Avatar ride Animal Kingdom opening date

After YEARS of hype and build up, we officially have an opening date! Pandora – The World of Avatar will open at Disney’s Animal Kingdom on May 27!

This new land will transport guests to the visually stunning world of Pandora, straight from the film Avatar. In Pandora, guests will wonder at floating mountains and bioluminescent plants as they make their way through the enchanting land.

Walt Disney Imagineering has collaborated with filmmaker James Cameron and Lightstorm Entertainment is bringing to life the mythical world of Pandora, inspired the film, Avatar, to Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Guests will enter the land of Pandora through a bridge found near the new table service restaurant, Tiffins. When they enter the land, they will come into the Alpha Centauri Expeditions base camp. For those who don’t know, Alpha Centauri Expeditions is the eco-tour group that is preparing Pandora for further exploration.

Pandora – The World of Avatar will feature two attractions. The first is a family friendly boat ride called Na’vi River Journey that will take Guests into a visually stunning world where they will travel into a bioluminescent rainforest through a sacred river and an encounter with a Na’vi Shaman.

In the second attraction, called Flight of Passage, Guests will have the incredible opportunity to ride on a Banshee over the world of Pandora.

Pandora will also feature a restaurant called Satu’li Canteen which will feature displays of Na’vi art and cultural items.

At Windtraders, Guests will able to pick up their Pandora souvenirs including  Na’vi cultural items, toys, science kits, and more.

Finally, Pongu Pongu will be a special drink location.

While reception to the addition of Pandora – The World of Avatar to Disney’s Animal Kingdom has been lackluster in the past, it will be interesting to see how the park transform with the addition of an all new destination.

While it is currently unknown if there will be any sneak peeks, stay tuned to the blog for more news revolving around Pandora!

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  Pandora — The World of Avatar — Disney’s Animal Kingdom

  Pandora — The World of Avatar is the newest land in Disney’s Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World. Opened on May 27, 2017, Pandora welcomes guests to an environment — called the Valley of Mo’ara — inspired by the Avatar film franchise.

  
  Pandora’s Floating Mountains

  Pandora’s creation was guided by master Imagineer Joe Rohde and features immersive spacial design and experiences. Here, we’ll show you everything you can expect to find in Pandora — The World of Avatar.

  
  Pandora

  Pandora Atmosphere and Layout

  Pandora captures the “magic of nature”, according to DisneyWorld.com, and one — or really two — walks through the land will show you why. During the day, Pandora is a mix of Earthly and otherworldly plant life and formations…

  
  Valley of Mo’ara

  …and at night, the land comes to life in a spectrum of bioluminescent flora everywhere you look, from the pathways to the soaring trees. It’s truly not to be missed.

  
  Pandora at night

  The centerpiece of the land is the Floating Mountains. These are known to some as The Hallelujah Mountains. To the Na’vi people, they’re sacred sites called Ayram alusìng (Floating Mountains). In Animal Kingdom, they’re a stunning feat of engineering, art, and imagination. To see the Floating Mountains from Imagineer Rohde’s perspective, check out this post on his Instagram.

  
  Pandora’s Floating Mountains

  Pandora is located on the left side of the Park in the space formerly occupied by Camp Minnie Mickey (and that had originally been earmarked for Beastly Kingdom). The land has two entrances. One entrance is off Discovery Island past Tiffins and Nomad Lounge. The other is from Africa past the Festival of the Lion King theater in Harambe.

  
  Pandora — World of Avatar Map

  The paths of the Valley of Mo’ara encourage some wandering, with plant life, stunning views, and entertainment tucked throughout the land. If you’re looking for Flight of Passage, though, you’ll find its entrance under the Floating Mountains in the center of the land. Na’vi River Journey, the land’s second attraction, is located in the left back corner of the land (the star toward the bottom of the map pictured above). Dining locations are on the right side of the land (pictured at the top of the map above). More on attractions and dining below.

  Pandora Attractions

  Of course, the Floating Mountains aren’t the only attraction on Pandora. Two rides bring guests into the life and surroundings of the Na’vi people living in the Valley of Mo’ara.

  Flight of Passage

  Flight of Passage is the land’s signature ride, and since Pandora opened in 2017, it has easily been one of the hardest FastPass+ reservations to get and one of the longest lines to endure (or enjoy, depending on your perspective).

  
  Flight of Passage Entrance

  Flight of Passage is a simulator at its core, but anyone who’s ridden it will tell you that it’s so much more. You’ll find the queue for Flight of Passage toward the back of the land.

  
  Flight of Passage queue artwork

  Click here to visit our Flight of Passage page for details about the backstory, the queue, and the ride experience.

  Avatar Flight of Passage

  Rating: 9.4/ 10 Recommended By: 96%

  
  Read All Reviews (189)
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  Na’vi River Journey

  The land’s second attraction is decidedly less intense, but it’s no less beautiful. Na’vi River Journey is a boat ride down a peaceful Pandoran river. Pandora’s bountiful wildlife, including insects, plants, and animals, are ‘alive’ around you.

  
  Navi River Journey

   

  The ride ends with a chanting Na’vi shaman, an animatronic that is incredible in its realness.

  
  Navi River Journey

  See more from the Na’vi River Journey queue and ride — including the ride vehicle — here.

  Na'vi River Journey

  Rating: 6.7/ 10 Recommended By: 71%

  
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  Pandora Dining

  Dining in Pandora is limited to just three locations, but each offers unique food and drink options worth traveling to another planet for.

  Satu’li Canteen

  Satu’li Canteen is the land’s Quick Service restaurant, and it regularly tops the list for favorite eats and restaurants in all of Animal Kingdom (and Walt Disney World).

  
  Satu’li Canteen

  Satu’li Canteen’s menu centers around unique offerings: customizable bowls that allow a diner to select their base, protein, and sauce. The bowls have become very popular with guests looking for something different — perhaps something lighter — than standard theme park food.

  
  Fish and potato hash bowl

  Satu’li Canteen’s other popular offering is Cheeseburger Pods. These hit all the right flavor notes for a cheeseburger, but the steamed buns are a Pandoran touch.

  
  Cheeseburger Pods

  Satu’li accepts Mobile Order (and was the first restaurant in the World to do so!). And diners have plenty of seating both inside and outside.

  
  Outdoor Seating

  Satu'li Canteen

  Rating: 8.9/ 10 Recommended By: 94%

  
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  Pongu Pongu

  Pongu means party in Na’vi, so you know this walk-up window is going to offer some fun eats and drinks! There are two signature items at Pongu Pongu: the Night Blossom slush and the Pongu Lumpia.

   

  The Pongu Lumpia is a pineapple and cream cheese-filled spring roll in the style of Filipino lumpias. This handheld treat is good any time of day, but we love grabbing one right before jumping in line for Flight of Passage!

  
  Pineapple Lumpia

  The Night Blossom is a blend of apple, desert pear, and limeade slushies topped with passion fruit boba balls. This refreshing drink is a favorite, especially in the heat of mid-day in central Florida!

  
  Night Blossom

  Pongu Pongu  also features Hawkes’ Grog Ale in bright green and a colossal pretzel that is easily big enough to share, making this funky counter spot a must-try.

  Pongu Pongu - Pandora

  Rating: 8.4/ 10 Recommended By: 95%

  
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  ACE Mobile Treats

  ACE Mobile Treats is the land’s frozen treat and beverage cart, and while that may not seem very exciting, believe it or not, this unassuming cart offers yet another unique-to-Pandora treat!

  
  Pandora ACE Mobile Treats

  The Fruits of Mo’ara Fruit Bar is an ice pop with three layers of flavor: strawberry, lime, and raspberry. This spot is also one of the only places in the World you’ll find the Outshine Coconut Bar.

  
  ACE Mobile Treats

  Pandora Shopping

  When visiting another planet, you’ll want a souvenir by which to remember your adventure. Thankfully, the Na’vi of Pandora have a shop for that.

  Windtraders

  Windtraders is located between Flight of Passage and Satu’li Canteen on the right side of the land. This indoor retail store offers some typical — though typically Pandora-branded — merchandise like tee shirts, hats, and plush. But you may also find a new friend.

  
  Windtraders

  That’s because, when in Pandora, you can purchase your very own banshee from the Banshee Rookery in Windtraders! These interactive toys have articulated mouths, necks, and wings and make noises in response to your actions. And with ten (or more) designs from which to choose, you can determine the banshee (or ikran) that’s right for you. Carry your banshee in your hands, or let it perch on your shoulder for the ultimate Pandoran accessory.

  
  Adopt a Banshee in Pandora

  Colors of Mo’ara

  If you or your traveling companions like a good bit of face paint, the Colors of Mo’ara will give you a unique treatment that’ll have you fitting in with the Na’vi better than ever!

  
  Colors of Mo’ara

  This stand is located near the Discovery Island entrance to the land, and in addition to face painting, you’ll also find a selection of Pandoran souvenirs.

  Pandora Entertainment

  Na’vi River Journey and Flight of Passage are Pandora’s main attractions, but as this is still a Disney Park, there’s more entertainment around every corner!

  Pandora Rangers

  The Pandora Rangers wear a Exo-Carrier Utility Suit and put on an interactive show near the exit of Flight of Passage. This show is a demonstration of how the suit works. And in our experience, it’s both interesting and a little intimidating!

  
  Pandora Rangers Utility Suit

  Swotu-Wayä

  These Pandora Drummers beat from the “sacred place of song” along the paths near Na’vi River Journey. Follow your ears to experience unique and energetic beats in the Valley of Mo’ara.

  
  The Swotu Wayä Na’vi Drum Ceremony in Pandora

  Guests may even be able to play the drums themselves when a show is not in progress. Feel the rhythm of the land on your next visit!

  
  Pandora Drums

  Wilderness Explorers

  If you or your little adventurers are planning to become Wilderness Explorers in Animal Kingdom, Pandora has its own Wilderness Explorers booth and Cast Members. Be sure to find them along the trails in the center of the land.

  
  Wilderness Explorers

  Coin Press Machine

  If you’re collecting pressed coins during your Walt Disney World vacation, find a coin press machine at Windtraders.

  Pandora Amenities

  Restrooms

  There are three restrooms located in Pandora. The first is located on your left when you enter the land from Discovery Island. These include a companion restroom and changing tables (in the women’s restroom).

  
  Restrooms

  The second restroom is located to the left of Satu’li Canteen on the far right side of the land. This restroom also offers a companion restroom and two changing tables in the women’s restroom.

   

  A third pair of single restrooms is located mid-queue for Flight of Passage. These do not offer changing tables.

  
  Flight of Passage Mid-Queue Restroom

  Note: The Park’s Baby Care Center is located in Discovery Island, so if you’re looking for services or supplies for a young child, you’ll have to backtrack to Discovery Island, just behind Creature Comforts.

  Bottle Refill Stations

  There are two bottle refill stations in Pandora (in addition to water fountains located near the land’s restrooms). Bottle refill stations are found in the queues for Na’vi River Journey and Flight of Passage.

  
  Refillable Water Bottle Station

  Pandora Services

  If you require Hearing Disability Services during your vacation, Flight of Passage and Na’vi River Journey offer this service. Learn more about Hearing Disability Services here.

  When did Avatar World Open in Animal Kingdom?

  Construction on the area began on January 10, 2014, and the land opened to the public on May 27, 2017. ... Pandora – The World of Avatar..

  Is the Avatar ride at Animal Kingdom worth the wait?

  Avatar flight of passage is AWESOME I love it. It's this really cool simulation ride, where you flight a banshee in pandora. It's really cool and fun and it's a great ride for the little ones, I definitely recommend you to ride it. Although the rides tend to get long, so I highly recommend you get a fastpass.

  How long is the wait for Avatar at Animal Kingdom?

  In fact, many people will begin at Animal Kingdom and park hop after lunch. Towards the end of the night or sometimes even during the middle of the day you may see wait times at Flight of Passage dip to 50 minutes or even 25 minutes. If you see a Flight of Passage wait time of 20 minutes, it's essentially a walk on.

  How much did Avatar cost at Animal Kingdom?

  Disney's Animal Kingdom has recently welcomed a new addition to the park, the long anticipated Pandora – the World of Avatar. Replacing Camp Minnie-Mickey, Pandora – the World of Avatar is a $500m (€446m, £386m) immersive land inspired by James Cameron's 2009 Academy Award-winning blockbuster.