Details for Avatar-Inspired Land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Announced at D23 Expo Japan
After two years of rumor and speculation, the Avatar-themed land at Disney's Animal Kingdom really is happening.
Last weekend at the D23 Expo Japan, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Tom Staggs presented a first look at the new Avatar-inspired experience at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The announcement came via a video featuring James Cameron, director of Avatar and Walt Disney Imagineer Joe Rohde. You can watch it below.
Pandora Comes To Life in 2017
The Avatar-themed area - scheduled to open in 2017 - will be the largest expansion in Animal Kingdom history.
Walt Disney Imagineering is collaborating with Cameron and Lightstorm Entertainment to bring the world of Pandora to life.
The new Avatar area will be located between Africa and the Oasis, taking over and expanding beyond the Camp Minnie-Mickey area. The Festival of the Lion King is also moving to an all-new theater in the Africa area of the park.
When visiting the Avatar area, guests will encounter floating mountains, and have a chance to walk through a nighttime jungle of bioluminescent plants. They'll also have the opportunity to discover what it feels like ride a Banshee.
Does This Show A Possible Avatar River Ride?
Disney's Animal Kingdom is also adding new entertainment experience beyond the Avatar-themed land, including a nighttime spectacular with live music, floating lanterns, water screens, and animal imagery in a show at Discovery River. There are also plans for live performers on Discovery Island, and a nighttime version of Kilimanjaro Safaris.
New Nighttime Entertainment Throughout The Park
How do you feel about Avatar coming to Disney's Animal Kingdom? Are you excited at the prospect of more after dark opportunities in this park? Leave us a comment and let us know!
Story by Traci C., Source
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JayA wrote on Wed, 05/07/2014 - 10:51:
I would have preferred to see Beastly Kingdom happen. That would be much more timeless than Avatar. By the time Avatarland is open just a few years most of the visitors will barely remember the movie and many will not have even seen it. The myths and legends of childhood never stop being fascinating.
Christopher Drozd wrote on Sat, 05/17/2014 - 06:07:
By the time the land opens, the 2nd movie will be coming out, and then the third will be on its way after... so it will be at least a couple decades timeless... and with the help of disney it will be. Heck look at Dumbo... 1 movie?? and its a classic and popular! so Leave it to Disney... It will work, Have a little faith, trust and Pixie Dust
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