I'm just not sure why it getting so much flak, maybe because it comes from out side.
I do think though that Avatar land is a direct result of Harry Potter being at US and Avatar fit the bill.
For me (and I can only speak for myself here) it has nothing to do with the idea coming "from outside." However, I do have a couple of reasons I'm not excited about the idea:
1.
Avatar is not a proven franchise. Yes, it remains (for now) the highest-grossing film to date. But since it was released in 2009, it has been largely forgotten. Yes, it did extremely well in theaters thanks to some stellar special effects and a lot of hype. But I wouldn't say it has any kind of real "following." Unless they manage to really up the ante on special effects for the sequel, I predict the box office returns will pale in comparison to the original.
2.
Avatar doesn't fit well with the feel of Animal Kingdom. Yes, Avatar's message is about caring for/respecting the environment, so I understand the arguments that it does, in fact, fit perfectly. I also understand the desire to have something finally fulfill the "mythical creatures" aspect of the park. But to me, Animal Kingdom is this sort of serene oasis. I know some find it boring and many consider it a half-day park. I disagree. It has a slower, quieter pace and it is more about looking than riding, but I like those aspects. For some reason, Avatar rubs me as simply being too "commercial" for AK. Granted, I haven't seen how it will be applied to the park, so Disney could surprise me. I just find it hard to believe that Avatar could be seamlessly integrated into the current feel there (see, as an example, the complaints about Dinoland USA).
Now, I'm not boycotting it--when all is said and done, I'll give it a shot and see what I think. I do think there are some very cool possibilities, particularly after dark. I just don't get excited thinking about Avatar. I'm willing to make a special trip to Universal JUST to see WWOHP. I would not do the same for Avatar. And, remember, Disney ultimately does not put in new attractions to please the regulars who would come to WDW anyway--they do it to attract people who WOULDN'T otherwise visit. This is key.
There ARE other proven, non-Disney franchises I WOULD make a special trip to see. Lord of the Rings is one example. I realize there are licensing issues that make LOTR pretty much impossible, but it is just one example.
But, again, I think the dragon looks cool, whatever they plan to use it for!
