What to Expect When Visiting Pandora the World of Avatar

Pandora the World of Avatar can be found at Animal Kingdom in Walt Disney World. This area of the park was inspired by the movie Avatar that first premiered in December of 2009. When you visit, you will find creative details that captures the world portrayed in the movie. Unique food options, floating rocks, and thrilling rides are some of the things you can expect to see when visiting Pandora.

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What to Expect When Visiting Pandora the World of Avatar

I remember when I first learned that Disney was creating this new area in Animal Kingdom. I have to be honest, I was skeptical. You see, I am a big fan of the movie Avatar. The idea of trying to recreate it seemed impossible. When Disney invited me to come view their Pandora, I went into it with an open mind. I was excited and curious to see this world that Walt Disney World had brought to life! I was pleasantly surprised and I now have a new favorite ride at Disney World!

Incredible Sights, Sounds, and Smells

On your first visit, you will just want to walk around awhile and take in the scenery. There is so much to see! I looked like a kid in a candy shop, with wide open eyes, as I looked up at the floating mountains and bioluminescent forest. Disney wanted us to feel like we had stepped into a whole new world and they did just that! As if the sights weren’t enough to engage my senses, the sounds and smells kept me looking in every direction to find the source.

I’m a fan of the movie so I could appreciate the details and the look-alikes from the film. But it did make me wonder what others might think who had never seen the movie before.  I then overheard people who had not seen the movie talk about the ‘wow-factor’ that Pandora has to offer. You should also stay until after dark for a whole new experience!

A Thrilling New Ride

I now have a new favorite ride at Walt Disney World! Flight of Passage was by far the most exciting non-roller coaster ride I’ve ever been on! The storyline and intro to the ride are fun and engaging. I rode it four times and fell in love with it a little more each time. It was a treat to ride on it with others who were experiencing it for the first time. One father riding with daughters described it as “Soarin’ on steroids,” which is the perfect way to explain it!  Riding a banshee through Pandora, feeling it breathe under my legs, smelling the moss as we flew by, was the highlight of my visit.

I also enjoyed the Na’vi River ride; however, once was enough for me. I’d much rather spend my time on the Flight of Passage.

Tasty Food From Another Planet

You must eat at the Satu’li Canteen during your visit. I felt like having lunch there was part of the whole experience. The unique food options are a great way to embrace the experience. This isn’t like any other fast-service dining option within the parks. We know Disney is all about making you feel as though you are part of the story. They have done a great job with the menu and environment at Satu’li Canteen. Ordering was an adventure of its own! I highly recommend ordering a Satu’li bowl. One of our TravelingDads also suggested ordering the Hawkes’ Grog Ale (green beer).

Visiting Pandora the World Of Avatar: What Other TravelingMoms Had To Say

Of course, when you are part of a group of travel-loving moms who especially love Disney, you have to get their thoughts on Pandora. See what they had to say:

Britni Vigil, Preschooler TravelingMom had this to say:

“Flights of Passage is the best non-coaster ride I think I’ve ever been on (same says my two brothers) and we are an amusement park family. Seriously amazing.”

Jill Robbins, Go With the Flow TravelingMom shared her experience:

“I went at night – it was an adults-only group so I get what others are saying about it being tricky to navigate with kids…it was pretty dark but all the black light fluorescent light details in the plants and on the walkways were really cool. I loved getting a second look at night and was really glad we decided to go back for another look. My phone snaps don’t do the beauty of Pandora at night justice.”

“We did not ride the River Ride and stood in line for 60 minutes to ride Flight Of Passage…no FastPass was available but since it was a girlfriends day and we had no kids with us, the wait was actually kind of fun. There is a lot to see while in the line. I love the movie Avatar but I think the “cool factor” is enough to where someone not familiar with the movie could enjoy it. There’s plenty of Cast Members who will tell you the story of the Na’vi people and the two that I talked to were really in character. I’m a fan.”

Sarah Gilliland, Twins TravelingMom tells us about her visit with kids:

“My kids really liked Pandora, and they’ve never seen the movie! The food at Satu’li Canteen makes it worth a visit to me. The theming and immersiveness were impressive, and I don’t think you need to be a fan to enjoy the area or experience. Night time was cool, but I agree that it was very dark and a little unnerving when trying to keep up with kiddos. Flight of Passage is an amazing ride, but it is not worth the ridiculously long wait it currently has. Same with Na’vi River Journey. It’s worth a visit at least once.”

Tips For Your Visit

Did you know that you can use the My Disney Experience app to order and pay for your food at the Satu’li Canteen ahead of time? This means you will have more time to explore instead of standing in lines.

The Flight of Passage ride has this advisory: “The seating and restraints of this attraction may prohibit guests of certain body shapes or sizes from riding.”.

Here is everything you need to know about how to book FastPass+ for Pandora.

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