Pandora - World of Avatar Top 5 Things to Know Before You Go!

Disney's newest land, "Pandora - World of Avatar", opened over the weekend and I have so much to share with you!  We've had our "Ears to the ground" as our agents have been at the parks gathering information for you the last few days!  From attraction descriptions, souvenir options and yummy new food and drink choices -- here are my top 5 tips that will help you enjoy your time there!

Tip ​#1:  Know the layout of Pandora

​When you enter the Animal Kingdom, you will need to make your way towards the Tree of Life to reach the path to Pandora.  The map below (on the right) shows the park overview - Pandora is the land all the way at the bottom left of the map.  The land is separated from the other parts of the theme park and you will be able to simply enjoy the beauty surrounding you without the noise of roller coasters.  The World of Avatar itself is not a huge area – so be aware that crowd levels will increase as the day continues.  We've read that cast members are keeping track of numbers of people who enter Pandora and people may be turned away due to intense crowd numbers.  

Tip #2: Investigate the "Flight of Passage" attraction BEFORE you get
​in line 

Flight of Passage does have a Fast Pass option and if this is a MUST DO for your family, we highly recommend that you choose this as one of your options.  

There is a restriction on Fast Passes for this land.  You cannot have a Fast Pass for BOTH the Flight of Passage AND the Na'vi River Journey.  Take some time to read through both attraction's descriptions and talk your family, then make your Fast Pass decision.  Once you decide upon your Pandora Fast Pass - the rest of your day's Fast Pass choices can come from anywhere in Animal Kingdom.  

​Before you decide to ride – here is a little information that might help your decision process.  If you love Soarn’ – Flight of Passage can be explained as Soarn’ TIMES A HUNDRED!  You will be riding on the back of a “banshee” and through virtual technology, you will experience your flight, complete with smells and mists of water (4D).   For those of you who might experience motion sickness – this is less jolty than Star Tours, but there is a definite feeling of flying through the sky. 

​After traveling through a detailed queue, you enter a room where you are “genetically matched” to an avatar.  Then, you are brought to a room with your “banshee”.  There are 16 “banshees” in a room and you ride as a single rider.  If you're unsure if one of your little one would be alright riding by themselves - you might want to use Disney's Rider Swap.  

Once seated, a mechanism will enclose your legs and back so you will be secured to the attraction, and you are given 3D glasses.

 If you have small children, the glasses have a hard time staying on their heads. For boys and girls a hat might work, but be aware that they might need to hold the glasses on their face.   

NOTE:  There is a warning that because of the way the ride is designed, not all body types and disabilities can be accommodated.  If you are unsure about whether or not you will be able to ride – talk to a cast member BEFORE you enter the line.  Anyone who is unable to ride will be turned away due to safety precautions.   The minimum height restriction for this ride is 44 inches. ​  Disney has recently placed a seat in front of the attraction in order for individuals to see if they would be able to ride.

The video below gives a great example of how to get on and off the ride seat, as well as demonstrating how the locking mechanisms work.

Tip #3:  Enjoy the Na'vi River Journey

With so much talk about the "Flight of Passage", be sure to not pass up the Na'vi River Journey. This is a slow, gentle attraction that will be great for the entire family and there are no height restrictions. You begin your journey as you step into a small boat.  These are similar to Small World, or Pirates of the Caribbean - but definitely smaller sized.  Your boat will then tour you through Pandora where you will see a glimpse of the Na’vi world, including a Na’vi hunter and the Shaman of Songs. The ride is in an enclosed area in the dark, so it's a great way to get out of the heat of the day!

Tip #4:  Have a souvenir talk with everyone BEFORE you enter the land

​Before you enter Pandora – I would have a conversation about souvenirs with the kiddos!  There are so many new items that it would be a good idea to set some limits going in.  Here are two items that I already know my son and I will be “discussing”:
 
Banshee “pets” – these are being sold in the store beside Flight of Passage.  When you purchase your new “pet” – there is an interactive experience to be “bonded” with one (you don’t have to go through the bonding, it’s optional.  You could buy one and skip the line, instead!).  Your Banshee comes with a metallic shoulder pad that is controlled with a hand device.  As of when this was posted, the cost was $49.99 and you could use your Annual Pass discount!
 
Na’vi Translators – You are able to purchase this device and learn to pronounce 90 Na’vi words by using interchangeable translation cards.  The translator comes with 15 translation cards and additional cards are sold in trading card packs with 8 randomly selected cards.  The device lights up and has a clasp that can be attached to a belt or backpack.

Tip #5: Dining is available inside Pandora (including alcoholic beverages)!

​While you are exploring Pandora, know that there are two options for when you get the munchies. 

NEW!!!!!  Disney’s new Mobile Food and Beverage Ordering will be available for use in the Quick Service Restaurant located in Pandora.  This can be found on your My Disney Experience app and allows you to avoid lines.  The process is super easy, but cannot be used if you will be paying with Disney Gift Cards, or if you are using Disney's Dining Plan credits.  

 Let me know if you want more information on how to use this new Dining Feature!!!

Satu’li Canteen – This is the Quick Service Restaurant that is located in the World of Avatar.   This location serves breakfast, lunch and dinner – and everything is a good amount of food for the money.  According to our Ears sources, the hash was delicious and I have to admit - my husband is chomping (literally) at the bit to try the oatmeal with whiskey soaked raisins (must be 21 or older for this one!)

​Pongu Pongu Lounge – This is a walk up beverage location (similar to the size of Aloha Isle in the Magic Kingdom).  Be ready for some amazing drinks, like the “Night Blossom” –  a mixture of limeade with Apple and Desert Pear flavors topped with Passion Fruit Boba Balls; this is available in BOTH alcoholic AND non- alcoholic versions – fun for the whole family!!!  There is ONE snack sold here, at the time this was posted, Pongu Lumpia – so if you are looking more for food items – bypass this line and head straight to the Canteen!   By midday - the line was reported as being long with no shade while you wait; you might want to come back later when the sun has drooped a bit. 

I'm already putting together my park plan for our October trip!!!  For all you Avatar fans- I'd love to hear more tips that you have for visitors to this new land!!!!!