***Official*** Pandora: The World of Avatar Information Thread

[Farro]

A matter of opinion, but as I've said before, I do think the IP factors into HOW SUCCESSFUL / POPULAR something is. And I think @dbavis has a legitimate point. The success or lack thereof of future movies would logically impact HOW popular this land is. Not whether it will get ANY traffic as time goes on, but how much. Think Harry Potter or Star Wars... I think IP pretty clearly matters.

All the people waiting to get in Pandora people were not Avatar devotees! They were people who were excited about a new land (any land) opening. And now with the spectacular reviews coming out - this land will stay popular. FoP is getting AMAZING reviews. The word of mouth will be strong for that one. And now perhaps people will quit saying Animal Kingdom is a half day park.
If the movies coming out aren't successful, it won't change the popularity of Pandora. The movie wasn't the draw here.

Of course it won't stay as crowded as this week, and thank god for that!

 

[loutoo]

A matter of opinion, but as I've said before, I do think the IP factors into HOW SUCCESSFUL / POPULAR something is. And I think @dbavis has a legitimate point. The success or lack thereof of future movies would logically impact HOW popular this land is. Not whether it will get ANY traffic as time goes on, but how much. Think Harry Potter or Star Wars... I think IP pretty clearly matters.

Yes, but there are attractions like Soarin or Test Track that have no IP and are insanely popular, and others with IP that noone knows, such as Splash Mountain, that do well in-spite of their IP. IP can prop up a mediocre rides such as Frozen Ever After, or Little Mermaid, but if the ride is strong in and of itself, IP is secondary.

Yes, wild success of the future Avatar films would only bolster the attractions, but even if they flop, this land and these rides stand boldly alone with no need for help. Especially FoP from what I hear. FoP will be very popular for a long time to come, even if future film work related to the IP is awful.

 

[mrzrich]

@yulilin3 Did you happen to notice if short and fluffy people were able to fit in the test seat?

yes, like I said from the 10 only one didn't fit.
If I'm able to I'll go Monday and have my daughter record me testing it. Like I said before I'm 5'2" and about 190lbs. so def. short and fluffy
I will also take a lot of detailed pictures of the seat, especially where your legs go

I am 5'2" and I um weigh...um more than Yullin...I rode during my preview without issue. Here is a picture of me and my 83 year old mother the day that we both rode it. She loved it.

 

[lovethattink]

It is the most visually stunning land in all of WDW, imho. I think it will have longevity.

 

[FastPasser.]

That is a tribute to the amazing cast members from the Rhode and his imagineering team all the way down to front line ride operators.

It was a minor role, but a shout out to the other almost invisible non-Pandora CMs that were brought in just to facilitate the Pandora preview admission process, organize crowds at the Dedication ceremony, plus help make the media events as organized as possible. They were outside Pandora for three weeks from 8am until 8pm, in the sun, the heat and a few times, in the rain. They were the first CMs to deal with thousands of upset and or disappointed guests that couldn't enter Pandora. Each CM had to explain the silly NRJ FP that wasn't really a FP notification hundreds of times. But most enjoyed it and were glad to have been a part of opening Pandora..

 

[wrmiller13]

There is a lot of coverage of the seats and potential issues fitting throughout this thread

The challenge is that there isn't one measurement that will ensure you will fit or not - it seems to be a combination of being tall and being big, especially if you are tall in your legs and/or have very big calves as it is the leg restraints that seem to be providing the biggest issues

Good to know. Hubs is tall and big, so glad there is a test seat.

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

All the people waiting to get in Pandora people were not Avatar devotees! They were people who were excited about a new land (any land) opening. And now with the spectacular reviews coming out - this land will stay popular. FoP is getting AMAZING reviews. The word of mouth will be strong for that one. And now perhaps people will quit saying Animal Kingdom is a half day park.
If the movies coming out aren't successful, it won't change the popularity of Pandora. The movie wasn't the draw here.

Of course it won't stay as crowded as this week, and thank god for that!

Yes, but there are attractions like Soarin or Test Track that have no IP and are insanely popular, and others with IP that noone knows, such as Splash Mountain, that do well in-spite of their IP. IP can prop up a mediocre rides such as Frozen Ever After, or Little Mermaid, but if the ride is strong in and of itself, IP is secondary.

Yes, wild success of the future Avatar films would only bolster the attractions, but even if they flop, this land and these rides stand boldly alone with no need for help. Especially FoP from what I hear. FoP will be very popular for a long time to come, even if future film work related to the IP is awful.

I don't necessarily disagree with most of this! Our family is excited to see anything new Disney does. But I guarantee we will frequent Star Wars land MUCH more than Pandora. I suspect we aren't the only ones. And some will like Pandora better just because they like the AK vibe better or like the movie. I would only GUESS that SW opening will be bigger than this. Because of the IP.

Again -- NEVER said this won't be popular; I think much of that is just because it's something new Disney has out out there. I am simply arguing something that I think should be pretty uncontroversial: That really popular IP DOES have an impact on current popularity and staying power. Not the sole factor, as I've said a lot.

But I can't see the logic in pretending that the IP doesn't matter... that popularity of films (or lack thereof) wouldn't make a difference. Why pay $$$ to acquire Harry Potter or SW or Marvel if it doesn't matter?? Disney had to have thought they were getting primo IP when they chose Avatar... just unclear as to whether that aspect ultimately pays off. TBD... And their marketing this as being "NOT THE MOVIE!!" gives a hint as to their concern about the original and future Avatar films as a draw, I think...

 

[yulilin3]

Excellent! The person I'm asking for is close to your size. If you fit, she will probably fit. Thanks.

She'll fit

Thanks for this picture!

Does the back restraint push you til your tummy is pressing against the bar? I want to know how much wiggle room there is and if I will feel too confined.

The restraint has to get to that green part. The amount of wiggle room will depend on your belt size.

 

[1911]

The seats for FOP look an awful lot like the ones knotts uses for the pony express ride.what were the injury issues I have heard of?

 

[KateP85]

So I have a question, not sure if anyone will know the answer.

We attended the very first Cast preview back on May 5th, I think it was. It was myself, my husband, my in-laws, and my baby. When we went to ride FoP, we were offered rider swap (which we weren't expecting) and we let my in-laws ride first while we waited with baby. Well, the second they got off the ride, it broke down, and we were told it wouldn't be coming back up during the preview. We still have the rider swap pass specifically for FoP that expires May 31st, but obviously haven't been able to use it because the land hasn't been open. We were thinking about making a trip over to Pandora Tuesday or Wednesday to use the pass, but I'm wondering if we would have to wait in line, or be able to enter with the FP guests. Either way, we'll still go, just trying to figure out timing.

 

[dbavis]

A matter of opinion, but as I've said before, I do think the IP factors into HOW SUCCESSFUL / POPULAR something is. And I think @dbavis has a legitimate point. The success or lack thereof of future movies would logically impact HOW popular this land is. Not whether it will get ANY traffic as time goes on, but how much. Think Harry Potter or Star Wars... I think IP pretty clearly matters.

Yes, but there are attractions like Soarin or Test Track that have no IP and are insanely popular, and others with IP that noone knows, such as Splash Mountain, that do well in-spite of their IP. IP can prop up a mediocre rides such as Frozen Ever After, or Little Mermaid, but if the ride is strong in and of itself, IP is secondary.

Yes, wild success of the future Avatar films would only bolster the attractions, but even if they flop, this land and these rides stand boldly alone with no need for help. Especially FoP from what I hear. FoP will be very popular for a long time to come, even if future film work related to the IP is awful.

i think it is the tie to a particular IP and its success that could play into the attractiveness of the theme park land to the general public over time. The hype around Harry Potter or Star Wars brings a whole other level that will draw in people just because of their love of those movie franchises. Avatar, for most of us I believe, will have to rely on the execution of the theme park land. The good news is that it sounds like they did one heck of a job with the land.

 

[Lost Yeti]

So I have a question, not sure if anyone will know the answer.

We attended the very first Cast preview back on May 5th, I think it was. It was myself, my husband, my in-laws, and my baby. When we went to ride FoP, we were offered rider swap (which we weren't expecting) and we let my in-laws ride first while we waited with baby. Well, the second they got off the ride, it broke down, and we were told it wouldn't be coming back up during the preview. We still have the rider swap pass specifically for FoP that expires May 31st, but obviously haven't been able to use it because the land hasn't been open. We were thinking about making a trip over to Pandora Tuesday or Wednesday to use the pass, but I'm wondering if we would have to wait in line, or be able to enter with the FP guests. Either way, we'll still go, just trying to figure out timing.

You should be able to enter the FP line and that rider swap is good for three people. I don't see why it would be rejected before the expiration date.

ETA: Just realized your actual question. You're asking if you'll have to wait in the line to enter the land itself and not the attraction - right?. I'm not sure. I would think you would have to wait in line since it is not as time sensitive as a normal FP.

 

[Accident]

I vaguely recall the rest of the park being open during EMH was only for this busy weekend and then it was going to be Pandora only after that. Did they extend it?

I honestly don't know but I enjoyed it very much.. Just in case I think I'll need to get out there and check it out

 

[SueM in MN]

Does ROL have designated spots for people in ECV or do you park and sit in regular seating? TIA

You can do either.
ROL has handicapped seating with spots for guests using mobility devices to park in multiple areas in both the Fastpass and Standby areas. There are also some marked seats for guests who prefer to transfer from their ECV into the regular seating (or if the parking spots are full).

This thread has more information, including pictures:
https://www.disboards.com/threads/rivers-of-light-wheelchair-ecv-access.3586810/page-2#post-57507596

 

[linzbear]

I can't wait to ride FoP in August!

I just have a question - how secure is it for a smaller, skinny child? My 5 year old is exactly 44", but she's only 37 lbs. I tried looking at pictures and videos, but it's hard to see how well she'll be restrained. I know she'd love this ride because she loves Soarin, Tower of Terror, and all of the roller coasters, but I don't want to be worried that she'll fall out during the whole ride!

My 6 year old is 42 lbs and 47", which is a little bigger, but it was totally fine. He complained a little that it was harder to breathe because the front pad was on his chest, but he went on twice so it couldn't have been that bad!

 

[disney1474]

A matter of opinion, but as I've said before, I do think the IP factors into HOW SUCCESSFUL / POPULAR something is. And I think @dbavis has a legitimate point. The success or lack thereof of future movies would logically impact HOW popular this land is. Not whether it will get ANY traffic as time goes on, but how much. Think Harry Potter or Star Wars... I think IP pretty clearly matters.

I respect your opinion but do you think people who are going to Disney just to go to Disney will pass up Pandora at AK just because they didn't like or see the movie? I don't think so.

 

[cmarsh31]

I vaguely recall the rest of the park being open during EMH was only for this busy weekend and then it was going to be Pandora only after that. Did they extend it?

I found this last week - looks like it's through July 4th (thank goodness bc we'll be there June 2nd!)
http://blog.touringplans.com/2017/0...ing-extra-magic-hours-disneys-animal-kingdom/

 

[BraveLittleToaster2]

I respect your opinion but do you think people who are going to Disney just to go to Disney will pass up Pandora at AK just because they didn't like or see the movie? I don't think so.

I'm going to Disney just to go to Disney. I did see parts of Avatar, but didn't see what all the hype was about that movie. However, of course I will be trying out the new rides and seeing the land!! I think any Disney fan will be excited to see something new regardless of whether jts from a movie they liked/heard of or not.

So I agree with you. New things will always be popular and good rides and lands will always be popular regardless of what they are themed to. However, some things like Harry Potter and Star wars will do even better because they will bring die hard fans into Disney, who likely don't even go to Disney normally.

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

I respect your opinion but do you think people who are going to Disney just to go to Disney will pass up Pandora at AK just because they didn't like or see the movie? I don't think so.

Nope! Didn't say that at all. I think I made my thinking pretty clear in my last post on this. Don't want to belabor it or bore people with it (any more than I already have!).

https://www.disboards.com/threads/o...rmation-thread.3587311/page-271#post-57656952

 

[zebrastreyepz]

OH, I didn't mention the wait but there was no wait to speak of for the face painting. Not this morning first thing and not when we were back over there this afternoon for a touch up

Where was the face painting, please?