New Details and a Recap of What to Expect When Exploring Pandora – The World of Avatar

Wow! Yesterday was a flurry of new information all about Pandora – World of Avatar courtesy of a plethora of ABC shows -“The Chew”, “Good Morning America“, “The View“, and “Nightline.”  The goal of these spots were clearly to get excitement ramped up and it most certainly worked!

So if you’re looking forward to the official opening of this new land as much as I am, here’s what you should know courtesy of recent news developments. (If you want to avoid minor spoilers about the land, stop reading now. This is your only warning!)

According to James Cameron. The story is that we are found in a generation of Pandora after all the movies when the warfare between the humans and Na’vi is over. The Na’vi have welcomed us to Pandora to help us understand nature and ourselves better. Essentially, we are welcome because we are here to learn and educate ourselves.

There are two Pandoras that Guests will get to experience. Day and night. Trust me, you will want to see this place lit up at night!

Guests walk through an opening and will be immersed in the Valley of Mo’ara. Here, Guests can walk right under the enormous floating mountains. The land is lush and is a mixture of earth plants and Pandorian foliage that all helps to gives the idea that it’s a real ecosystem. Of course, these plants will come to life with beautiful bioluminescence each night.

The Valley of Mo’ara will also include a Na’vi-built drum circle that will contain instruments that are playable by all, Na’vi totems and other cultural items found. For those who are Wilderness Explorers fans, there will be brand new challenges and badges to collect in Pandora too! Guests who visit may even come across tour guides from Alpha Centauri Expeditions (ACE), scientists from the Pandora Conservation Initiative (PCI), or even an eclectic expat or two!

On Avatar Flight of Passage, Gusts will experience an all-new expedition that lets interstellar explorers climb atop a mountain banshee for a breathtaking, first-person flight over the moon’s incredible landscape.  In the pre-show area, you will be scanned, “decontaminated” and matched to your very own Avatar. You will then don special glasses and once on the attraction, and sit on linked chairs that will actually connect us to the banshee and will make us feel like you are flying on your own personal creature. According to the video on Nightline, Guests will not straddle a “banshee” creature like has been suspected, but will instead sit on a platform that sort of resembles a stationary bike that you will walk into and sit down on. (Note, my interpretation from the video.) Avatar Flight of Passage has a height requirement of 44 in. It is apparently extremely exhilarating.

On the Na’vi River Journey, Guests will glide down a gentle, mysterious river and feel a sense of wonder. As your expedition begins, climb aboard a reed boat and drift downstream. After coasting through a series of caves, Guests head into a ceremonial forest. Here you will pass by exotic glowing plants and amazing creatures of the rainforest. (Like viper wolves, comparable to a coyote.) You’ll soon find yourself face-to-face with the Na’vi Shaman of Songs. The adventure comes to a conclusion as the Shaman demonstrates her deep connection to the life force of Pandora. Na’vi River Journey features no height requirement, so it’s perfect for all ages.

The main dining establishment is the Satu’li Canteen which has taken over a former RDA mess hall. It is adorned with Na’vi art and cultural items. This fast casual dining establishment (which I suspect will be similar in concept to Be Our Guest at lunch where you order and food is brought to your table) will offer cuisine that is international-inspired with vegetarian options available and specialty libations. Dishes such as the Satu’li Bowl with wood-grilled beef, served atop whole grains and dressed with charred onion chimichurri will include wholesome grains, fresh vegetables and hearty proteins. Oh and don’t forget dessert, as you’ll want to make sure to pick up the Na’vi blueberry cheesecake served with passion fruit curd.

At Pongu Pongu, which is a beverage and snack stand that is “owned” by a friendly expat serving out-of-this-world drinks. Pongu Pongu means “Party Party in Na’vi is a spot where Guests will be able to enjoy Na’vi-inspired refreshment – one of which is actually frozen, biolumicent and glows with passion fruit boba balls on top.

At Pongu Pongu, Guests will also be able to try Lumpia, a cream cheese and pineapple spring roll. These are of Chinese origin, but they are popular street food in the Philippines and Indonesia. Traditionally, they are filled with meat and veggies, but of course, Disney decided to plus them up. If they are served warm like they appeared to be on “The Chew,” I will certainly be getting one (or five) of these on my first visit!

At Windtraders, Guests will be able to discover exotic merchandise and souvenirs that Pandora. Here, the walls have long since been overtaken by natural root structures, which serve as the displays for a variety of mementos and take-home treasures. Guests will be able to purchase Na’vi cultural artifacts and animal toys to science kits and Alpha Centauri Expeditions (ACE) apparel.

The final experience Guests can partake in on Pandora is Colors of Mo’ara. This kiosk will allow you to paint your face with Na’vi-inspired artwork. Colors of Mo’ara is run by local expats and will feature the ability to get authentic Pandoran markings, along with purchasing select merchandise.

May 27 cannot get here soon enough, as it will be so exciting to finally get to explore the land of Pandora – The World of Avatar.