I was invited by Walt Disney Special Events to attend a private preview of Pandora – World of Avatar at Animal Kingdom, but all opinions and photos are my own.
Pandora – World of Avatar at Disney World is a wonder to behold. I had my skepticism towards the new expansion in Animal Kingdom. ‘How are they going to make it feel as huge as the World of Avatar?’ ‘Is there going to be anything to do over there?’ ‘Is it just an addition to keep people in Animal Kingdom full day?’ See, even hard core Disney lovers are skeptical about change. I could not have been more pleasantly surprised and wowed by the additions Disney World has made in Animal Kingdom with Pandora.
Must Sees in Pandora – World of Avatar at Disney World
I was fortunate enough to get a sneak peek of Pandora a few weeks before it will open May 27th, 2017. It was a bit of a whirlwind trip through the land and I definitely did not get enough time to explore. I would say that, currently, Pandora is a half-day experience, even without being completely finished. On May 27th Pandora will include Satu’li Canteen, and Pongu Pongu (refreshments), Na’vi River Journey, and Avatar – Flight of Passage (attractions).
My Top Choice
If you only have a short time in Pandora, I suggest making Avatar – Flight of Passage your only stop. After riding that attraction I had a hard time describing it to my friends and family. The best way to describe that ride is ’emotional’. The ride simulates a thrilling ride on the back of a banshee with technology that hasn’t been used anywhere. I felt a little silly when I caught myself tearing up during the ride and was worried someone would have seen. After leaving the ride, many of my fellow bloggers had the exact same experience!
TIP: Stay at a Disney World Resort to earn an extra hour in the park before it opens to the public! I hadn’t planned on visiting Disney World again until Toy Story Land and Star Wars Land had both opened in 2019 but I’m afraid I can not wait that long to go on Flight of Passage again.
My skepticism regarding Disney not being able to make the park feel like Pandora – World of Avatar was silly. I should have known the Imagineers would blow us all out of the water. We were there during the day and was able to see all the beautiful colors of the flora and mountains. During the night the land becomes bio luminescent like the Na’vi River Journey.
The attraction is similar to Small World in that you sit in a boat and float through the ride viewing the night time world of Pandora. There’s so much to look at as you glide through the mysterious land but the highlight is the Shaman of Songs sending her positive energy out into the forest through the power of her music. They used the CGI animation technology they used on Seven Dwarfs Mine Train but perfected it on a giant Avatar. It’s hard to believe she’s not real!
The photos don’t even do it justice. You’ll need to go check it out for yourself! Check out my friend Misty’s thoughts on our trip to Pandora. If you’d like to see more about my favorite attractions in Disney World, go here.
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