Pandora The World of Avatar

Pandora the World of Avatar is like no other land at Walt Disney World. As you enter you are transported to the world of the Na’vi people who, in partnership with Alpha Centauri Expeditions, welcome you. You enter into the beautiful Valley of Mo’ara. You are surrounded by beautiful, otherworldly plants, native craftsmanship and the awe-inspiring floating mountains. Everywhere you look there is something more beautiful. My mouth was agape as I took in the beauty of Pandora. I have heard and seen pictures of how beautiful Pandora is at night and I cannot wait to see it glowing some evening this fall.

Na’vi River Journey

We wandered through the queue of the Na’vi River Journey ride. This beautiful, peaceful family boat ride takes you through a Pandoran rainforest that glows with a mesmerizing bioluminescence. On your journey you will encounter exotic creatures and plants that bring this alluring world to life. The exquisite Shaman of Songs will keep you guessing if it is and animatronic or a human, it is that amazing.

Avatar Flight of Passage

The thrill ride in Pandora the World of Avatar is Avatar Flight of Passage aka the “banshee ride”. Anyone who has watched the movie has thought about what it would be like to climb on the back of a mountain banshee and fly through Pandora. Thanks to Disney, you can, and it is amazing!

You may have seen that during the Passholder preview many people were having trouble because they don’t fit on the ride. This isn’t just a weight issue but a height issue and a where you carry your weight issue as well. I was afraid I wouldn’t fit. I tried the demo seat before I got in the queue line. The cast member couldn’t get the seat to lock in, but said I was very close and it really depended on how I sat. He said I was close enough he would suggest I get in line and try. For me, that was fine because there was no wait to ride during this media preview. IF there was a 3-5 hour wait, as there was on May 27, opening day, I wouldn’t want to wait and not be sure I could ride.

The queue for Avatar Flight of Passage is looong and very detailed, especially when you get inside the building. I could have stayed in the lab area of the queue for hours looking at everything. Finally, you arrive and are put in groups of 16 riders. You are matched with an Avatar and you will be riding that Avatar’s banshee. When you enter the simulator room the seats are in 2 sections of 8 with a partial wall dividing them. Our party of 3 “Pooh-sized” riders straddled our seats and waited for the cast member to check the latches. My other 2 friends had ridden previously and told the cast member to “just push, it will click”. She pushed and they both locked in. My friend said, “You didn’t push Cindy’s” and the cast member said “she clicked in without pushing”. I FIT!!!!

The ride starts and you feel your Avatar link to the banshee then you are flying through Pandora, through arches, diving under mountains, and over rivers-I really don’t have words to describe the feelings this ride evokes. It is the closest you will feel to flying on your own. While you are riding you can feel your banshee breathing, its muscles moving as you soar and dive through the breathtaking Pandoran scenery. It is an overwhelming sensory experience.

Avatar Flight of Passage is an intense ride, not for the weak of stomach or those who don’t tolerate simulators well. Unfortunately, my husband will never be able to ride this amazing ride.

Elsewhere in Pandora the World of Avatar

Pandora also has a gift shop, Windtraders, conveniently located at the exit of Avatar Flight of Passage. Pongu Pongu is the lounge offering alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage to thirsty travelers. Satu’li Canteen is the quick service restaurant in Pandora serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This restaurant offers mobile ordering via the My Disney Experience app. When you order it gives you a window of time in which you can pick up your order. Currently it is only accepting credit cards for mobile ordering but Disney Dining Plan credits should be available to use with mobile ordering soon.

Cheeseburger Steamed Pods-Bao Buns fromSatu’li Canteen.

Plan your Visit to Pandora

If you are thinking of planning your own trip to Pandora, I am here to help. As a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, and Earmarked Disney Agency, my services and knowledge are FREE to my customers. It only takes a $200 deposit to start planning your magical Walt Disney World vacation. Please Email Me so we can get started.

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photos courtesy of Disney

Rivers of Light-Disney’s Animal Kingdom

We have waited an extra year for the public debut of Rivers of Light. Recently attendees of Disney’s Social Media Moms Conference were able to watch a preview of this long-awaited nighttime spectacular. Rivers of Light, an all-new nighttime show at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, will begin delighting Walt Disney World Resort guests February 17, 2017. Rich in symbolism and storytelling, the elaborate theatrical production takes guests on a breathtaking emotional journey – a visual mix of water, fire, nature and light all choreographed to an original musical score.

photo courtesy of Disney

The new 15-minute show is the latest addition to the lineup of nighttime experiences at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Celebrating the majesty of nature and the connection between animals and humans in the world, the performance combines live performers, beautiful floating lanterns, glistening fountains, special effects and authentic animal imagery projected on giant water screens.

Happily Ever After Fireworks and Projection Spectacular-Disney’s Magic Kingdom

“Now it’s time to say goodbye…” to Wishes. I love Wishes, but it is time for something new. We have had 13 years of amazing Wishes fireworks and that amazing soundtrack but all good things must come to an end.

It’s no secret that every ‘once upon a time’ story ends with ‘happily ever after.’ Beginning May 12, 2017, Walt Disney World Resort guests will discover just how magical and emotional that fairy tale ending can be with the newest, most breathtaking fireworks show in the history of Magic Kingdom Park – “Happily Ever After.”

In addition to fireworks, the stunning new nighttime extravaganza will feature more lasers, lights and projections than any Disney show before it. “Happily Ever After” is also an entirely new kind of Disney storytelling, one that will take guests on an inspiring journey filled with heart, humor and emotion. Guests become part of the journey themselves as they follow favorite Disney characters on an adventure to seek out their destiny, face adversity and ultimately fulfill their dreams on the road to their happily ever after.

Pandora-The World of Avatar-Disney’s Animal Kingdom

The magical new land of Pandora, which will open May 27, 2017, will transport guests to a mystical world of bioluminescent rainforests, floating mountains and soaring Banshees. Two main adventures will beckon Disney’s Animal Kingdom guests:

Riding a magnificent Mountain Banshee, guests will soar across Pandora on Avatar Flight of Passage. This high-tech adventure will offer a thrilling flight through the jungles and floating mountains, and over the majestic oceans of this colorful world. On the family-friendly Na’vi River Journey guests will sail down a sacred river hidden within a glowing rainforest. The expedition will end in an unforgettable encounter with a Na’vi Shaman, a figure who has a deep connection to the life force of Pandora.

photo courtesy of Disney

Guests will also be able to dine at Satu’li Canteen, grab a drink at Pongu Pongu or shop for Na’vi cultural items, toys, science kits, and more at Windtraders.

Plan your 2017 Walt Disney World Vacation Now

WOW! It is going to be an amazing 2017 at Walt Disney World! I am here and ready to help you find the best, most magical travel package for your family. Just Email Me and we will start planning.

Current Offers-Limited Availability

• Summer Meal Offer-Free Quick Service Dining Plan with a 5 night stay. Book by 2/12/17. Travel between 5/30-8/28/17.
• Fun & Sun-Up to 25% off room with 4 day ticket. Book by 2/26/17. Travel between  2/20-6/10/17. OR Book by 3/30/17 and travel 4/9-6/10/17.
• Kindermoon-3 nights All-Star Resort, 2 day base ticket, 2 bonus Fastpasses. Book by 2/26/17. Travel between 2/20-6/10/17. OR Book by 3/30/17 and travel 4/9-6/10/17.
• Family Fun & Sun-4 night All-Star Resort, 5 day ticket. Book by 2/26/17. Travel between 2/20-6/10/17. OR Book by 3/30/17 and travel 4/9-6/10/17.
• Destinations to Travel FREE Disney Day-4 Night stay, 4 Day ticket get 5th day ticket FREE. Book by 4/1/17 travel between 6/1-8/31/17. Add Disney Dining plan and get free gifts for kids ages 2-9! (Not Valid for Florida Residents)

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