Avatar Coming to Disney Parks

[Snoopy]

Disney has announced it's long-awaited answer to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter:

We have great news to share today. At a press conference happening right now at Walt Disney Imagineering, Bob Iger and Tom Staggs just announced a long-term creative partnership with James Cameron’s Lightstorm Entertainment and Fox Filmed Entertainment to bring the fantasy world of AVATAR to life at Disney Parks. And it’ll all begin at Disney’s Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort.

James and his producing partner Jon Landau and their team at Lightstorm Entertainment will serve as creative consultants on the project and will work side-by-side with our Walt Disney Imagineers as we dream up experiences that will take our guests deep into worlds of AVATAR like never before. There are also two sequels to the record setting first film in the works, which will offer more fascinating stories, characters and locations to explore in the AVATAR universe. Disney’s Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort is planned as the site of the first AVATAR-themed land with construction expected to begin by 2013.

We believe Disney’s Animal Kingdom is a great fit for this project because it was created to give guests the opportunity to experience the worlds of animals and nature – real and mythical – in new ways. Disney’s Animal Kingdom also celebrates adventure, living in harmony with nature and environmental stewardship – themes that are deeply rooted in the story of AVATAR.

The design phase on the Disney’s Animal Kingdom project has just begun so stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for more details.

AVATAR Coming To Disney Parks � Disney Parks Blog

[cinder]

This is...interesting.

[disneyfreak62]

What disappointing news. Avatar? Really? Well, on the upside, it might take the crowds away from the parts of DAK that we really like.

[SMlaunch2k5]

This is just...bizarre...Completely out of left field, if you ask me.

[Goin2Disneyland]

Disney and Universal have been hotly pursuing this property since its release, as Fox does not have an internal theme park operation. The visuals, environments and animals in Avatar are a natural for what can be accomplished with today's thematic technology, and with Cameron riding herd on WDI, it will get done right and no expense will be spared. As such, it will be the most immersive, compelling, beautiful thing in any Florida park, and likely, within the United States.

If they cut corners and hold back on wowzer technology, it will be a fun, but average experience. Disney's advantage here is that if they do it right, they've got a Potter Swatter and fewer people will be pulled off property. DAK desperately needs new attractions, and some high capacity E-tickets will do just the trick. The theme perfectly updates the Beastly Kingdom concept to something that will pull visitors from all around the world, many of whom would not otherwise consider visiting WDW.

It's brilliant, and a huge coup for the company. If you haven't seen the movie, see it. The story is essentially a retread of others before it, but the artistry and imagination involved are undeniable. Cameron is a visionary, like him or not, and if he's given free rein, we're in for a theme park experience like we've never seen before.

I can't ****ing wait.

[1FoolishMortal]

^ My sentiments exactly.

[daMOUSE]

It's an interesting proposition! Disney needs next generation attractions, Carsland is part of that, but this proposal takes things at a whole new level if done right. All I can say is it's about time! I've been salivating over DisneySEA images for the longest time, here's to hope that Pandora will be created at the same caliber or higher.

This is good news for James Cameron and Fox, though "Avatar" has made a lot of money in the box office, it hasn't really done much outside the realm of film IMHO. I've seen "Avatar" t-shirts at the clearance aisles at department stores like Ross for Less, it's obvious that there is some difficulty expanding the property in merchandising. We all know how powerful Disney is with branding, this can only empower their franchise.

In an interesting note, an insider says that Disney is still in talks with Warner Brothers for theme park rights for Harry Potter outside Orlando:

Disney to license rights to 'Avatar' for theme park attractions - latimes.com

[TsWade2]

WHAT?! Disney! Don't you realize that Smurf reject movie destroys Princess & the Frog's chance of the box office! Or was it Alvin & ther Chipmunk squeakquel?

[Pinocchio85]

Overall I think this is a great thing for Disney. No doubt it will be hugely popular. Personally I would have rather they picked up the Lord of the Rings franchise for Hollywood Studios. With the books, three films already out and two more on the way I would say it is more popular and will stand the test of time. I have, however, thought that Avatar would make a good replacement for Tarzan in The Great Movie Ride and I suppose that could be a possibility!

I hope they go all out and give us something more compelling than Carsland. Hopefully it will have a better name, not just pull ideas directly from the film and have more unique and exciting ride systems. I also hope that this does not completely kill the Beastly Kingdom idea and hopefully there is still room for non-film franchise attractions in the parks.

I'm happy to see them finally do something different and outside the box rather than the seemingly never ending stream of cartoon kiddie rides of late. It is great when Disney reaches out and picks up other characters and franchises especially when they seem dead set against original attractions. I think this will be a huge refresh for WDW and a breath of fresh air for the entire concept of Disney theme parks.

[disneyfreak62]

I think if Disney built a land based on Mimes, Garbage Disposals and Ashtrays... I might be more excited.