two parks were basically made by Disney and have become so well known because of the parks. This seems like it would have fit in better with the non-Disney themed Hollywood Studios, but yet that park has no space and Animal Kingdom does need the attractions.
Just my two cents, but hopefully it works out well!
My response would be – how remembered is Song of the South? How popular is Splash Mountain.
Point being, quality always outs. If something is done well, regardless of the source material, it will have staying power. Cameron is a perfectionist, and he will make sure this is done well.
I think Song of the South is a good comparison but Splash Mountain is one ride that could have been rethemed if needed. This is a whole land that can’t be as easily rethemed.
You are definitely correct there, it will probably be an outstanding land thematically. If so, hopefully nothing else matters, unless the franchise really flourishes, which would only make it better.
My main point is that I just prefer Disney to support its own entities. It’s cool they have one park dedicated to other entities, but I hope this doesn’t become a trend for the other parks.
Hopefully it does work, as it would be a welcome addition 5 years or so after the Fantasyland expansion has opened.
I agree with you that it may boost attendance in the beginning but it may not have staying power.
I think of Harry Potter and Universal. I’ve been there, loved it, but I have no plans to visit Universal again. I think Universal say a huge boost in attendance but will see a decline eventually because I don’t think they’ll get a lot of repeats. I’d rather spend my money at WDW.
The vast majority of WDW guests are also one-time visitors, and that’s clearly the market WDW has been trying to hit for years, while largely ignoring its dedicated fans.
Dedicated fans spend money at WDW regardless. Disney wants to draw more of those one-and-done visitors. To that end, I really don’t see an issue with people coming once to see Avatar-land and not returning.
Good point. Sometimes it’s hard to imagine people not going multiple times a year like I do.
I’m waiting to see how this plays out… but I think it has potential.
I agree with Brendan that if Disney really is bring on Avatar to compete with Potter, I think it’s a loosing battle. I’ve seen Avatar and honestly I don’t get what all the hype was about. I guess it was nice to look at but that’s about all I can give it. But I haven’t heard or seen anything about Avatar in a while. I didn’t even know they were making sequels. With Potter, every little announcement becomes a media avalanche, I just don’t think Avatar has that kind of weight to be throwing around.
I am excited AK is getting an addition though. I think in the short term, any addition/expansion is a good thing. It will keep people interested in the parks and make them want to come back regularly to see what has changed. It is very interesting news to say the least, I was shocked when I heard. Obviously, we are still years away from even seeing anything let alone it opening so it will be interesting to follow along with what happens.
“it was nice to look at”
…and if Disney is creating a highly themed land after the movie, what more really matters besides the visual look? Again, Disney can create quality attractions that stand on their own. It’s not like the faults of the movie’s story necessarily become faults of any attractions in the land. Whereas the environment of the film will be replicated in great detail.
Yipee! Animal Kingdom is getting some substance (and less zoo like) lol. Anyway, your point about Song of the South is spot on-at least Avatar was somewhat popular. To this end, I really don’t care what Disney bases their attractions as long as the additions are quality. I’d rather them make a great Avator themed attraction than a mediocre attraction based on a popular Disney movie. I hope, if logistically possible, they put this where Rafiki is now-they can even use Wildlife Express as a means of transporting guests from the “Real World” to the “Mythic World of Avatar.”
I think with as popular as this will be when it opens, requiring access via a train is a logistics nightmare. It’d be cool thematically, but I really hope Disney doesn’t do it.
i don’t think this was a great idea on disney’s behalf to theme a brand new area (or a mini park) based on an ‘okay’ movie. ust because Avatar was the greatest selling movie of all time (thanks to $10-13 ticket prices) only brings any sequel even more scrutiny so if any of these films fail…what will that do to the park in the long run? Although Cameron is a very talented director with an incredible eye for detail in scenery for both real life (titanic) and virtuality (avatar) he still falls WAY short on the established fanaticism George Lucas has. We have to wait and see what Avatar 2: Electric Boogaloo and Avatar 3 : N’avi Harder bring to the table and if it will have as great of an impact as the Star Wars saga produced in the late 70s/early 80s. and no don’t count ticket sales as a gauge to success.
Last time Disney used a ‘hot’ director to man an attraction was lame-o Michael Bay and that crappy Pearl Harbor attraction at DHS. its now a stale part of an overall stale attraction that the parks division isn’t finished sweeping under the rug….yet.
If Disney was smart. Involve the making of Avatar as a re-branding of their studio tour attraction, and focus an area on something more interesting and long-lasting (like Beastly Kingdom or Villains park)
I just hope Cameron uses those names for his sequels.
As far as sequels go, I think Cameron knows how to make them better than the original. In my opinion Aliens and Terminator 2 were the strongest in their franchises. Having seen Avatar a couple of times, I just hope they keep Pandora open at night at the AK because bio-luminescence was a huge part of the aesthetic in the movie.
Leave it to the lawyer to have a rational, well-considered response that considers both sides of the discussion about this announcement.
My wife & I haven’t seen the film either, so we’ll count as 2 more of the 6 on the planet. I’m not overly excited about the film and its sequels, but I am intrigued to see what kind of ride systems/attractions WDI creates/uses, and I’m glad to see money being spent in a big way on WDW.
Some of the things I’ve read today have been very frustrating, and while I can respect every person’s right to an opinion, some of them are very frustrating. I understand having strong feelings about all things Disney, but a modicum of patience may be needed before we claim that the entire Parks & Resorts division should be shut down because of the heresy of forming a new partnership (that will undoubtedly bring some great benefits). Even if I end up not loving the end result, Avatarland will draw people to Animal Kingdom and away from the attractions I love, so that’s a win in my book!
Thanks for your even-tempered approach – I wish our community had more members like you!
As Tom Staggs said in his Q&A on the Disney Parks Blog this is all at the blue sky design stage. We have not even seen concept art to understand how this might fit in to the existing park. I would not be surprised if WDI have not even worked out which area of the park is going to be used. All of the recent projects (FLE, PI) have changed radically from the initial concept so I am sure much of the feedback from guests will be taken on board as the project moves forward.
I am withholding judgement until there is something more concrete. Personally I have a suspicion that this project might morph back into a beastly kingdom 2.0 if the upcoming Avatar films do not perform as well as the first one at the box office. Whether that is a good or bad thing it is too early to say. I like the general concept but a reasonable opinion requires far more detail before we judge Disney on this decision.
I really don’t understand bringing in Avatar. Star Wars is a huge franchise, Harry Potter is a huge franchise, Avatar was one movie and if it didn’t LOOK as good as it did it would have been a total bomb story wise – I personally would rather watch Pocahontas. Did Avatar really have that many die hard fans that would take the trip all the way to Disney for a land styled after it?! I personally don’t think it will have the staying power & the theme will lose its “luster” and if anyone ventures over there it’s going to be because the rides are good (despite any theme) or Expedition Everest has a long line and you have an hour before your fast pass is good. I 100% think Animal Kingdom needed something – this however is NOT the something I would have chosen. Other than being completely thrown off by Disney’s decision making it’s not going to make me NOT go to Disney World. If I don’t like it I will steer clear of the area when i’m at AK and laugh to myself when I see people painted in blue to get into the spirit.
Agreed.
Maybe the once-proposed Beastly Kingdom. That was what should have been there, instead of Avatar-Land or whatever they want to call it.
Well, my husband and I haven’t seen Avatar either, so I guess this forum houses all 6 people who haven’t seen it! While I don’t care one way or the other about Avatar itself, I am quite pleased that AK is finally going to be adding some attractions. It doesn’t even matter that we don’t yet know what they might be, but if they are high-quality then that will enhance the experience of visiting AK. Like someone else said, even if I don’t care for them they might displace the crowd from other areas/parks I’m actually visiting!
We haven’t seen Avatar either, so I guess the 6 people are all right here. I would have much preferred Beastly Kingdom or an Austrailia or South America exhibit. I really think they could have done a great job with UP and the rainforest. Oh well……I doubt this will change AK into a full day park, and certainly not into a multi-day park like MK and Epcot.
Seems to be a popular blog topic for today, because that’s what I posted at my blog, too. I’m also in that minority that hasn’t seen Avatar, but I think that’s beside the point. The real point here is that Disney has lost all its creativity and now relies on the creativity of others – Pixar, Marvel, Muppets, Avatar. Oh well.
Interesting post and reactions.
Unlike many who seem to be writing here about plans to add an “Avatar” area to Animal Kingdom, I have actually seen the film, which I find both visually stunning and somewhat thought provoking. In fact, I refer to the film in my undergraduate World History survey, where it complements our reading of Daniel Quinn’s philosophical novel “Ishmael,” an exploration of the shift from Paleolithic to Neolithic culture and the ramifications and implications of that shift. I would not be at all surprised to learn that the filmmaker had read and been influenced by Quinn’s philosophy in much the same manner that the Star Wars films were informed by the work of Joseph Campbell in mythology. The film “Avatar” is also part and parcel of the “state of nature is superior to civilization” theme that runs through Western art and literature starting with the Romantic movement of the early 19th century. It’s themes, which center on lifestyle and environmental issues, could not be more timely or relevant.
Is the film overrated in popular discourse? Probably, but then most things are. Is the film as thoughtful as some other recent films? No (“The King’s Speech,” to compare apples and oranges, beats it into a cocked hat). Is it a thoughtful film? Yes. Will it make a good themed area for the Animal Kingdom? I suspect it will, but that will entirely depend on the execution. Let’s face it, Disney has been known before to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. Is an expansion of Animal Kingdom needed? Absolutely. Is Disney relying too much on the creativity of others? That’s quite possible, but also not especially surprising. To a greater or lesser extent, Disney has always done this (some might argue that it’s been Disney’s great contribution, this appropriation of the creative work of others, reformed for the American bourgeoisie). Twain, Wyss, Stevenson, Verne, Barrie, Carroll, the Grimms, Travers, you name it, have all enjoyed (or suffered, some would say) by their appropriation by Disney.
We shall see what comes of it, but it’s not a bad film, and it’s not a bad idea for a theme park land. And at least they’re not ripping out something wonderful in order to build it, which has certainly happened in the past.
I agree very much with your views Tom. I think the Splash Mountain analogy is spot on. Hopefully Disney will be able to build an incredibly thematic, immersive atmosphere that guests who love and don’t love Avatar will appreciate. I went to WWoHP earlier this year with my husband (who is an avid HP fan like myself) and with my dad and brother (neither had read an HP book, nor had seen a single movie). We all enjoyed the experience. Granted, as HP fans, my husband and I probably got more out of the experience, but my dad and brother agreed that the Forbidden Journey ride was the best amusement park ride we’d ever been on. EVER. What I’m hoping is for something similar from Disney. People who love Avatar and people who’ve never seen Avatar will be completely immersed in the world and come away in awe of all of the details. Sure, if you’re an Avatar fanatic, you’ll probably get more out the experience. The only caveat for me is that the fan base for Avatar is going to be a lot smaller than HP. Will I make the effort to see Avatarland? Yes. Do I think people will start planning trips immediately to go visit Avatarland? Not nearly as many as WWoHP.
That being said, so I wish it was Beastly Kingdom? Absolutely. Do I understand why Disney went with Avatar over an original idea? Absolutely.
First off, let me say that when I write this, I am not bashing ‘Avatar’ or Walt Disney World at all.
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Animal Kingdom is, by far, my all-time favorite of the Disney theme parks. ‘Avatar’ is a pretty good movie. But putting them together? That’s like combining soft-serve ice cream with sardines: it just doesnt go together.
While I give props to Disney for trying out a new thing with this, I really think that Avatar is NOT the way to go for a new themed land, especially for Animal Kingdom. If they were to put something with Avatar in, say, Hollywood Studios then I could see it being much better suited.
But Animal Kingdom?
I really cant make a connection to Avatar in that setting though. Have you guys heard of the proposed “Beastly Kingdom” that was supposed to be in Animal Kingdom? It was supposed to be themed off of mythical creatures in our world, from dragons to unicorns. Both of which are already included in Animal Kingdom: the logo for the park features a dragon while the park has a Unicorn parking lot.
Originally the Beastly Kingdom was halted due to production costs when DAK was first built and opened. But since they have money to squander with James Cameron now, why dont they just resume the designing and building of Beastly Kingdom? I’d rather see a three headed dragon and a majestic unicorn duking it out rather then 10-foot tall blue people that glow like a nightlight in the dark.
Does anyone agree with me here?
I’m actually upset about this idea, with Avatar, because I dont think the film has made a lasting affect on people that the area would bring in enough income and attention. Maybe from people in 2011-2012 but not people in 2030 or even farther then that.
Now who agrees that we should have more griffins and less aliens?
How many Guests have seen Song of the South? Yet Splash Mountain still does incredibly well.
There is no denying that Beastly Kingdomme would have been awesome. However, I think it’s still a bit too early to damn this new project. The land won’t be the same as the movie. It will incorporate mythical creatures into DAK in a highly themed environment.
Haven’t seen Avatar, and probably never will. I’m not that upset that Disney went with an “out of house” movie to theme a land after, but I just don’t get why Avatar? They already have deals with George Lucas, I think expanding the Star Wars franchise in the park would be a much bigger draw. But, even is Disney does go ahead with Avatar, I’m sure the Imagineers will do awesome and beautiful things with it.
I agree with Faith. I’d rather see those mythical creatures than blue people in DAK. I don’t understand why they’d use Avatar. I haven’t seen the movie and have no desire to. It’s just not that popular anymore, where as Potter is still incredibly popular. Avatar is not the way to go to compete with Harry Potter. I doubt there is a franchise that Disney would align themselves with right now that would do well against Harry Potter. If they try to incorporate Twilight, as much as I love and adore Disney, I will never visit DAK again.
Hey Tom,
Now that we apparently know this is really happening, any idea what will become of Festival of the Lion King? I’ve heard a rumor that it would be getting moved, but I’ve also heard that its being removed completely. Hard to imagine since they advertise it as their most popular show and its always a full house when I’m there. Thanks, and, as always, great writing.
I’m not very excited about Avatar being added. I’ve never seen the movies and I don’t have a desire to. I think there are so many ideas floating around out there that could be better put in AK. It’s pretty obvious that they’re doing it to compete with the WWoHP… but the difference is that Harry Potter covers a generations lifetime! We grew up reading the books as little kids or even young adults and watched the movies when we all got older. Avatar was one movie that came out one time.
That said, I looked at the blueprints. I don’t know if they’re reputable or not, but it looks interesting. It kind of looks like it’s going to be similar to Soarin’. But you would think they would learn by now that the queue should be longer.
I love Avatar it’s my favorite movie. And I can’t wait to see Avatar in Disney’s Animal Kingdom!
Here’s one more who hasn’t seen that movie either.
And I hope the day before that land is supposed to open to the public, it gets swallowed up by a giant sinkhole.
I saw Avatar in the theaters, and again at home on BluRay. I’m pretty much done with it. Star Wars I can watch over and over again…it never gets old. Avatar simply doesn’t have legs or longevity. Creating a “Land” based on it would be worth seeing only once, like the movie.