Avatar Land Coming to Disney World!
Plans for AVATAR Land have been posted online, and on October 12, 2013 at the Japan D23 Expo, Disney released concept art seeming to confirm these plans. While Disney didn’t explicitly say so, the concept art features a boat floating through a nighttime jungle of bioluminescent plants (think Living with the Land, except breathtaking “Imagineered” plants), a sim ride where you soar into the sky riding a Banshee (think Soarin’), and an incredible environment based on AVATAR, with mountains that appear to float, and other mythical environments. All of this roughly matches those plans that leaked back in 2012.
For some, the even bigger news is that the new plans call for nighttime entertainment on Discovery Island. Based on the description and concept art, this new show sounds like a combination of the Disney Dreams (at Disneyland Paris) tech and the type of pageantry from Tapestry of Nations, the parade that ran in Epcot’s World Showcase during the Millennium Celebration.
This all comes just a couple of months AVATAR Land was teased at the Anaheim D23 Expo, effectively putting to bed months of rumors that the project was on life support or dead. It sounds as if an agreement between James Cameron and Disney has been reached concerning the content of AVATAR Land, and the pace of the project is set to pick up. After the colossal success of the Disney California Adventure overhaul, let’s hope AVATAR Land is similarly well-done.
I’ve been watching this story closely since the beginning, and this article was originally posted in October 2011, updated in September 2012 with information about the status of the project, and again in October 2013 with more concert information and concept art released by Disney.
On October 14, 2013, the video below was released. I have to admit, this has me really excited for Avatar Land!
Prior to our 2012 update, I had been hearing for months that Avatar Land (or “The World of Avatar”) has been on life-support or was 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. Even after that and up until the Anaheim D23 Expo, speculation was intense that the project was not going to happen, due to “creative differences.” Preserved for the sake of history (some of the speculation is almost humorous now) is our original 2011 post, including our reaction to it in 2011. I’ve added a few parentheticals in italics to the “Reaction” section to reflect our new thoughts since that time.
Original News
Today is one of those days where the Disney community received such monumental, discussion-provoking, and exciting news that I 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–Disney’s Animal Kingdom gift shops will be selling the Avatar Blu-ray/DVD Combo for the low price of $29.99!
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
Until this announcement, I really had no desire to see AVATAR. I did see it, and while the visuals were impressive, the story was derivative, predictable, and forgettable. Those visuals, though, were something else. I’m not at all a fan of James Cameron, as I think he’s about as overrated as Michael Bay (this was a bit strong–James Cameron is much better than 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 (ha!), ’16 (haha!), or ’17 (fingers crossed) when it finally opens!
UPDATE: I am still excited about this project, especially after seeing the concept art that looks like this will be a beautiful land with an almost abstract “mythical” feel to it, which is exactly what Disney’s Animal Kingdom needs. Although I am not a fan of AVATAR and I question its long term staying power, I am not a fan of Cars, and I loved Cars Land, which I feel was wisely done with a Route 66 style and not overtly cartoonish. I feel that taking a similar approach to AVATAR Land would be wise, just in case the shelf life of the films is limited. An entire land that could grow stale is a dangerous thing–much worse than a single attraction.
Admittedly, before this concept art–which I consider to show a very promising project–I had become less enthusiastic about AVATAR Land than I was originally. In 2011, we didn’t really care about Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and thought just about anything would breathe some new life into it. I’ve since fallen in love with the park, and view it as Disney’s last “unspoiled” park in terms of thematic cohesiveness. I am still excited about the project, especially a leisurely boat ride through a beautifully lit forest and the rebirth of the “Rivers of Light” parade concept, but are cautiously optimistic about the expansion. I hope it is done with integrity for Animal Kingdom’s theme, and represents the mythical area the park has always needed, and is not an overt “World of AVATAR” shoehorned into the park with thematic inconsistencies recklessly ‘explained-away’ with overwrought backstory.)
Rest assured we’ll be covering the progress of this project…
Your Thoughts…
What do you think about AVATAR coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom? Has your opinion changed at all now that some concept art has been released? Hearing from you is half the fun, so please share your thoughts in the comments below!
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.
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.
First off, let me say that when I write this, I am not bashing ‘Avatar’ or Walt Disney World at all.
– – –
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.
I’m not sure the comparison with Splash Mountain is a fair one. Disney doesn’t advertise it as being the “Song of the South” ride; the name of the film is not in the title; most guests would probably not have any idea that it’s based on a film. To most people it’s just a fun thrill ride. The name of the ride tells you everything you need to know. You don’t need to have seen the film to enjoy the ride.
A fairer comparison would be Star Tours. I hate the Star Wars films (sorry!). So to me, the fact that it is based on a load of films that I either don’t like or haven’t seen, with a huge and rich backstory and mythology that is lost on me, detracts from the appeal of the attraction. Sure, it’s a fun ride, and I ride it every time I’m at DHS (if the line is short). But I would enjoy it more if it was an original attraction, where no prior knowledge is presumed.
If you *advertise* a ride or land as being based on an existing franchise, then the appeal of the ride is inevitably linked to the appeal of the franchise. Otherwise, why would they do it? Disney are banking on fans of the franchise suddenly wanting to visit DAK (which they probably will). But the flipside is that people who are not fans may be less attracted to it than if it were an original IP. It’s just the two sides of the same coin.
None of which is a criticism of Disney, incidentally.
This is a really excellent point that I hadn’t considered. I agree with you regarding the comparison, although I don’t agree with you about Star Tours’ appeal. I’m also not a fan of the movies–I don’t dislike them, I just know none of the mythology, but I love Star Tours, and I think it’s an excellent stand-alone concept.
However, your point about appeal to the attraction being tied to appeal of the films is well taken. I wonder if they will go into AVATAR Land with this in mind, making the attraction more “inspired by” like DINOSAUR (I know the ‘overlay’ there was ex post facto, but the idea is the same), so the tie-in could be stripped away years down the road if the Avatar sequels flop?
Again, thanks for this perspective. I think you’re mostly on the money.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Yes! To those of us who loved Star Wars, Star Trek,and Stargate, anything to do with the stars is a huge hit! Loved, loved, loved Avatar!! It calls back to the old Foundation novels where Gaia planets flourished and all life was interconnected on a molecular level–ah, the possibilities.There was just enough recognition of what we love about scifi and just enough new interpretations of old themes…and who doesn’t like a blue monkey?!
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.
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!
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.
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 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.
I wouldn’t put an over reliance on a well themed ascetically pleasing look to drive the longevity of an attraction. Disney attractions that survive rely heavily on a simple well told and fun story. The ambiance and visuals may pull in people in out of curiosity, but it is the story that keeps them coming back.
I’m not sure Avatar has a strong story people will want experience and enjoy over and over again. Frankly the story is just not that fun.
I’m waiting to see how this plays out… but I think it has potential.
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.
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.
Then you could add in New Zealand and a…dare I say it?…Hobbit Land? 😀
>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! 😉
I agree that Le Cellier is overrated but saying Michael Bay is overrated implies that he has a good reputation as a film maker which is highly debatable.
Hahaha, touche!
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’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 am fairly confident that the “flying banshee” attraction is going to be the same ride system as the original Harry Potter ride at Islands of Adventure. This wouldn’t be a bad thing though. I am not the slightest bit a Harry Potter fan but the one time I rode that ride it was fantastic.
I think Universal has exclusivity on the KUKA arm ride system used for Forbidden Journey. If Disney is able to use that, or something like it, that would be awesome!
I’d much rather see Avatar Land than a LOTR land. (But I think WDW should look to the Tokyo parks for inspiration rather than build Avatar Land.) I’m a Tolkien fan and have had the opportunity to live in NZ for a couple years. I think a LOTR/Hobbit land would cheapen the books and movies.