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~Hopful~ Hints for Riding the Attractions in Pandora — The World of Avatar

by Tad on January 6, 2020 159 Orlando

Avatar Flight of Passage FastPass - PinterestKaltxì, interplanetary adventurers! No doubt you've hopped here for the latest intel on visiting Pandora — The World of Avatar. Departures from Disney's Animal Kingdom are well underway. Since the Pandora rides debuted in 2017, they have been some of the hottest tickets in Walt Disney World. This is toadally true of Avatar Flight of Passage, which remains one of the most in-demand rides in all of the resort's lands.

It lives up to the hype, and yes, you must experience it on your trip! That said, the lines are still long, and getting an Avatar Flight of Passage FastPass+ reservation isn't easy. Not to worry: We frogs are here to help! (If you're looking for the full scoop on everything inside the Avatar-themed land, hop to our full guide to Pandora.) Read on for our best tips for getting Avatar FastPass+ reservations and more hopful hints.

Tips for Riding the Attractions in Pandora — The World of Avatar

1. Make sure your crew meets the Flight of Passage height requirement! 

There is a Flight of Passage height requirement of 44 inches. This is the same as Expedition Everest, one of Disney World's wildest coasters. You'll want to make sure your tadpoles measure up and communicate it in advance if they don't. There is nothing worse than a child walking up to the height requirement sign and not being tall enough to ride. Even if your tadpoles aren't tall enough, you grown-ups can take advantage of child swap and take turns riding without having to queue twice!

2. Make getting an Avatar Flight of Passage FastPass+ your top Animal Kingdom priority.

Disney Avatar FastPass - Avatar Flight of Passage Fastpass Signage

Both of Pandora's rides — Avatar Flight of Passage and Na’vi River Journey — are available for FastPass+. Due to the high demand for these rides, you are only allowed to make an advance reservation for ONE of these two attractions per day. You will then have the option to make FastPass+ reservations for two other rides or entertainment options.

For FastPass+, the priority is Avatar Flight of Passage. This one is much tougher to get. (Bear in mind, if you get a FastPass+ reservation for it, you will skip the cool queue elements.) For your other two FastPass+ picks, we recommend Kilimanjaro Safaris or Expedition Everest.

Whether you're staying on-site or off, make sure to book your FastPass+ reservations when your window opens. Make booking an Avatar Flight of Passage FastPass+ your first priority. If you get it, great! If you don't, move on to other high-priority rides. After you have booked all of your rides, keep checking for Avatar FastPass+ availability. In fact, you can keep checking back in My Disney Experience periodically ahead of your trip (including the day of your visit). Be sure to check out our other FastPass+ tips and hints to make the very most of your trip.

3. Visit Pandora — The World of Avatar during Extra Magic Hours if you're staying at an on-site hotel.

If you're staying at an official Disney World Resort hotel or one of the Disney Springs hotels that offer Extra Magic Hours, you should consider visiting during Extra Magic Hours for Disney's Animal Kingdom. This strategy requires getting up extra early or staying out extra late, so it's not for everyone. However, these inconveniences can pay off big time. Extra Magic Hours at Disney's Animal Kingdom allow Disney World Resort guests to enter the park one hour before official opening or after official closing (check our Crowd Calendar for your specific dates). If you're visiting during morning Extra Magic Hours, make sure you arrive at least 30 minutes before that morning's Extra Magic Hour begins so you'll be one of the first ones in!

Pandora World of Avatar Extra Magic Hours - Avatar Flight of Passage FastPass+

The above photo was taken at 6:50 a.m. on the main entrance bridge to Pandora when we arrived for morning Extra Magic Hours. We were led into the land — gasping at the floating mountains! — while following the masses en route to the entrance of Avatar Flight of Passage. From there, we traveled into the extensive queue and for the most part NEVER STOPPED until we reached the point where riders are grouped for boarding into either the upper or lower link chambers.

After experiencing Avatar Flight of Passage, we hopped over to the queue for Na'vi River Journey. We weaved our way through the queue at a leisurely pace. A short 15 to 20 minutes later, we made our way into the boarding area and sailed down the river.

What was our total time to experience both attractions without using FastPass+? ONE HOUR AND FIFTEEN MINUTES. By the time we emerged from Na'vi River Journey, the latecomers and non-resort hotel guests had arrived, bumping wait times on both rides. We'd seen BOTH in less than 90 minutes. (We've experienced a similar pace when arriving at park opening and rope dropping on non-EMH days.)

4. Visit Animal Kingdom on a day when there isn't Extra Magic Hours if you're not staying on-site or you're not visiting during Extra Magic Hours.

Avatar Flight of Passage FastPass - Tree of Life

If you are staying at an off-site hotel or you do not plan on visiting Disney's Animal Kingdom during Extra Magic Hours, pick a day when the park isn't hosting Extra Magic Hours. These extra hours, especially morning EMHs, bring A LOT of people into the park. If you visit on a day when there aren't Extra Magic Hours, we highly recommend you arrive at least 30 minutes (preferably 45 minutes to an hour) before the park opens.

5. Prioritize Avatar Flight of Passage over Na'vi River Journey.

While you no doubt want to experience both Pandora rides, Flight of Passage is not to be missed! Therefore, your priority should be Avatar Flight of Passage. If you have the option, take the Avatar Flight of Passage FastPass+ over Na'vi River Journey. If you're visiting during Extra Magic Hours or you're arriving ahead of park opening on a non-EMH day, go to Flight of Passage first.

One Disney Avatar hint you'll want to remember is that there are two Pandora entrances. The main entrance — and only entrance for those of you rope dropping or there for Extra Magic Hour — is right past Tiffins and Nomad Lounge. The second available pathway into Pandora is off of Harambe Bridge near Festival of the Lion King in Africa. Both locations are entrances and exits. If you are not rope dropping or there for Extra Magic Hour, a good route for less traffic later in the morning is the path less followed at Harambe Bridge. This path will lead you straight to the dining area and closer to Avatar Flight of Passage … the perfect combo.

6. Consider a second day at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

Pandora World of Avatar Fastpass - Family on Na'vi River Journey

It’s safe to say with the additions of Pandora and Rivers of Light that Disney’s Animal Kingdom has become a full-day park. For guests determined to experience the Pandora rides, especially during the busy summer months and holidays, visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom over two days is another option. This makes even more sense for those with Park Hopper tickets. You would aim to make Flight of Passage your priority FastPass+ reservation the first day and then Na’vi River Journey the priority FastPass+ reservation the second day.

7. Use our Disney's Animal Kingdom Park Plan.

Our Disney's Animal Kingdom park plan on the site and our Orlando planning app for iPhone  include the Pandora rides, and they're optimized so you see when to visit. You can use the app to see all Animal Kingdom wait times for easy planning!

8. Consider going standby for Avatar Flight of Passage if you're a hardcore fan.

Avatar Flight of Passage FastPass - Queue Wall Art

The amazement of Avatar Flight of Passage starts long before you get on the ride. With the queue … wow ... there is a lot to take in! The first portion has a very natural Na’vi vibe as you walk through caves covered in paintings. There is even a hand-woven banshee outside!

But as you go further, you’ll be in ACE territory. After all, flying on a banshee is all part of an experiment … so you’ll walk through a lab straight out of the movie. All of the experiments are REAL. Toadally. Take your time to gaze at all of the experiments and test tubes, and especially the Avatar itself, floating in a tube ready for transport. You’ll spot a banshee skull too … I never knew how big those things were! Even the handrails are ACE-branded.

Avatar Flight of Passage FastPass - Avatar in Test Tube

Pandora World of Avatar Fastpass - Flight of Passage Water Fountain

There’s a water bottle refill station toward the middle of the queue. You know we frogs love to stay hydrated and eco-friendly! Disney also recently opened up mid-queue restrooms.

THIS PART CONTAINS SPOILERS. The great part about Avatar Flight of Passage is that there’s not a bad seat. There is just one row — so no pressure to get in a certain position. Once you’ve been counted off and let through to the ride portion, be ready to wait. But don’t worry, it’s fun! You’ll get a couple of how-to videos on the fascinating process of linking to an Avatar for your banshee flight and get a little bit of background on the experience. The seat for this ride is very much like a motorcycle (I imagine, anyway … Mommy Frog won’t let me ride one!) so it’s like you are really riding a banshee. If you aren’t too distracted by the mesmerizing views of Pandora as you’re soaring around, you’ll even notice that you can feel the banshee breathing below you. It's so CRAZY … and so cool. Be sure to look in every direction rather than just straight ahead to truly take in the environment. OK, SPOILERS DONE.

Anywho, as mentioned above, using FastPass+ can definitely help alleviate waits, but if you want to geek out on all of the deets, do the standby line for your very first experience.

9. Find the handprints.

A friendly ACE Team member clued us into a hidden gem that most people pass by. Flight of Passage features four Link Chambers — A, B,C and D. Before being grouped for your link chamber, ask the ACE Team Member if you could use Chamber A or B. Don't worry, there is no difference in the experience using any of the chambers.

After your ride on Flight of Passage, you'll head down a staircase and head down a large cement-walled hallway. On the right side of this hallway, you'll see three red handprints with initials underneath.

Disney Avatar Flight of Passage FastPass - Disney Avatar Flight of Passage Handprints

These handprints belong to the three creative minds behind the creation of Pandora — The World of Avatar. JC = James Cameron, writer/director of "Avatar," JL = John Landau, producer of "Avatar" and JR= Joe Rohde, executive designer and vice president, creative with Walt Disney Imagineering. It was so cool to see this neat easter egg planted by three great creatives! Legends!

10. Know where to sit on Na'vi River Journey.

Avatar Flight of Passage FastPass - Na'vi River Journey

All of the cool visual effects of the "Avatar" movie come to life in Na’vi River Journey. On your way onto this slow boat ride, take note of the unique queue. When you enter the covered area, you’ll notice that the ceiling is woven by the Na’vi themselves. There is a center portion that is woven blue and leads you to the entrance, with neat displays along the way. This is representative of the journey you are about to take on the ride as you travel to meet the Shaman. You’ll find similar handmade, woven Na’vi art throughout Pandora.

I recommend snagging a front row spot so you can have an unobstructed view of every creature, bioluminescent plant and special effect that consumes this ride. There are two rows per boat, and two boats loading at a time … which means rows one or three are your best options when they are loading. It’s worth asking the last ACE Team Member (the one who asks how many are in your party) if you can have a front row. Each row of the boat holds three to four people, depending on how fully grown your frog squad is! Sivako!

Whew! We know that's a lot to take in, but trust me when I say all the preparation will be toadally worth it. Have you been lucky enough to snag a Avatar Flight of Passage FastPass+? Share your tips! 

Related: Visitor's Guide to Pandora the World of Avatar

Stay cool!

Keep hopping, Tad!
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51–65 of 65 comments
May 31, 2017 at 3:59 p.m. kathy Says...

I am going Sept. 19 and Sept 20 and staying at a Disney hotel, checked and no extra magic hours at that time, how do you think the fast passes well be at that time.

Reply
May 31, 2017 at 12:30 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Kathy,

We're expecting Fastpass+ demand for both attractions to be high throughout the rest of the year. Be sure to try for yours 60 days before you check in date.

Keep Hopping!

Leap

Reply
May 12, 2017 at 2:44 p.m. aaaily Says...

Hello! By luck I was able to score 2 FP+ for flight of passage for two guest of my party and 2 FP+ for the other two in my party for Navi River for the first week in June. I also have 2 under two. Do you think rider switch will be available for both attractions or will there be a restriction on the rider switch FP+ option.

Reply
May 12, 2017 at 4:03 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Aasily,

Since there are no height requirements on Na'vi River Journey, that one will not have Rider Switch. We assume it will be available on Flight of Passage, but we haven't seen anything official.

Keep Hopping,

Leap

Reply
Jun 9, 2017 at 12:51 p.m. Sarah Harmon Says...

Rider switch is available for both rides

Reply
May 8, 2017 at 9:12 p.m. Lulu Says...

Do you guys know if it has been easy for many guest to get the Fastpass to Flight of Passage ride 60 days before check-in time? If I plan to get a fastpass to the attraction at a specific time on a specific day, and then wait for the first chance to reserve it 60 days in advance, will I have luck getting it?

Thanks

Reply
May 9, 2017 at 8:21 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Lulu,

Speaking from personal experience, we booked a 2-day trip to Animal Kingdom 30 days prior and were not able to get Flight of Passage. We did land an 8:00 pm Na'Vi River Journey Fastpass on our second day. We normally don't plan specific attractions at specific times, but it's possible that strategy could work for you.

Keep Hopping,

Leap

Reply
May 8, 2017 at 1:34 p.m. Becca Says...

So my family will be at AK June 5th. Of course no FP were available for either FOP or NR. Our family really wants to do NR. Do you think if we get to the park very early and head straight for this attraction we have a shot at getting in even without a fast pass ? Haven't been to Disney in 10 years so I've forgotten a lot. Our first FP is 910-1010 at Everest . Also, if not would you recommend using the FO for this on another day but that means giving up using any further passes at a different park (that's our Epcot day) we

Reply
May 8, 2017 at 9:01 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Becca,

We recommend arriving at Animal Kingdom well before the park opens and heading right to Na'Vi River Journey. After that attraction, head to Everest.

Keep Hopping,

Leap

Reply
May 17, 2017 at 9:28 p.m. AliPat Says...

Hi Lulu,

Today was the first day that I was able to book a Fastpass for my trip in July. Flight of Passage was available but even when I logged it at 7am to do so (the earliest time allowed) the earliest time I could get was at 3:40pm. I was hoping for a morning FastPass but was only slightly disappointed. We plan to just arrive in the park in the morning during Extra Magic Hours and hopefully snag a ride sooner. Right now the earliest available was 5pm or later. So being that today was the first day in our 60-day window, I would not wait to book a FastPass at all. There is a lot of excite surrounding this ride.

Warm regards,

AliPat

Reply
Apr 28, 2017 at 5:20 p.m. Bob Metz Says...

Avatar Flight of Passage was already closed for Fast Passes....does this ride have single rider entrance?

Been tryin' to get a Fast Pass for Frozen in EPCOT since it opened....and it's been completely filled every time I go into my Disney annual passholders

website.....does this ride have a single rider entrance? Thanks,

Reply
Apr 29, 2017 at 5:35 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Bob,

Sorry, but Frozen Ever After does not have Single Rider. As for Flight of Passage, we don't have word if there will be a Single Rider option. With previews beginning this week, we should know soon!

Keep Hopping!

Leap

Reply
Apr 21, 2017 at 3:38 p.m. Fran Says...

Will there be a single-rider line at either of the Pandora rides

Reply
Apr 22, 2017 at 9:27 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Fran,

We haven't heard about single rider options for Pandora yet.

Keep Hopping!

Leap

Reply
Apr 18, 2017 at 9:34 a.m. Ritu wadhwani Says...

I want your help . As I'm reaching Orlando at 17 May n I will be there for 9 days so could u please help me with the best deal of tickets I should purchase as I want to visit all the attractions there

Reply
Apr 18, 2017 at 3:35 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Ritu,

You'll find the best prices for all of our Orlando theme parks right here. You'll save on Disney World and Universal tickets!

Keep Hopping!

Leap

Reply
Apr 17, 2017 at 4:50 p.m. J. Scott Hendrix Says...

What are the height restrictions for Pandora area??

Reply
Apr 17, 2017 at noon FrogBlog Says...

Hi,

Avatar Flight of Passage height requirement is listed as 44in (112cm) or taller.

Keep Hopping!

Leap

Reply
Apr 17, 2017 at 4:40 p.m. Tessa Says...

Hello! I know that the Flight of Passage ride has height requirements, but have you heard anything about being able to ride it (or not) while pregnant? I know it is similar to Soarin', and with Soarin' they do not show being pregnant as a reason to not ride it. I was just curious - thank you!

Reply
Jun 1, 2017 at 9:44 p.m. Rose Thornson Says...

Just want to give everyone a heads up about the Pandora World of Avatar at Disney World. There is no annual pass holders discounts for any Pandora World of Avatar merchandise at this time. Pandora World of Avatar is just awesome. Worth every bit the wait for the last 3 years watching it go up. The river ride is so spectacular with an amazing Animatronic at the end. I will be sailing down this river ever week for a while. However, make sure you can fit in the Banshee ride before waiting 2 to 3 hours in line. This ride was built for an average size person only. If you are really large or really tall, you will not fit and not be allowed on. So check before you wait. Just ask any quest service person to show you the seat you will be sitting in as they have one outside under the floating mountain. They are not that great about telling you this up front and many people waited over 3 hours on the opening weekend only to be turned away once they were at the entrance of the ride. So check before you wait or blow a fast pass on it.

Reply
Apr 17, 2017 at 12:22 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Tessa,

As of now, there is no indication that this is not recommended for those with back or neck issues or expectant mothers. It's always possible Disney could change requirements during testing.

Keep Hopping!

Leap

Reply
Apr 17, 2017 at 6:23 p.m. Tessa Says...

Great, thank you! :)

Reply
Apr 17, 2017 at 1:30 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Have a great visit!

Reply
Apr 17, 2017 at 2:06 p.m. Noemi Peralta Says...

Is NaVi River Journey going to be the same experience during the day as it would be at night? Just trying to see if we should plan to ride it during day hours or at night. Thank you.

Reply
Apr 17, 2017 at 9:32 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Noemi,

As of now, we don't know if Na'Vi River Journey is entirely indoors or if it has indoor/outdoor elements. We'll know more once guest previews start early next month.

Keep Hopping!

Leap

Reply
May 27, 2017 at 10:40 p.m. Stephanie Says...

Na'vi River Journey is completely inside so. I difference riding during day or night.

Reply
Apr 16, 2017 at 2:07 p.m. Susanne Says...

Once you experience the NaVi River Journey please let us know if there will be a boat that can accommodate a wheelchair. I'm really hoping so, like Small World or the Mexico boat ride. My daughter loves lights and I would hate if she can't experience it, she already misses out on Pirates and Frozen Ever After. I hope the Imagineers considered this and were able to apply it since it's described as a slow moving family ride.

Reply
Apr 16, 2017 at 1:34 p.m. Stefani Says...

How do you recommend Rivers of Light? FP+ or ADR package through Tiffins/Tusker House? I see major pros and cons of both.

Reply
Apr 17, 2017 at 8:17 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Stefani,

It really depends on your family's priority. In our experience, it makes more sense to use your FP+ for attractions such as Everest, Kali River Rapids and Kilimanjaro Safaris and try standby for Rivers of Light. If you want to enjoy a meal and save an FP+ reservation for an attraction, then the ADR is worth it.

Keep Hopping!

Leap

Reply
Apr 6, 2017 at 4:36 p.m. Penny Says...

I note you’re betting on FOA being the best bet for a fastpass. However since both FOA and NRJ rides are new guests are likely to want to ride both. Have you factored in that FOA has a height restriction and so fewer people can ride it?

Reply
Apr 6, 2017 at 11:56 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Penny,

Yes. If Na'Vi River Journey is like Pirates of the Caribbean and is able to move lots of guests quickly through, then there will be less of a need to reserve an FP+ for that attraction. Again, this is all subject to change once we hop in and see how things are.

Keep Hopping!

Leap

Reply
Apr 2, 2017 at 3:46 p.m. Jen Says...

Are fastpasses ever available during soft openings? We are visiting April 30-May 5.

Reply
May 22, 2017 at 12:16 a.m. brennan Says...

Don't worry, the lines will be short, they only allow about 100 people each day to a soft opening, I should know my brother went to one, and you basically walked through each line. HAVE FUN!!!

Reply
Apr 2, 2017 at 1:52 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Jen,

It's possible there will be FastPass available during soft opening, but we don't know for sure.

Keep Hopping!

Leap

Reply
Mar 29, 2017 at 12:38 p.m. K Vogue Says...

We booking an Annual Passholder sneak peek. Hopefully it won't be overcrowded or we can get fast passes.

Reply
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