Animal Kingdom Going Down (Under)?

Rumor mill floats Australia expansion to Animal Kingdom

- by Bob McLain, November 29, 2010

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John Frost of The Disney Blog credits unnamed sources and 'minions' with the scoop that Disney is planning to add an Australian region to the Animal Kingdom. He supports his claim with an aerial shot of the Animal Kingdom that shows undeveloped land circled in various colors. "The red area is where Australia will be built," writes Frost.

He sounds pretty sure of himself.

And it's a compelling claim. The land is there, and the Animal Kingdom could use a third continent (joining Africa and Asia). Frost imagines an aquatic theme built upon a replica of the Great Barrier Reef. Throw in some kangaroos, of course. A marsupial or two.

Gee, I hope he's wrong.

If Disney wants to expand the Animal Kingdom, why not simulate the sexier Amazon? With all due respect to the natural wonders of Australia, I'm not blown away by the prospect of the Great Barrier Reef or the Outback. Of course, the Amazon isn't a continent, and Disney may want to continue its 'continental' theme, but consistency is the stuff of computer code, not theme park delight.

A major part of Frost's evidence is that he "heard ... approval has been given in the new budget to hire some additional resources that will be tasked to the project". It sounds to me like those 'resources' will be hired to evaluate the feasibility of such a project, not carry it out, and I'm not sure how feasible it is for Disney to launch into more major construction on the heels of the new Fantasyland, Hyperion Wharf, the Art of Animation Resort, and other projects that actually have gotten the green light.

I do agree with Frost that the Animal Kingdom needs more muscle to keep people there for a full day. (Not all people, just some people: I have no problem spending the entire day in the Animal Kingdom.) If Disney does pop for Australia, I'm sure they'll find a way to make the Great Barrier Reef as compelling as a steam down the Amazon on a rickety tramp. A giant animatronic saltwater crocodile would create a good thrill factor to rival Expedition Everest's Yeti.

(A giant animatronic Paul Hogan fighting the crocodile - not so much.)

I think Disney probably has thought about adding Australia to the Animal Kingdom; they may even be determined to do it, if we believe what the minions have told John Frost. But I'm skeptical about it becoming an actual 'project' until a few of Disney's other construction ventures have been completed.

If I'm wrong, you can take my shrimp off the barbie and throw it to the giant crocodile.

Don't stop there! More Tidings Await...