Pandora-The World of Avatar opens to the public at Disney’s Animal Kingdom on May 27, just in time for Memorial Day Weekend.
The new land is based on James Cameron’s 2009 film “Avatar.”
Here are seven things you need to know about Pandora-The World of Avatar.
Entering Pandora
There are two ways to get in and out of Pandora.
The first entrance (probably the one most people will use) is located near Tiffins restaurant in Discovery Island. It’s also the closest one to the park’s entrance/exit.
If you use this entrance, you’ll cross a short bridge to get to Pandora.
The second entrance is located in Africa’s Harambe near the Festival of the Lion King theater. It takes more time to get to Pandora this way, but is a great option if you already on that side of the park.
Breathtaking landscapes
The centerpieces of the Pandoran landscape are the large floating mountains. Lush, colorful plants and rivers also fill the new land.
It’s worth taking some time during your visit to explore the nooks and crannies in Pandora.
Plenty of beautiful photo opportunities.
Non-traditional signage
One of the first things you’ll notice if you are planning to ride one of the new attractions in Pandora is the lack of signage. Unlike other Disney World attractions, the entrances to Na’vi River Journey and Flight of Passage don’t have signs with the names of the rides on them.
Instead, you’ll only see signage for the Standby and Fastpass+ entrances.
Here’s a tip: if you’re entering Pandora via the bridge near Tiffins, Na’vi River Journey is pretty much straight ahead and Flight of Passage is farther to right, near Windtraders.
Two new attractions (Flight of Passage is a must)
Pandora features two new attractions: Na’vi River Journey and Flight of Passage.
River Journey is a slow boat ride through a bioluminescent forest. It’s family-friendly, which means everyone can ride it.
However, the best of the bunch is Flight of Passage.
I’ve written about it here. And gushed about it on Twitter. Basically, it’s amazing.
It's the most buzzed about attraction at Disney World right now. Expect long waits for this one.
The queue can accommodate a more than six-hour wait, in case you’re were wondering.
With that said, book a Fastpass or get to Animal Kingdom early and do this one as soon as possible.
Speaking of Flight Passage, the attraction has a Single Rider entrance, which is also an option for those visiting Pandora alone.
One main restaurant in Pandora
There’s only one restaurant in Pandora, Satu’li Canteen.
If you want more dining options, you’ll need to leave the moon of Pandora and head back to Earth (Animal Kingdom).
However, with the build-your-own bowl setup, Satu’li offers plenty of variety.
Diners can choose their protein, base (vegetables, grains or rice) and sauce for the bowls.
I recommend the chopped wood-grilled chicken bowl with a romaine and kale salad base and creamy herb dressing.
Other options include slow-roasted sliced beef, fish fillet and tofu bowls; cheeseburger or vegetable curry ‘pods;’ and kids menu items.
For dessert, try the blueberry cream cheese mousse.
The restaurant also serves breakfast, an option for those who visit Pandora in the morning hours.
Get your own banshee
You can take home your very own banshee.
Inside Windtraders, there’s a rookery filled with robotic banshees.
Guests will be matched to one of the creatures that can sit on their shoulders.
A leash will wrap around your waist, allowing you to control the banshee’s wings or mouth.
Visit Pandora at night
Even if you experience everything in Pandora early in the day, come back once the sun goes down.
Pandora at night is like visiting a completely different park.
The brightly-colored plants you see in the daytime transform into a bioluminescent forest. The pathways glow with neon green. Even the floating mountains are illuminated.
The sounds of forest creatures lurking in the flora seems louder.
Walking through the queue of Flight of Passage is just as beautiful at night.
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