I was fully prepared to write this blog by adding another voice to the general “what choo thinking?” attitude towards this, frankly, bizarre idea.
For those who aren’t obsessively following Disney park updates, Disney World has partnered with James Cameron in order to bring his vision of Avatar to Disney’s Animal Kingdom in the form of a new land. The project has been shelved and then unshelved, and it’s still in very early stages.
When thinking of this blog, I was prepared to plea with Disney the way a teenager would plead with her best friend not to buy that tacky sequin top. I know it looks shiny and sparkly, but trust me, it belongs on the shelf.
Yes, Disney has successfully brought in other movie franchises to their parks. Lucasfilms gave Disney Studios a much needed thrill with it’s collaboration of “Star Tours” and “Indiana Jones: Stunt Spectacular.” Heck, the Muppets came into the park in their hilarious 3D film before Disney owned them. Disney fans have no problem with this.
But Avatar is a far cry from Muppets, Indiana Jones, and Star Wars. These were all cultural phenomenons. Avatar was a huge box office success, true, but as far as I know after the initial “ooh 3D!” fascination, it really didn’t have a big following. Honestly, in my opinion, the movie wasn’t that great. The visuals were stunning but, frankly, the story wasn’t strong. It was obvious, overdone, and Way. Too. Long.
Everyone has made the Pocahontas/Ferngully/Dances With Wolves comparison, but it’s true. If you play Avatar audio over Pocahontas footage, it actually works pretty seamlessly.
The point is, it was a successful movie, but it doesn’t have the major cult following that usually warrants a theme park land. Star Wars, Harry Potter, and…Avatar? It doesn’t fit.
No one seems to be over hyped about the upcoming sequel, and I haven’t heard anyone too excited about the prospect of this new land.
Of course, what I’m saying is nothing new. None of the Disney fandom seems to be jumping on board the Avatar train, or flying dragon thing.
So how is this a defense?
Well, honestly, before I could pen my confusion, I had a sudden change of mind which occurred, well, about an hour and a half ago.
First, I think that Animal Kingdom is in desperate need of a five hour energy drink. The whole park can be done in half a day, and there hasn’t been any new or exciting additions since “Expedition Everest” opened in 2006. And that ride has had problems ever since with their malfunctioning headliner, the infamous “Yeti.” Bottom line, beyond Kilminjaro Safaris the park doesn’t really have any major incentives for return visitors. At least, not at the same level as the other three parks.
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But my change of heart really came when I heard that my favorite attraction, Splash Mountain, was going to be closed during my next visit (sadface). And then I realized: Splash Mountain is based on a movie. One that very few people know or care much about, Song of the South. It’s a foot note in Disney history, usually in the book about Disney racism. But it still inspired a wonderful, immersive attraction with iconic songs, characters, and images. I love Brer Rabbit and Brer Bear and that whole gang. And I will sing “zip-a-dee-doo-dah” until my brother punches me in the face.
So why couldn’t Avatar land do the same?
And then it hit me again…immersion. That’s what, with the New Fantasyland, Disney is really pushing these days. Rightly so, total story immersion is a one-of-a-kind experience that sets Disney apart. It’s certainly filling the butterbeer lines across the way at Universal, as well. And, okay, Cameron didn’t have a strong story in Avatar, but he created a gorgeous land that I totally wouldn’t mind being immersed in.
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And what does Disney do best if not create compelling story in larger than life attractions? If they can bring this mystical land to life and simultaneously manage to tell their own new compelling story, it might create an iconic attraction that will live in the minds and hearts of future Disney fans long after the movie is forgotten.
Or it could be a dumb idea that stinks up the place worse than “Stitch’s Great Escape” (I really hate that ride). Only time will tell. But, once again, I will have faith and trust in Disney’s pixie dust.
I’ll tell you one thing, though. If this land does become a reality, they better be using that stupid dragon.
