Warner Bros. and Disney? What is the Deal Here?

Rumors have begun to fly about the possible link between Disney and a Warner Bros. project. Now obviously this is a long reaching rumor, as there has not been any major media outlet claiming its validity, but message boards and discussion forums have begun to tell a tale of intrigue. If the rumors prove to be even remotely true, then we may be seeing a link between two companies that was never before considered, nor thought even possible. 

What has begun to fly is a rumor regarding Warner Bros. and their Lord of the Rings property. Now it is common knowledge that Peter Jackson and Warner Bros. Have been trying to sell the idea of a Middle Earth land on companies like Universal for quite some time. The holdup apparently was first Harry Potter, and then the logistics and realistic concepts and their ability to create what is planned. From what we are hearing, Jackson and the WB have begun to look elsewhere because Universal does not seem to be 100% behind such a project. This is where the mouse comes in. 

With the announcement and concept drawings of Pandora and Avatarland being presented to anyone who was willing to watch, Warner Bros. and Jackson were able to see an idea as to what Disney was capable of, or more likely, what they were willing to try. This presentation may have intrigued them because as people have heard, there may have been some dialogue. Keeping in check the fact that this is in no way to be taken as fact, as there would be many obstacles in the way. 

One possible obstacle involved is the Tolkien family. They hold the rights to the story, and the characters, where Warner Bros. only reserves the right to the likenesses and images Peter Jackson created. This means that Disney would need both parties to make such a plan work. Also, Jackson will likely monitor how Disney interacts with James Cameron on his idea of Pandora, as we would be led to believe that Jackson would want to see how Cameron and his ideas were treated. Finally, the issue of location and construction could cause issues. Which park would this go in? Where in the park? Lastly, with what money considering their are 5 projects going on at once? 

As we said on the outset, this story should be taken lightly, though read because there is a rumor around about it. Sadly the chances that Bag End and Frodo Baggins make their way into Walt Disney World are still very slim, though not completely impossible. Keep here for news if anything develops. 

Fans Finally See Avatarland Concept

Disney fans and enthusiasts were finally made privy to the plan that James Cameron and Disney have created for the much anticipated and hyped Pandora. This land, which will be placed within Animal Kingdom, will be a collaborative effort between Cameron's team and WDI, as they begin to create Pandora for guests.

What we can see from the renderings presented is a land filled with bioluminescent plants, and a colorful land that looks as though it will have great night images. There has been talk of a boat ride, as well as possibly a ride on the back of a Banshee. The concept also has floating mountains, and a noticeable lack of lines. (hopefully that is not a sign of things to come) The plan seems to include a few new attractions, but nothing like what we thought was coming when the plan was initially announced.

Disney has also announced that coinciding with the opening of Pandora, Animal Kingdom will have a number of nighttime entrainment will be added. This will include floating lanterns, music, lights and water screens. As such it sounds as though the hours for Animal Kingdom will certainly be expanded to accommodate such additions. Keep checking the site to see if other changes may soon be occurring.