Kaltxì, interplanetary adventurers! There's no doubt that you're here because you're preparing to travel across the stars to visit Pandora — The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom. This is a land full of adventure, nature and beauty that still draws many visitors who are looking to experience the wondrous world of the Na'vi. This guide to Pandora — The World of Avatar will give you an overview of the land itself, a detailed look at its attractions, entertainment and shopping, frogtastic photo-ops and a handy-dandy FAQ to help with any questions you may have about this gorgeous, otherworldly destination. Oel ngati kameie!
Pandora — The World of Avatar Overview
Pandora — The World of Avatar is inspired by the 2009 film "Avatar" by director James Cameron. In the film, soldiers from Earth travel to Pandora and are linked to Avatars, large creatures that resemble the planet's native inhabitants, the Na'vi. Guests visit Pandora at Disney's Animal Kingdom with the help of ACE, Alpha Centauri Expeditions. This group acts as your host and eco-friendly tour guide for the wonders of Pandora. ACE has created experiences that will let you fly on the back of a banshee and sample local food and drink.
Before you embark on your journey, it's important to understand that ...
Pandora Has Changed How Everyone Visits Disney's Animal Kingdom
For years, Disney's Animal Kingdom was generally considered a half-day park. This was not necessarily due to its smaller number of attractions and shows, but rather its shorter hours. When Animal Kingdom closed, guests would either head back to the hotels or Disney Springs, or they would hop to another park.
With the addition of Pandora in 2017, there is plenty to do at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Depending on the time of year and park hours, you can see the Tree of Life illuminated at night with vibrant colors and animal projections. Pandora's bioluminescent flora is another addition that makes those nighttime hours worth a later visit.
With three theme parks now offering some kind of nighttime experience, guests will need to adjust schedules and perhaps make some different choices. Do you skip Happily Ever After for a few hours to see Pandora aglow? Will you start your morning in one park and keep the tadpoles awake and fed for a nighttime hop over to Disney's Animal Kingdom? Where do you fit your planned evening entertainment at Disney Springs? There are decisions to be made (but at least they're fun ones!).
How Does Pandora Connect to Disney's Animal Kingdom?
Disney's Animal Kingdom was designed to showcase and illustrate man's relationship with nature. The theme of the film "Avatar" also focuses on man's relationship with nature. In many ways, Pandora is a fictionalized way to showcase this theme, and you'll see that reinforced throughout Pandora.
Inside Disney's Animal Kingdom, Pandora is located to the left of Discovery Island, the park's hub. Upon entering Animal Kingdom and heading into Discovery Island, you'll want to bear (ANIMAL JOKE!) left at the Tree of Life. Hang another left at Pizzafari and follow the path toward Pandora. Or, you could simply follow the masses of people.
For people who are familiar with the park's history, Pandora is where Camp Minnie-Mickey was located. While the above location is the main entryway into Pandora, it's not the only way in. There is a second entrance located just past Festival of the Lion King in the Africa section. This alternate entrance will take you along the park's river, which gives you a pleasant approach to Pandora.
Entering Pandora - The Valley of Mo'ara
As you cross the bridge that connects Discovery Island to Pandora, you start to see, hear and feel a subtle shift. Otherworldly insect noises fill your ears, and a large ACE sign welcomes you to the Valley of Mo'ara. Look at the map and be sure to heed the sign's warnings.
The first sign of otherworldly life is the giant Flasca Reclonada. While this large plant looms over the entrance, it's inviting. Step up to the plant and touch its exposed pinkish insides. The Flasca Reclonada will convey its delight with water and steam.
A few steps further into the Valley of Mo'ara leads to Pandora's most amazing sight — the floating mountains. We goosebumps every time we see them. The photos don't do it justice. You simply cannot believe that they are real and floating above the valley. You need to walk underneath them to truly appreciate their size. Stand by the waterfalls on the left side for a great view.
The Valley of Mo'ara is filled with pathways, bridges, seating areas and creatures and unique plant life. Keep an eye out for Vein Pods (green pod-like plants), Puffball Trees (large round trees) and the spiny-like Grinch Tree.
Take your time wandering the Valley of Mo'ara. Its beauty is unlike anything you've ever seen, and the landscaping of familiar and alien plant life creates a calming sense of wonder.
Pandora — The World of Avatar at Night
It ... is ... stunning. Really, that's the best way to describe the Valley of Mo'ara at night.
As the sun starts to set, the native alien plants slowly begin to share their bioluminescent qualities. The pathways that you walk on will also start to glow. Through its subtle lighting cues and the bioluminescent plants, Pandora at night is a breathtaking experience.
Pandora — The World of Avatar Rides
Avatar Flight of Passage - Pandora's headlining ride has continued to draw long lines since its opening in 2017. It makes sense, as it is truly a one-of-a-kind ride you have to see to believe. (I mean, who would have thought we'd be able to ride a banshee?!) It still can be a challenge to get a Lightning Lane reservation (especially on busier days), so if you are a super fan or don't have antsy tadpoles, we encourage you to go standby on your first visit to experience the full queue.
The story of Flight of Passage is that visitors will be linked to Avatars in order to participate in a Na'vi rite of passage — flying on a banshee.
The standby queue for Avatar Flight of Passage is an attraction unto itself. After climbing over a bridge and into the mountains, you find yourself in a cave. Cave paintings depicting the early days of flight with Na'vi and banshee surrounding you. They tell the story of the harmonious balance of Na'vi and banshee.
Turning from the cave, you find yourself in an RDA facility, literally blasted into the side of the cave. The RDA is a military group that arrived on Pandora and ruined the natural balance. Long since departed, the facility has been reused by ACE as the headquarters for the Mountain Banshee Project.
You'll wind your way into an active ACE research lab, complete with working experiments and a life-size Avatar inside a tank.
After wandering through the base, you'll find your way to the Linking Chambers, where a video will give you a little backstory on Pandora, the Na'vi conflicts with the RDA and information on the Banshee Conservation Initiative. In this room, you'll be linked to your Avatar (so cool!). The next room features a video on loading instructions, and you'll receive your 3-D glasses to finish preparing for your flight.
After the pre-show, you're led into the Linking Chambers, where you'll sit on bicycle-style seats. An ACE team member will apply restraints, one to your back, and one on each leg.
We're not going to spoil the experience, but we will say that the attraction is a next-generation version of Soarin'. It may trigger some motion sickness. Your Link Chair does move around, but not in an aggressive Star Tours-like fashion.
It is truly a breathtaking journey over Pandora and may leave you crying at the end (in a good way!). Standby lines reaching 120 minutes is still the norm. Make it your first stop after rope drop (or your last one before the park closes).
Note: If you use Lightning Lane, you will miss the majority of queue elements, including the lab and Avatar in the tank.
Na'vi River Journey - Pandora's other ride is just as beautiful as Avatar Flight of Passage, but for different reasons. While Flight of Passage takes you into the sky, the Na'vi River Journey sends riders along a river through a bioluminescent rainforest.
Your journey starts in the forest before winding into a large native structure, resembling a hut or shelter. You are surrounded by intricately woven designs, some on the ceiling, others on the ground.
Making your way into a cave, you'll board your boat. These eight-seat boats fit four per row. If you've ever boarded a Disney boat ride, you know how to get on.
The voyage itself is a meandering a four-and-a-half-minute voyage through the bioluminescent forest of Pandora. There is no story, but plenty to look at (and listen to!). The river is alive with plants, insects and creatures, such as the Viperwolf. The glowing river is a wonderous sight, and seeing enchanting objects in an indoor setting can be a welcome relief. Your journey's peaceful finale is an encounter with the Na'vi Shaman of Songs. Nearly 10-foot tall, she gracefully moves and sings an enchanting song (one that will be stuck in your head for most of your day). If you'd like to sneak a peek, then Tad has footage of this attraction posted on our YouTube channel.
Unlike Flight of Passage, you won't miss anything crucial if you skip the standby line. This is a great attraction for using Lightning Lane, as you merge with the regular line shortly before boarding. If you don't land a Lightning Lane reservation, keep an eye on wait times, as these surge and dwindle throughout the day.
Dining in Pandora — The World of Avatar
Pandora's main dining area serves dishes inspired by its nature-friendly surroundings. The area is themed as a former RDA mess hall that has been converted and overtaken by the natural surroundings. Stunning woven artwork hangs overhead, and traditional Na'vi artifacts are on display at the entryway.
Lunch and dinner feature the same items. Most of the options are bowl-style dishes, with different choices of proteins, veggies and grains. Pictured here is the Chili-Garlic Shrimp Bowl (customized with noodles and creamy herb sauce). I love washing this baby down with a Pandoran Sunrise and finishing my meal off with Blueberry Cream Cheese Mousse. There is also a children's menu available, as well as one for those with food allergies.
This counter-service restaurant became the first dining location at Walt Disney World where guests have the option of utilizing mobile ordering. It has since expanded to multiple locations throughout the parks.
With an atmosphere that's eerily similar to that of Florida (wink, wink), the residents of Pandora were smart to set up a convenient spot for drinks. Pongu Pongu (translated to Party Party) is a beverage window that serves refreshing alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks.
The signature nonalcoholic drink is the Night Blossom, a frozen limeade-apple drink with boba balls. Alcoholic drinks include two kinds of beers (Hawkes' Grog Ale or Mo'ara High Country Ale), the Rum Blossom and the Mo'ara Margarita. Pongu Pongu's signature dessert is the Pongu Lumpia — an egg roll filled with pineapple cream cheese. Have plenty of napkins on hand, as the warm roll fell apart quickly after biting into it! This is also our go-to spot for an early morning, quick breakfast; the Marshall's Favorite Stuffed Pancake Sandwich is delish, with just enough of an exotic touch to remind you that you're on Pandora.
Pandora World of Avatar Shopping
Windtraders
The lone gift shop at Pandora — The World of Avatar is conveniently located at the exit of Flight of Passage. Inside you will find an assortment of Pandora-themed merchandise. The different lines of clothing allow you to tastefully (or blatantly) showcase that you've been there, done that and have the T-shirt. A blacklight section features glow-in-the-dark items. The shop features all of the traditional theme park traditional souvenirs — hats, pins, plush — but also features three unique items. Banshee pets are small, mechanical puppets that you control with a small remote. You may also build your own 10-inch Na'vi figure and create your own Pandora necklace.
Colors of Mo'ara
Guests who want to add some Na'vi inspired face-painting to their look will want to visit this small kiosk near Na'vi River Journey.
Interacting with ACE Team Members
You will find ACE team members stationed all around Pandora. These eco-friendly guides are not just there to point out the restrooms — granted, that is helpful information. Each ACE team member is full of knowledge about the world around them. Not sure what that plant is? An ACE team member will not only tell you its name but also explain what it does and why it's important to the Pandora ecosystem.
If we hadn't struck up a conversation with an ACE team member, we would have missed out on a neat experience. These creatures in the above photo are the Sagittari, small octopus/squid-like animals. They hunt in a very unique way, by spraying water into the sky that stings their prey. Sure enough, with a wave of his hand, the ACE team member "spooked" the Sagittari, and we saw their spray kick in. Chatting with ACE team members are simple ways to get more involved in the Pandora story.
Park Plans and Lightning Lane Strategies for Pandora
Our Disney's Animal Kingdom park plan on the site and our Orlando planning app for iPhone include Pandora, so that you are toadally prepared when you decide to make the lightyears-long trip.
Looking to fly on a banshee or journey down the Kaspavan River? As of July 24, 2024, Disney Lightning Lane Passes replace Genie+ service. Check out our whole post of frequently asked questions about this new service post to get more information about how to score that coveted ride reservation.
What Hotels Are Near Animal Kingdom?
If you decide to stay at a Walt Disney World hotel, you're automatically granted Early Theme Park Entry. This magical benefit allows frogs staying on-site to enter all four theme parks half an hour before they officially open. During this early entry period, only select attractions, merchandise and food and beverage locations are operating, however, both Avatar Flight of Passage and Na'vi River Journey are consistently available — making that first half hour the perfect time to hop on either ride with minimal wait!
To get the full benefit of staying on-site, consider staying close by. The closest hotel is Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. This amazing African savannah-themed hotel is one of our favorite Deluxe hotels on property. In the Moderate category, there is Disney's Coronado Springs Resort and its great pool. From the Value category, both Disney's All-Star Sports Resort and Disney's All-Star Music Resort are close to Animal Kingdom.
Do You Have Discount Tickets for Pandora World of Avatar?
Yep! Bring the family down to Pandora with our discount Disney World tickets.
Pandora — The World of Avatar FAQs
What are the ride restrictions?
Avatar Flight of Passage has a height restriction of 44 inches (112 cm) or taller. Rider Switch is offered. Guests must transfer from wheelchairs/EVCs to the ride vehicle. As for restrictions, Disney has this posted on the Flight of Passage website:
- WARNING! For safety, you should be in good health and free from high blood pressure, heart, back or neck problems, motion sickness or other conditions that could be aggravated by this adventure. Expectant mothers should not ride.
The Link Chairs can be rather restrictive for some guests. The leg and back supports do prevent movement — this is for the guest's safety. There is a test Link Chair outside of the attraction's entrance for guests to determine if they will be comfortable enough to ride it.
Na'vi River Journey has no height restrictions or similar warnings. Guests must transfer from wheelchairs/EVCs to the ride vehicle.
I'm interested in speaking the Na'vi language. Can I practice at Pandora?
Yes! Your ACE hosts will be able to teach you key Na'vi words and phrases. Also, Windtraders sells a Na'vi translator to help you further perfect your language.
Where are the restrooms?
One set of restrooms is located just beyond the main entrance to Pandora, and another set is near Satu'li Canteen. As parents, we know this is VITAL information.
Do I need to see the movie first?
Nope. Pandora — The World of Avatar is not about the film, but the planet that is featured in that movie. Newcomers to the "Avatar" world are given the backstory and information needed to understand what's going on through the Flight of Passage queue and preshow, as well as chatting with ACE hosts.
Does the land still draw crowds?
Yes. Even years after its opening, guests continue to visit Pandora, and Avatar Flight of Passage remains one of the most popular rides at Disney World. Lighting Lane reservations get snatched up quickly, so be sure to set your alarm clock and grab one as soon as they open.
Where else can I find Avatar at the Disney Parks?
Bob Iger recently announced that an Avatar experience is coming to Disneyland Resort! Stay tuned for more details.
Are you preparing to visit Pandora — The World of Avatar? What are you looking forward to the most? Let us know in the comments below and share any questions you have!
Related: Disney's Animal Kingdom Park Plan
Kìyevame!