Disney to announce deal for ‘Avatar’ theme park attractions

The Walt Disney Co. is set to announce a major licensing deal to bring “Avatar” attractions to its theme parks, according to a person with knowledge of the matter.

The Burbank entertainment giant has secured the rights from 20th Century Fox movie studio, which released the 2009 blockbuster, and director James Cameron’s Lightstorm Entertainment.

For Disney, the deal is significant because it usually relies on in-house content for its attractions. “Avatar,” the highest grossing movie of all time, is expected to become a major component at various Disney parks, with the first such attraction debuting at Disney World in Orlando, Fla., said the source.

The two other major attractions that Disney parks based on non-Disney movies are “Indiana Jones” and “Star Wars.” COMPANY TOWN.