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6 Must-Do Experiences in Pandora – The World of Avatar

On Saturday, May 27th, the Walt Disney World® Resort welcomed guests to experience the largest expansion in the history of Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park. Unlike anything ever before, Pandora – The World of Avatar immerses guests in a mystical world of massive floating mountains, bioluminescent rainforests and breathtaking new experiences.

We’re so excited for our guests to experience Pandora – The World of Avatar. With so much to explore and discover once you enter the Valley of Mo’ara, we thought we’d highlight a few of our must-do experiences!

Click the Boxes Below to Explore Our 6 Must-Do Experiences in Pandora – The World of Avatar

1. Take Flight on Avatar Flight of Passage

1. Take Flight on Avatar Flight of Passage

What if you could climb on the back of an Ikran and explore the beauty of Pandora from the air? Well, thanks to this immersive new adventure, now you can! Trust us, this is unlike any other ride you’ve experienced before! After spending a few minutes inside the genetic matching room where you are scanned and connected to personal avatars, you’ll board link chairs, don your special flight visors and prepare for the flight. We’re not going to give any spoilers of what’s in store, but you’ll be amazed! TIP: This is a Disney FastPass+ attraction (which we highly recommend) reserved for explorers 44″ or taller.

2. Set Sail on Na'vi River Journey

2. Set Sail on Na'vi River Journey

Climb aboard the reed boats and enjoy a family-friendly cruise of the sacred Kapsavan River into a bioluminescent rainforest of Mo’ara. After being granted passage by a Na’vi warrior, you’ll be amazed at the sights and sounds found deep in the jungle. Surprises are around each bend of the river, including a big one at the end of your journey. TIP: This is also a Disney FastPass+ attraction, but since you are limited to only selecting one of the two attractions in Pandora – The World of Avatar, we only recommend selecting this for guests who won’t/can’t ride Avatar Flight of Passage.

3. Explore Unique Merchandise at Windtraders

3. Explore Unique Merchandise at Windtraders

Everyone is going to want something to help them remember their experience on Pandora – The World of Avatar. From Na’vi cultural artifacts and animal toys to science kits and Alpha Centauri Expeditions (ACE) apparel, Windtraders is an out-of-this-world shopping location with something exciting for every member of the family. Our favorite part of the store is the Banshee Rookery, where you can select your own banshee to take home and care for. A trained naturalist will help you find the banshee that’s just right for you! It’s both a fun experience and the coolest souvenir to take home from your trip! TIP: The majority of this merchandise can only be found in Pandora – The World of Avatar, so if you see something you want be sure to purchase it before heading back to Planet Earth.

4. Experience the unique Na'vi cuisine

4. Experience the unique Na'vi cuisine

When in Na’vi territory, eat like a Na’vi! Satu’li (Sa-too-lee) Canteen  is the land’s fast-casual restaurant that serves a surprising twist on familiar flavors for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You’ll find wholesome grains, fresh vegetables, and hearty proteins on the menu here. And for dessert, options include Blueberry Cheesecake with a Passion Fruit Curd or Chocolate Cake with a Crunchy Cookie Layer. Nearby the Canteen is Pandora’s specialty beverage kiosk, Pongu Pongu, which means “party party.” Options here include a non-alcoholic Frozen Nectar and for adults a Screaming Banshee Margarita and Avatar Private Label Ale. TIP: Pongu Pongu also serves our favorite snack/dessert in Mo’ara, the Lumpia – a pineapple cream cheese spring roll! Don’t miss it!

5. Don't forget to visit the Valley of Mo'ara at night

5. Don't forget to visit the Valley of Mo'ara at night

When the sun sets, the bioluminescent glow makes Pandora – The World of Avatar seem like a totally different place. Don’t think that since you’ve seen it during the day that it isn’t worth going back for a night. TIP: Plan your outfits for the day with lots of whites or neon colors for added fun!

6. Take time to explore

6. Take time to explore

Aside from the attractions, shopping, and dining experiences, there are so many details to take in and paths to explore! Be sure to allow an hour or more to just explore the Valley of Mo’ara. You may stumble upon the Swotu Wayä (“Sacred Place of Song”) where you can play the Na’vi instruments and the Flaska Reclinata, one of the largest plants on the planet. Don’t forget to bring along your camera as Pandora – The World of Avatar is very photogenic! TIP: Wilderness Explorers can earn two new Pandora-themed badges while visiting Pandora – The World of Avatar!

Ready to experience a mystical world of massive floating mountains, bioluminescent rainforests and breathtaking new experiences? Contact your Magic Maker® today!

Pandora – The World of Avatar: A Distant World Unlike Any Other

A visit to Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park is not like a typical day in a traditional “theme park.” Instead of a park built on fantasy, Disney’s Imagineers have brought experiences that you may have in the real world and placed them inside the park’s lands, like Africa and Asia. Authenticity was and continues to be a key part of Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park.

In creating Pandora – The World Avatar, Imagineers took the same care in researching a realistic culture that would exist on this fictional planet. In the film AVATAR, the Na’vi people saw and respected their lush planet, an ecosystem with lush bioluminescent flora and precious fauna. Since conservation and respect for our planet Earth has been a key value of Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park since it’s opening, the tie in to Pandora – The World Avatar was an easy one. But building a real world unlike anyone had experienced before with every detailed researched proved to be more difficult.

When you cross the Discovery River via bridge from Discovery Island® to Pandora – The World Avatar, it feels like you’ve entered a rainforest. But as you continue along the path, you quickly realize through sight and sound that you’ve been transported light-years away onto a different planet. The Alpha Centauri Expeditions (ACE) Base Camp situated in The Valley of Mo’ara is where your exploration of Pandora – The World Avatar begins. With mountains that appear to float in the sky and waterfalls cascading down the mountainside into meandering streams and pools, the Valley of Mo’ara has a totally different look and feel during day and night.

Pandora – The World Avatar has two thrilling expeditions, food, beverage, and merchandise locations to enjoy, and pathways throughout the valley to hike and enjoy.

Avatar Flight of Passage

Climb aboard a winged mountain banshee as Avatar Flight of Passage launches you on an exhilarating flight through the world of Pandora. Once considered a rite of passage for the Na’vi, your flight on the banshee will be the ultimate adventure!

Na’vi River Journey

The Na’vi River Journey is a family-friendly attraction that takes you down a sacred river deep into a bioluminescent rainforest, floating past exotic glowing plants and Pandoran creatures. When you enter the musical Na’vi ceremony, the Na’vi Shaman of Songs sends positive energy into the forest through her music.

Satu’li Canteen, Pongu Pongu, and Windtraders

When hunger calls, visit the land’s Satu’li Canteen (pronounced “Sa-too-lee”), a fast-casual restaurant serving some of the healthful bounty found of Pandora, including wholesome grains, fresh vegetables, and hearty proteins. Nearby, Pongu Pongu serves out-of-this-world beverages including a bioluminescent frozen cocktail and indigenous beers and a sweet snack you won’t find elsewhere.

You’ll have an opportunity to interact with the native Na’vi  when you visit Windtraders, a shop offering Na’vi cultural items, toys, science kits and more.

Ready to experience a mystical world of massive floating mountains, bioluminescent rainforests and breathtaking new experiences? Contact your Magic Maker® today!

Behind the Walls of ‘Pandora – The World of Avatar’

We are excitedly awaiting the opening of Pandora – The World of Avatar which will debut at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park on May 27, 2017! This new themed land will transport you into to the visually stunning world of Pandora. Two new attractions,  Na’vi River Journey and Avatar Flight of Passage along with dining and shopping opportunities are sure to amaze!

As we get closer to the opening, we keep getting sneak peeks behind the construction walls of what’s in store! Take a look at the experiences that will take your adventure to the next level!

Good Morning America

Good Morning America took a special look at Pandora – The World of Avatar with Imagineers and Avatar producers

The View

On The View, Whoopi got a preview of the land with Avatar creator James Cameron.

Nightline

ABC’s Nightline provided the most in-depth look at Pandora – The World of Avatar.

Ready to experience Pandora – The World of Avatar on your own? Contact our Magic Makers® and start planning your Walt Disney World® Vacation today!

New Nighttime Spectacular Coming Soon to Disney’s Animal Kingdom®

Update Apr. 5, 2016: The Walt Disney World® Resort has announced that the new experiences at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park will not open on Apr. 22, 2016 as planned. Unfortunately, more time is needed to bring these innovative experiences to life to exceed guests’ expectations. An announcement on the updated debut date is expected in May.

As part of the expansion currently underway, the Walt Disney World® Resort has announced the new nighttime spectacular at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park will debut on Apr. 22, 2016 soon.

Titled Rivers of Light, the show utilizes live music and water screens to bring the Discovery River to life. Using the latest in technology and innovations, this show is unlike anything ever seen in Disney Parks.

While you’re waiting for the new show to launch, watch these Walt Disney Imagineering videos below to get a “first look” at Rivers of Light and the nighttime transformation of the Tree of Life!

Adventurers Outpost Opening Soon at Disney’s Animal Kingdom®

An all new adventure will be debuting soon at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park.

Later this spring, Mickey and Minnie Mouse will start greeting their guests in a brand new location. Adventurers Outpost will serve as a home base for your favorite Disney pals. The indoor location will be a perfect way to beat the mid-summer heat before setting off on your next adventure.

Adventures Outpost is located in the Discovery Island® Area in the former Beastly Bazaar shop. In the Camp Minnie-Mickey section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park, you can continue to enjoy the amazing Festival of the Lion King show and meet other Disney Characters on the existing Character Trails.