Author: Angie Harris

The World of Pandora was first discovered in the highest-grossing movie of all time, James Cameron’s ‘Avatar’.  Disney Imagineers have re-created the most beautiful region of the city, the Valley of Mo’ara, in a private setting at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.  Disney’s Pandora – The World of Avatar has proven to be as much of a success for the park as the movie is for James Cameron. 

Guests are surrounded by the Hallelujah Mountains, the legendary floating mountains of Pandora, as well as stunning waterfalls, exotic bioluminescent plants, and enticing dining opportunities with food options not found anywhere else in the parks.

“This is our land.”

Jake Sully, Avatar

Pandora is a designated area inside the park similar to the Kilimanjaro Safari and is included in the price of admission to the Animal Kingdom. To get there, cross the bridge, turn left at the Tree of Life, and follow the signs!

“You are not in Kansas anymore.” 

Jake Sully, Avatar

The elaborate details within Pandora are breathtaking and the mountains, vines, trees, and even the stones that are walked on seem to come to life! A Na’vi-built drum circle provides the sounds that completely transport guests to Pandora in this amazing and immersive experience.

“Nothing’s over while I’m breathing!”

Col. Miles Quaritch, Avatar

Two captivating rides are offered in Pandora; Avatar Flight of Passage and Na’vi River Journey. I would not suggest attempting to walk onto either of these rides as long wait times are expected (sometimes up to three hours). Fast pass is the only option for me and well worth any extra effort!

Satu’li Canteen

Dining in Pandora is an enjoyable experience and healthier than most Disney food. Satu’li Canteen has an international feel and flavor and is high on my list of dining options. Guests can choose their own grain, vegetable, and protein bowls that are full of flavor and very filling. Of course, Disney style food is also offered such as hamburgers, etc.

Pongu Pongu

Pongu Pongu is an exotic drink station offering several options for ‘fancy’ drinks in fun cups. The drinks are either served frozen, with Boba Balls, or a combination of both. My family purchased an extremely sweet and colorful apple, pear, and limeade drink combined with passion fruit.

Boba Balls

Boba Balls were not my favorite but I seemed to be in the minority as plenty of guests seemed to be enjoying their drinks!  

You do not have to be a fan of the Avatar movie to enjoy Pandora because it is a masterpiece that stands on its own. If you are a big fan, you will absolutely love it! Avatar 2 is set to premiere Christmas 2020 but don’t hold your breath, this movie has been delayed several times!

“All I ever wanted was a single thing worth fighting for.”

Jake Sully, Avatar

Angie Harris

Attacking adventures, searching for amazing food, and finding new friends.  Home in Branson, MO, or exploring Disney, I am searching for deals, finding new experiences, and sharing stories along the way.

Avatar Flight of Passage

Avatar Flight of Passage is one of Disney World’s newest and hottest rides and is located within Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

The Queue 

The wait for this virtual reality ride is usually one to three hours (sometimes longer). Although the queue moves quickly, it is quite a long journey! The line stops for 15-20 seconds at a time and then moves about 20 steps before stopping again.

As guests advance into the mountain, they travel through cave settings and scenes of the movie while anticipating the boarding area which is past the lab. There are dozens of amazing photo opportunities along the way and the jaw-dropping displays seem to make the wait shorter!

Pre-Flight

Following through the mountain and laboratory, riders arrive in the training area where they are prepared to receive a personal avatar and meet their own banshee! Everyone is checked for contamination and compatibility prior to being linked to an avatar.

Boarding

Boarding encompasses two rows of 8 guests each and all personal items are placed on a shelf upon entry. Sitting on a banshee is like straddling a motorcycle that feels like it is breathing! There is a tight safety strap and a brace is placed on the small of the back and legs for security. Although the other riders and banshees are visible, each person rides single and all the banshees face an impressively large screen ready for adventure!

Time to Fly!

Put on 3D glasses and soar alongside other banshees and avatars over beautiful waterfalls, whales and other sea creatures, monkeys, and herds of buffalo and horses as this visually stunning experience comes to life! The drops, spirals, and flights over water and through trees are very realistic. Be on the lookout for a spray while skimming the surface of a beach!

The ride has movement but it is not a roller coaster. Once the video has started, scared riders can close their eyes at any time.

Exit

True to Disney flair, guests exit the ride through a gift shop full of braided vines and nature. For a mere $65.00, guests can choose their very own banshee through a series of hand movements and sounds from the rookery. Awesome banshees ride on the shoulders of their proud owners throughout the park!

I do not love the Avatar movie but the ride definitely motivated me to watch it again. My family rated Avatar Flight of Passage a 10 out of 10 and even our non-riders were delighted to ride it over and over again!

Angie Harris

Attacking adventures, searching for amazing food, and finding new friends.  Home in Branson, MO, or exploring Disney, I am searching for deals, finding new experiences, and sharing stories along the way.