Look, I get it. The Avatar movies are not for everyone. Despite being 2 of the globally highest grossing movies of all time, they aren’t everybody’s cup of tea. However, the extremely popular Pandora – The World of Avatar, is a huge crowd pleaser. Located in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, event after being open for 7 years, this immersive land still sees wait times consistently over an hour. If you don’t understand or haven’t seen the Avatar films, fear not! In this guide I will give you everything you need to know to help you understand and appreciate this incredible achievement in themed entertainment.
Flight of Passage
If you’ve never been on Flight of Passage, it should be your first stop on any trip to Animal Kingdom. This attraction is based on a very sacred tradition to the Na’Vi (the blue people) bonding with a creature known as the Ikran, but most commonly known as a Banshee. This tradition is seen as a coming of age ceremony, where Na’Vi and Ikran choose each other. When the Na’Vi bonds with the Ikran, they bond for life and are one. While humans can’t experience this, Avatars can. Thanks to Alpha Centuari Expeditions, they have fused Na’Vi DNA with Human DNA to create Avatars, almost like clones of the Na’Vi. You’ll enter a link chamber where your consciousness is uploaded to an Avatar currently on the back of a banshee.
Flight of Passage is one of the few rides I would describe as life changing. There’s not many rides I see people walking off with tears in their eyes, but anytime I do, it’s this one. Almost like an extreme version of Soarin, you really feel like you are on the back of an Ikran, as you can feel them breathing between your legs. Brought to life with beautiful projections, emotional score, mist and wind effects, there’s nothing quite like your first Flight of Passage. Guests 44 inches and above are invited to soar among the skies of Pandora and it is an experience you will never forget
Na’Vi River Journey
Dips and dives aren’t for everybody! Maybe a relaxing boat ride down a Pandoran river is more your speed. For families traveling to Pandora with guests that might be intimidated by a thrill ride, Na’Vi River Journey is a great alternative, or addition if you do both! Probably the most jaw dropping scenes in the Avatar films are when Pandora is shown at nighttime. This planet completely comes to life with its bioluminescent flora and fauna. On this attraction, guests board a boat and all lured deeper into Pandora by a song that grows louder and stronger as we get closer to it. You’ll be upclose with Pandora wildlife in one of Disney’s most beautiful boat rides.
The climax of the attraction is when you meet the Shaman of Song, a MASSIVE Na’Vi animatronic, that in my opinion is still one of the most impressive and lifelike animatronics I have ever seen. In the films, Na’vi are about 9-10 feet tall, and the Shaman of Song is no different. The scenery in this ride will blow you away, so if you’re left craving more you’re in luck. The Valley of Mo’ara, where all the floating mountains are, transforms at nighttime into a bioluminescent dream. The water, wildlife, and scenery all starts to glow making Pandora truly feel like a living breathing planet.
Shopping and Dining
Quick service options on the healthier side are few and far between at Walt Disney World. Satu’li Canteen however… this needs to be at the top of your list when you visit Animal Kingdom. Often described as Disney World’s “Chipotle”, that combines delicious proteins with fresh vegetables. You might be wondering, “Is any of this from the movies”? Not necessarily, but it offers plenty of Pandora inspired dishes, as if you were eating with the Na’vi. Plenty of bowl options with a variety of proteins, plant based options, and honestly one of the most solid Kids Meal menus on property. The Cheeseburger Pods are as delicious as they sound, trust me on this one.
Pongu Pongu is a go to snack stand for me when visiting Pandora. Offering a small list of snack options, including the Na’Vi sized pretzel (It is not 9 feet tall but the spirit is there) and the Pandoran lumpia, if you’re not in the mood for a sit down meal at Satu’li, Pongu Pongu is the way to go. This snack stand also offers the popular, Instagram-able “Night Blossom” which is a frozen beverage with apple and pear limeade flavors. For older travelers, you can choose from a selection of Alcoholic beverages. If you’re looking for a recommendation, I’d have to say the Mo’ara Margarita. You’ll definitely feel like you’re in another planet after that one!
Before you depart Pandora, you’ll need a souvenir to remember your excursions! Windtraders offers plenty of Na’Vi inspired merchandise, Avatar movie memorabilia, and the Shoulder Banshee! You’ll find this gift shop after exiting Flight of Passage, but if you skip out on that you can still shop around!
Pandora is a breathtaking planet that is beyond belief. Your trip 4.37 lightyears from earth is one that you will never forget. Safe Travels!
Featured Photo: Emily Murray.
Written by
Mateo Osorio
Mateo has been in love with the Disney Parks for as long as he can remember. During his childhood he spent any free second talking about Walt Disney World and Disneyland to anybody who would listen. Not much has changed! During his free time you can find him either at Hollywood Studios or trying to convince his friends to go on another trip to Disneyland.
