Pandora — The World of Avatar expands Disney’s immersive experiences
Later this month, the highly anticipated Pandora — The World of Avatar opens at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. By expanding its immersive experiences, Disney grows its audience beyond the young families.
Walt Disney World in Orlando has been a popular destination for families for decades. In the shadows of Cinderella’s Castle, Disney has grown and expanded over the years. Families seek more than just the iconic pictures with Mickey, Minnie and all the Disney characters. With the addition of Pandora World of Avatar, Disney fully embraces a total immersive experience.
Disney has been a continual leader in creating magical memories. Just driving into the parks, everyone is welcomed with Disney magic. From cast members responding to guests needs to the hidden gems all over the parks, Disney memories are easy to create.
But, guests are becoming savvier. The classic, old school Disney favorite rides, like It’s a Small World, can’t compare to the high speed thrills and simulation experiences. With the addition of Pandora — The World of Avatar, Disney embraces the new technologies.
Floating mountains grace the sky while exotic plants fill the colorful landscape inside Pandora – The World of AVATAR, opening May 27, 2017, at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Pandora – The World of AVATAR will bring a variety of new experiences to the park, including a family-friendly attraction called Na’vi River Journey and new food & beverage and merchandise locations. Disney’s Animal Kingdom is one of four theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Matt Stroshane, photographer)
As reports of the new Pandora are released, this new experience makes Disney’s Animal Kingdom a must visit for park guests. While fans of the James Cameron movie have eagerly anticipated each new tidbit, theme park enthusiasts are excited about this world. Pandora features rides, interactive elements and an unforgettable experience.
Flight of the Passage
The biggest thrill ride in Pandora is Flight of the Passage. This ride is Disney’s biggest foray into a simulator ride. Created to simulate a ride on the back of a banshee, this experience brings guests the feeling of flight. After passing through an elaborate queue, guest sit on a seat simulator that looks like a motorcycle.
Once ready for take-off, guests soar of the Pandora world. The simulator and seat give guests the most realistic experience. From huge plunges to soaring heights, guests will be thrilled for every second of the four minute ride.
Unfortunately, Flight of the Passage is for older, taller guests. The ride has a height requirement of 44 inches. Younger Avatar fans will have to wait for their banshee flight, but other rides in Pandora are family inclusive.
Pandora – The World of Avatar opens May 27, 2017, bringing exciting new experiences to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. New attractions include the family-friendly Na’vi River Journey. The adventure begins as guests sail in reed boats down a mysterious, sacred river hidden within the bioluminescent rainforest. The full beauty of Pandora reveals itself as the boats pass by exotic glowing plants and amazing creatures. The journey culminates in an encounter with a Na’vi shaman, who has a deep connection to the life force of Pandora and sends positive energy out into the forest through her music. Disney’s Animal Kingdom is one of four theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Kent Phillips, photographer)
Na’vi River Journey
Since Disney embraces the idea family memories, a family inclusive ride in Pandora was necessary. The Na’vi River Journey is an all ages ride that is visually breathtaking. The bioluminescent forest is the backdrop to the river journey. The colorful, glowing plants enhance the gentle river cruise.
As guests continue their journey, the highlight of the experience is the 10 foot tall shaman. This animatronic shaman is a work of wonder. Disney exceeded expectations with this detailed ride aspect. From tiny facial expressions to even blinking, the shaman conveys almost real human emotion.
One ride down the Na’vi River won’t be enough for fans. Each journey could reveal a new detail that was missed before. The journey will surely become a Fast Pass must.
Pandora — The World of Avatar opens on May 27. Since this addition is highly anticipated, crowds may be higher than normal. Some annual passes and special ticket passes may be unavailable. Check with the Disney website for any restrictions.
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Are you ready to be awe-inspired? It is time to journey to Pandora at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Disney has expanded its magical memories to another land.