I believe Avatar will pull in MAJOR crowds to Animal Kindom but only at DHS expense. With that being said I do not think they will see record breaking numbers or more importantly double digit gains in guest spending.
I think Avatar taught Disney brass a lot. The main thing being you cannot spread projects out for as long as they have in the past. They got bit in the ass on this one and I believe current projects are a testament to Disney's new thinking. They're looking at the synergy Universal is taking advantage of by utilizing current properties at their highpoint and creating experiences in a timely manner.
Guardians opening in California, Star Wars on both coasts, Frozen in Asia, and Toy Story Land all open either at the same time as their movie counterparts release or or within a close window that will have a positive impact on the following fiscal year.
I'm also jumping to conclusions that this is why Staggs is gone. He missed the boat completely on the points I listed above. He didn't take advantage of any hot properties at key times and bet a billion dollars on a property that hasn't been relevant in 8 years. Also Shanghai but you get the point.
Anyways when it's all said and done for us themepark dorks we all win. Avatar will set a new bar in overall themepark atmosphere and imo will take the crown away from Diagon Alley in terms of theming. I'll hold off judgement about the rides, food, and shops but strictly in terms of theming I cannot see Diagon continuing it's reign as the best themed land in a themepark.