Staggs Says Avatar Land Is Still On

[PopPhan]

Hadn't seen this posted here yet...

"Snurched" from another site.....

During the Grand Opening Press Event for Walt Disney World’s New Fantasyland, Parks and Resort Chairman Tom Staggs confirmed that another one of the WDW projects is still on track – that being the Avatar Land to be built in Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

News on the “Avatar” land front has been quiet for some time since it was announced more than a year ago. This has caused the rumor mill to be filled with stories that the land was either being re-evaluated or even cancelled. Fuel was poured on the rumor mill fire recently when Disney announced the acquisition of Lucasfilms and the rights to the “Star Wars” franchise.

But Staggs reaffirms that the development plans are continuing. ”We’ve gotten more excited about Avatar as we’ve gone through development. Because we are finding that really playing around with this notion of allowing guests to visit Pandora can be very magical. We’re not in construction yet. We’re still in development. And we’re still honing exactly what we’re going to do. But it’s going to be big.”

Staggs compares the Avatar development to that of the newly opened “Cars” Land in DCA and the New Fantasyland at MK. “We love that as a direction,” Staggs said. “We’re going to go for that in Avatar. Cars Land has been a tremendous hit in Anaheim. It’s such a hit with our guests that it clearly factors into our thinking about the long-range plans for our other properties,” he said. “We haven’t made any final decisions about if or when that might happen. But we’re excited to see how much the guests are really loving that land.”

Staggs also confirmed that the presence of “Star Wars” in its theme parks will expand, ”You’ll see more Star Wars in the parks,” Staggs said.

Prior to any Avatar or Star Wars development however, Disney must complete the roll out of it’s “NextGen” project which has been in development for years. ”NextGen” pieces include a reservations system which allows visitors to book rides from home, keyless hotel-room doors and interactive ride queues.

[GBBT]

I hope they change their mind and cancel it....it'll turn out like john carter.Stick with Star Wars and make a Star Wars Land in one of the parks(I just got my Star Tours CM uniform shirt today)!!!

[DizneyFreak2002]

It is still on, but it is very telling that nothing of real substance has been leaked or shown to the public... unless you want to count that year old picture they released last week, where Staggs, Vaughn, and Cameron looked bored to tears over a green field with not much on it... Cameron has given the go ahead for the ride/rides, but as for the land, nothing is remotely close to being agreed upon...

[gerald72]

I can't remember any other announced attraction that so many people wished they'd cancel.

[Buttercup]

I can't remember any other announced attraction that so many people wished they'd cancel.

Exactly.

[ChipNDale79]

Exactly.

I dont understand it, I think this is an area that can be so visually stunning and the options of attractions could be awesome. I think if Disney does it right, it'll be a huge success.

[DizneyFreak2002]

I can't remember any other announced attraction that so many people wished they'd cancel.

Hyperion Whiff, I mean Wharf was met with a collective sign, then plenty of groans...

[Stu29573]

Yawn.

[DizneyFreak2002]

Yawn.

That is exactly how I felt after the Hyperion Wharf announcement...

Oh and I last night I meant to say the announcement was meant with a sigh and groans... I typed signs, didn't realize it... Had a very very long day....

[kbean]

Lame. Another simulator ride. Nothing worth re-riding. Scrap it while u can!

[Roger's #1 Fan]

Saw a nice layout plan today for the relocated FoTLK show building behind the Dawai bar in Africa. Also appears to be spots for character meet and greets as well.

Plans also call for a southern pathway in that area which would lead out of the new "Avatar" land.

Looks like the placesetting is gaining steam...

[DizneyFreak2002]

Or if you were to believe the new rumors, Avatar is once again dead.. LOL.. But, I'm not sure how I feel about the rumored replacement.. Um, Star Wars in DAK???

[Roger's #1 Fan]

Well... if you build a Wookie village below and and Ewok treehouses above, how bad can it be? They're animals, right?

[DizneyFreak2002]

Well... if you build a Wookie village below and and Ewok treehouses above, how bad can it be? They're animals, right?

Um, no... Just. No.. LoL... Avatar fits much better than Star Wars does... Star Wars belongs in DHS... There is no way anyone can make Star Wars fit into DAK...

[Roger's #1 Fan]

I agree BTW... SW has no right being in AK. Just wondering how they could possibly sell such a concept.

[DizneyFreak2002]

I agree BTW... SW has no right being in AK. Just wondering how they could possibly sell such a concept.

The same way they can sell the concept that adding meet and greets is even better than adding e-ticket attractions... People just accept anything Disney does cause it is Disney...

[Roger's #1 Fan]

I was referring to Lasseter and the rest of the leadership team... they seem to be a little more "with it" regarding themeing and placement.

[DizneyFreak2002]

I was referring to Lasseter and the rest of the leadership team... they seem to be a little more "with it" regarding themeing and placement.

Ah ok, I figured you mean the management team in Orlando... I'm not sure how much JL really gets involved with projects other than Pixar ones... He held Disney to high standards with Cars Land but whether he gets highly involved with any projects in WDW remains to be seen...

[DizneyFreak2002]

Or Dagobah, or Naboo...

[DisneyGlutton]

Or Dagobah, or Naboo...