Five Things to Know About Pandora – the World of Avatar

Pandora – The World of Avatar is an immersive, unique section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom park. Inspired by James Cameron’s 2009 film Avatar, it surrounds guests with a variety of experiences that bring Pandora to life in new and exciting ways. The attention to detail makes it a visual spectacle, especially at night when the area glows, and the land is infused with elements from the Na’vi culture, including totems, artwork, and symbols. Taken together, it’s an experience unlike any other in the parks.

1. You’ll truly feel like you’re on another world.

Pandora – The World of Avatar was a collaborative effort between Imagineers, Lightstorm Entertainment, James Cameron, and Jon Landau. It was built in the former location of Camp Minnie-Mickey, which was originally earmarked for Beastly Kingdom – a section of the park that never materialized.

You enter the land through the Valley of Mo’ara. Be sure to take a moment to read the warnings posted on the sign and check out the map. As you cross over the bridge from Discovery Island, you’ll immediately know you’re not in Kansas anymore. The landscape is amazing: plush, lush and unlike anything elsewhere. Over 250 plant species were utilized, while Imagineers created others that are native to Pandora.

A short distance in along the path, you see the “wienie” of the park: the floating mountains of Pandora. It’s hard to get a sense of just how remarkable they are from a picture but trust us – they’re amazing. There’s much to see and the attention to detail throughout makes Pandora a visual spectacle, especially at night when the whole landscape glows.

Keep an eye open throughout to see elements of the Na’vi culture; the cast members will even greet guests in the Na’vi language! Taken together, Pandora – the World of Avatar is a testament to the prowess of Disney’s Imagineers and a truly immersive environment.

2. You can fly or just float.

Two of the most popular attractions in Animal Kingdom are located in Pandora. Avatar Flight of Passage is the big draw here, and for good reason. A 3D flight simulator (but really that’s understating it), it allows guests to experience what it would be like to ride on the back of a banshee through the landscapes of Pandora. Breathtaking visuals, a great story, and a truly immersive experience combine to give guests a ride unlike any other in the parks.

On the other end of the thrill spectrum is the Na’vi River Journey.  A slow-moving, peaceful boat ride through the bioluminescent rainforest gives your eyes and ears a feast as you encounter the native flora and fauna of Pandora. Your gentle journey ends with the Shaman of Songs, perhaps the most impressive audio-animatronic figure Disney has created.

3. You can eat and shop on Pandora, too.

There are no Table Service options here, but it’s worth a stop at the Satu’li Canteen for lunch or dinner – it’s the #1-ranked Quick Service restaurant in Animal Kingdom. This menu features healthy and flavorful dishes inspired by Pandora’s ecosystem, such as grain bowls, salads, and the popular and unique cheeseburger pods.

Another option is Pongu Pongu (which translates to Party Party). This is basically a kiosk where you can grab breakfast and some snacks during the rest of the day. Pandora-themed drinks include the popular Night Blossom, a non-alcoholic layered drink, and the Mo’ara Margarita. The egg roll filled with pineapple cream cheese called the Pongu Lumpia is a specialty of the house!

As for shopping, Windtraders is the main store in Pandora. Guests can purchase a variety of Avatar-themed merchandise, including Banshee puppets and some customizable souvenirs. You can also adopt a banshee, see what you’d look like as an Avatar and make jewelry. Colors of Mo’ara is a merchandise kiosk located near Na’vi River Journey where you can find a smaller selection of themed merchandise.

4. Pandora has its secrets, as well.

As you tour, it helps to know that this land’s story is set 10 years after the events of the first Avatar movie. It’s clear that the bad guys (the RDA) have left Pandora. The good guys (ACE) have begun working in cooperation with the Na’vi to undue the ecological damage that was wrought on the planet by the RDA. Having said that…

⭐ See if you can spot the remains of an RDA helicopter half-hidden by the forest as you walk along the paths.

⭐ Note that signs left over from when the RDA was present are old and rusty; signs placed by ACE all appear to be newer.

⭐ Outside the Flight of the Banshee is a woven sculpture of a Banshee – and on the path before you enter there are Na’vi footprints (see how yours compare).

⭐ Outside the Na’vi River journey is a woven sculpture of the Shaman you see at the end of the ride.

⭐ At Pongu Pongu, you’ll see lots of dog tags hanging in the back. They feature the names of the people who worked on Pandora – the World of Avatar.

⭐ Also in the back of Pongu Pongu, you can spot a small replica of the Death Star from Star Wars. Who knows why?

5. There’s a message here for all of us.

Much in keeping with the ecological themes of Animal Kingdom as a park, Pandora has a strong emphasis on conservation, environmental stewardship, and the connection between nature and culture. While it’s subtle and doesn’t hit you over the head with an overt statement of any kind, Pandora bears witness to the damage that can be done to the environment by careless exploitation of resources. It also illustrates the effort such damage can have on indigenous peoples. Pandora serves as a reminder of just how much work it takes to restore balance and undo the damage caused by greed.

The Bottom Line.

Pandora is a must-see destination at Animal Kingdom. It blends cutting-edge technology with incredible storytelling and an immersive environment. These all work together to offer guests an experience like no other. Pandora at night is a whole different experience, but it’s worth noting during some parts of the year Animal Kingdom closes before it’s dark enough to really see what it looks like when the landscape is glowing. Plan accordingly!

Have you visited Pandora? What did you think? Let us know in the comments.