Audiences were depressed that they couldn't join Avatar's society of azure Snagglepusses. Trust James Cameron to be a crazy-eyed visionary and give the masses what they want.
From a Disney press statement released today:
Through an exclusive agreement announced today by Disney, Cameron's Lightstorm Entertainment and Fox, Disney will partner with Cameron and producing partner Jon Landau to create themed lands that will give theme park guests the opportunity to explore the mysterious universe of AVATAR first hand. Disney plans to build the first AVATAR themed land at Walt Disney World, within the Animal Kingdom park. With its emphasis on living in harmony with nature, Animal Kingdom is a natural fit for the AVATAR stories, which share the same philosophy. Construction is expected to begin by 2013.
Cameron is "chomping at the bit to start work with Disney's legendary Imagineers." Think of the possibilities! Vacationers in tanning beds could command body-painted park employees to caper about! Matching Zahelu wigs for honeymooners! An entire theme park, realistically rendered in 3D!
Methinks Disney will have stragglers take up residence in the park, not unlike From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. As for Cameron, I presume he signed on after failing to capitalize on that perfectly good Abyss theme park he had lying around.
[Via Deadline]