We let you know a few weeks ago about the brand-new themed land, based on the film Avatar, that will be coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Walt Disney World in a few years. An exciting development in the project’s progress came this week, when filmmaker James Cameron, along with his producing partner Jon Landau, took time to tour and explore the park. They were joined by Joe Rohde, an Imagineer who was heavily influential in the development of Animal Kingdom, and Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Tom Staggs.
“Getting the chance to roll up my sleeves and explore Disney’s Animal Kingdom from the inside out was a phenomenal experience,” said James Cameron. “As I walked through the park, I kept imagining Pandora coming to life all around me and found my mind racing with all the possibilities of what we will be able to create in the years ahead. Disney’s Animal Kingdom is truly a remarkable place and I can’t think of a better home for our first AVATAR experience.”
The new Avatar land will be a creative partnership between Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, Fox Filmed Entertainment and Lightstorm Entertainment. Cameron and Landau will work alongside Disney Imagineers as creative consultants, dreaming up groundbreaking ways to bring the stunning world of Pandora to life.
“We do a significant amount of work at the beginning of our projects to ensure that the final experience has the attention to detail, theme and uniqueness for which Disney is known,” said Tom Staggs. “Today’s visit is an important step in the creative process and we are excited about getting started on what will be a spectacular addition to Disney’s Animal Kingdom.”
Construction on the new land is slated to begin at Disney’s Animal Kingdom by 2013, with the new land scheduled to open in 2015. Development on the new project is still in its early phases, with specific attractions and experiences in the land yet to be announced.
“AVATAR and Disney’s Animal Kingdom share a common bond in that they both focus on adventures that will radically change your perspective. They call you to take action on behalf of nature wherever it may be found,” said Joe Rohde, who led the creative team that designed the park. “This is a rare opportunity to collaborate with Jim, who has an incredible eye for detail and a passion for doing things that haven’t been done before.”
Stay tuned for more exciting updates on the progress of this brand-new land.
Photo copyright Disney
