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Theme park fans have had a lot to talk about in the past month or so. Whilst a lot remains speculation, leaked information is beginning to find it's way onto the internet. I have searched through the endless threads and websites of information to bring you up-to-date.

Avatar: Coming to Animal Kingdom 2016?

To begin with, Disney announced it's plans to bring James Cameron's mythical world of Avatar to Disney's Animal Kingdom. Responses to the plans were surprisingly mixed considering Avatar (2009) is currently the highest grossing film of all time, receiving over $2 billion at the box office - the first film ever to do so. However, the added charge of viewing the film in 3D, which was the film's biggest selling point, would arguably have increased box office revenue and not necessarily reflect public opinion. However, this is also contrasted as reviews of the film seem to be mainly positive - so why the mixed reaction?

The general view from those who are disappointed with the Avatar project is because of the supposed 'lack of storytelling' of Cameron's visual spectacular. In contrast, Disney have always prided itself on its ability to tell a great story - this is reflected in many of its unique and franchise-based attractions. Instead, Avatar arguably relies on its visuals to charm and impress audiences - something Disney also does well. 

Regardless of its mixed reception by the theme park community, Avatar is currently in it's 'blue sky phase' meaning it is currently undergoing design. Sceptics believe that Disney's announcement of Avatar was rushed - as no plans have actually been decided. They believe the announcement was a retaliation of the success and prosperity of Universal's Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Avatar is expected to begin construction in 2013, with possible opening dates varying between 2016-2018. This would make it a direct competitor with Universal's rumoured plans.

Universal: Harry Potter is going to Hollywood!

Universal Creative announced in December that Harry Potter is coming to Hollywood - but what does this have to do with Avatar? At the time of the announcements, rumours were rife that Harry Potter was to expand at Universal Orlando. However, nothing was mentioned at the time of this announcement. Around the same time, Universal revealed it was closing its iconic and classic attraction 'Jaws' on January 2nd 2012. This was when the rumour mill really started.

Prior to the Jaws announcement, it was the general idea that any Harry Potter expansion would take place in the Lost Continent. However, the rumours then began that Harry Potter was to come to Universal Studios, replacing the Jaws and Amity section of the park. How would this benefit Universal?

Firstly, Universal would capitalise further on the phenomenon that is Harry Potter, which has boosted their merchandise sales substantially and their attendance figures by 30%. Secondly, guests who visit Universal to only visit 'Harry Potter World' would be forced to purchase a two-park ticket. Not only increasing average ticket sales but also increasing the amount of time that the consumer spends on Universal property and for many people, reducing the amount of 'Disney days' in their vacation. 

Gringrotts: New attraction to replace Jaws?

Moreover, on January 2nd Theme Park Insider posted a fantastic article about some 'leaked' Harry Potter plans. Whilst these aren't 100% guaranteed to happen, the article does suggest the expansion into Universal Studios will include the long rumoured Gringrotts ride, similar to the existing Revenge of the Mummy ride. There are also plenty more shops proposed for Potter fans to enjoy (and Universal to reap the economic awards of-course!) as well as a larger Ollivander's that would be able to accommodate more people. 

Will this happen? Only time will tell...

Monorail Hours Cut and Primeval Whirl Testing

The Orlando Sentinel recently reported that the iconic Monorail service at DisneyWorld will now be running a reduced service. 

Monorail closures: Will the reduced operating hours
impact on-site guests?

This is mainly a problem for on-site guests that pay a premium for these kind of perks, however, the boats will still be operating. As someone that doesn't stay on-site at Disney, I wonder how much this will impact those that do. Will this encourage them to perhaps rent a car rather than rely completely on Disney's transport systems? The main advantage of Disney providing transport, is that it doesn't allow guests to venture off into Orlando to visit other theme parks, other amenities and restaurants! I personally don't think it is a big enough push to persuade someone to rent a car, but who knows.


On a side note, Primeval Whirl has been reportedly begun testing according to Screamscape. Perhaps we will see this attraction re-opening before the summer's end. However, this could merely be part of their on-going investigations into the attraction.

Streetainment!

The first thing that comes to a person’s mind when they think of theme parks, is certainly not street entertainment. Street entertainment comes in all shapes and sizes – whether its character greeting, impromptu shows or even a talking tree – it’s often these smaller aspects that give that feeling of ‘magic’ or awe that enthusiasts thrive on.

Lights! Camera! Action!: Hollywood Boulevard at DHS
is often the location of street entertainment.

For instance, the two theme parks in Orlando that are based on the movies – Universal Studios and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, seem to understand the importance of the smaller details. At Universal, you will frequently see old Hollywood stars like Monroe and the I Love Lucy Cast on the streets and posing for photos. Disney’s Hollywood Studios often have impromptu shows along Hollywood Boulevard which showcases a director trying to spot ‘talent’. Often these guest interactions make for life long memories at the parks.

How Devine!: Performance Artist at Animal Kingdom

Of-course there is the obvious character greeting, which some visitors make an art form! There are tonnes of websites out there that are devoted to snapping a photo with these characters. However, Disney’s Animal Kingdom has a kind of ‘character greet’ that is slightly more unusual. ‘Devine’ is a performance artist who blends in to the shrubbery and trees, only to be seen when she makes a slight movement. The intricate and small details just show how much Disney values theming and guest interaction. Disney claim that Devine is used to try and encourage guests to question their opinion on nature, and make them see that ‘nature is not always what it seems’. However, personally I think Devine is a small detail of a park, that will stay engraved in people’s minds.

How Magical: A cheeky fountain at Universal
interacts and splashes guests!

Similarly, Universal has also adopted this approach with their talking fountain, known as ‘The Mystic Fountain’ which is located in now the much smaller island of the Lost Continent. Universal’s website includes a comment from a guest who describes the fountain as “Magical”*. ‘Magic’ is often a word used by Disney enthusiasts to describe the X-factor that Disney has over ‘amusement parks’ such as Universal – however, this clearly suggests Universal are more than capable of doing this too! In fact, this has been happening more frequently in the theming of the exterior of their attractions, such as The Simpsons ride where a telephone outside might give a guest a laugh or two! More recently, the toilets in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter reportedly have Moaning Myrtle sounds playing in the toilets – now that kind of thinking is Universal at its best!

I Kid You Not: A talking bin pulls in the crowd's at DisneyWorld

Finally, Disney could be claimed to be the pioneers of such intricate street entertainment. For a long time now, one of Disney’s main stars has been “Push” – The bin! This talking bin even has its own scheduled times that it will be making ‘an appearance’. What a load of rubbish…. ;)

Disco Yeti, Primeval Whirl down: Animal Kingdom in need of a face lift?

Disney have confirmed to TheLedger that Animal Kingdom's family attraction 'Primeval Whirl' will be down for the summer.

Extinction: Primeval Whirl is expected to remain closed
until September 14th 2011

The closure is due to a fatal incident of a cast member that occurred earlier on in the year. The closure is to enable investigations of the incident as well as annual maintenance and perhaps some rumored changes to the attraction. The article reports that the attraction is expected to be closed until September 14th. 

Disco Mountain: The main animatronic
has been down for months

Animal Kingdom, a park which by some is considered the 'lesser' of the Disney Parks (tied with Disney's Hollywood Studios) hasn't got that many ride attractions. Expedition Everest's big selling point of the attraction, the yeti, has been down for months and whilst the attraction is open, it still leads to question the priorities of Disney. Now with the closure of Primeval Whirl, what consistent world-class attractions remain open? 


Another E-ticket attraction in the park is DINOSAUR, which has its fair share of dislikings in the theme park community. My dislike of the attraction is purely the name itself - DINOSAUR? Come on! I know its based on a movie flop, but surely they could've came up with a better attraction name.


Animal Kingdom needs some love - a few rehabs here and there, and a new big E-Ticket attraction to help distribute park guests evenly around the park.