Exploring “Pandora – The World of Avatar” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom


Pandora – The World of Avatar is a themed land located within Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. It is based on James Cameron’s blockbuster film Avatar and features immersive attractions, dining, and shopping experiences.

The land features two main attractions: Avatar Flight of Passage and Na’vi River Journey. Avatar Flight of Passage is a thrilling simulator ride that takes guests on a breathtaking flight over Pandora on the back of a banshee, while Na’vi River Journey is a gentle boat ride through a bio-luminescent rainforest.

In addition to the attractions, Pandora also features unique dining experiences, such as Satu’li Canteen, which offers a menu inspired by the Na’vi culture, and Pongu Pongu, a quick-service location that serves refreshing drinks and snacks.

The land is also known for its stunning theming, which includes floating mountains, bio-luminescent plants, and intricate details that transport guests to the world of Pandora.

Rides and Attractions

Avatar Flight of Passage

Avatar Flight of Passage is a thrilling attraction located in Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park. The ride is a 3D simulator that takes guests on a breathtaking flight over Pandora on the back of a banshee, a mythical creature from the Avatar film.

The queue is designed to look like a research facility for the Avatar program. Along the way, guests will see various artifacts and equipment related to the program, as well as a number of interactive elements such as touch screens and video displays.

Once riders reach the main platform, they are directed to a seating area where they are paired with a banshee. Guests then put on 3D glasses and board their individual ride vehicles, which are designed to simulate the sensation of riding on the back of a banshee.

The ride takes guests on a thrilling journey through Pandora, with the vehicle tilting, turning, and dropping to simulate the sensation of flying. Along the way, guests will see stunning landscapes, encounter exotic creatures and even engage in a thrilling chase sequence.

Na’vi River Journey

Na’vi River Journey is a gentle boat ride located in Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park. The ride takes guests on a journey through a bioluminescent rainforest, showcasing the beauty and wonder of Pandora.

To experience the ride, guests board a small boat and travel along a river, passing by stunning landscapes, exotic creatures, and glowing plants and animals. The ride is designed to be a relaxing and immersive experience, with beautiful music and stunning visuals that transport guests to the world of Avatar.

One of the highlights of the ride is the Shaman of Songs, a life-like animatronic figure that sings a beautiful song in the Na’vi language. The figure is incredibly detailed and realistic, and is a must-see for fans of animatronics and theme park attractions.

Overall, Na’vi River Journey is a tranquil and relaxing attraction that is perfect for families and guests looking for a more low-key experience at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Dining & Shopping

Satu’li Canteen

Satu’li Canteen is a quick-service restaurant located within Pandora – The World of Avatar. This restaurant serves dishes inspired by the Na’vi people and their culture, including customizable bowls with options like grilled beef, chicken, tofu, or shrimp, as well as a variety of sides and desserts. It also offers a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including specialty cocktails and draft beers.

The theming of Satu’li Canteen is designed to transport guests to the mystical world of Pandora, with decor featuring Na’vi artifacts and artwork, as well as interactive elements like a display of bio-luminescent plants.  

Operating hours are typically 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Click here to see the menu at Satu’li Canteen.

Windtraders

Windtraders is a retail shop located in the Pandora – The World of Avatar. The store offers a variety of merchandise inspired by the world of Pandora, including Na’vi cultural artifacts, clothing, and accessories. Guests can also purchase interactive toys like banshees, which are winged creatures that guests can adopt and take home with them.

This store is designed to immerse guests in the world of Pandora, with theming that includes Na’vi-inspired architecture and decor. Windtraders is a popular destination for guests looking to bring home a piece of the magical world of Avatar.

Where Should We Stay When Visiting the Walt Disney World Resort?

The Walt Disney World Resort has a number of great on-site hotels and each and every one of them have their own benefits, characteristics and price points.

There are multiple “categories” of hotels which are as follows:

  • Deluxe Resort Hotels
  • Deluxe Resort Villas
  • Moderate Resort Hotels
  • Disney’s Campgrounds
  • Value Resort Hotels

Deluxe resort hotels include the Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Disney’s Boardwalk Inn, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, Disney’s Beach Club Resort and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

These resort hotels are all located adjacent to a Walt Disney World theme park (Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT and Disney’s Animal Kingdom) and offer easy access to that park as well as superior amenities and accommodations. 

In addition Disney’s hotels and resorts, there are a number of other hotel options including the hotels in the Disney Springs Resort Area and those within the Bonnet Creek Resort.

Click here to learn more about hotels at the Walt Disney World Resort

Jerry Joyce

Jerry Joyce has been a Florida resident since 1988 and has lived in a variety of places in the South Florida area. Jerry is an avid boater & water sports enthusiast, beach aficionado, a lover of great food, muscle car fan and a theme park annual passholder for many years. Some of his favorite places in Florida include the Florida Keys, Walt Disney World, Cedar Key, the Loxahatchee River, St. Augustine and Ten Thousand islands.

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