The long awaited “Avatar Land” expansion is coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Walt Disney World this summer. With an official opening date of May 27, 2017, Pandora – The World of Avatar will be open to park guests beginning Memorial Day weekend and just in time for the start of the busy summer season.
What Will Be There on Opening Day?
According to the official Disney Parks press release, two major attractions will be open on May 27.
The first is a new dark ride called the Na’vi River Journey. This boat ride will see guests riding through the bio-luminescent forests that were a major part of the 2010 film. The release goes on to say that the ride will culminate with an encounter with a Na’vi Shaman, who may be the lifelike animatronic figure that was glimpsed last year.
The second major attraction that’s planned for opening day is called the Avatar Flight of Passage, and is promised to be a “jaw-dropping” experience riding atop a Banshee (the Ptersaur-like creatures ridden by Jake Sully in the film.) Rumors say this attraction will be similar to the popular Epcot attraction Soarin’, but with guests riding on replica Banshees (see this leaked image on WDW News Today.)
Na’vi Culture
Surely there will be a variety of restaurants and stores. And with the word on the street being that Cast Members working this part of the park will need to learn Na’vi, it promises to be a truly immersive experience.
We’re pretty excited for this much needed addition to Animal Kingdom, even if we weren’t terribly huge fans of the movie. While not a Disney IP, the ecological themes mesh nicely with theme of Animal Kingdom and the technology promises to impress despite your feelings on the Avatar movie.
Are you as excited for Pandora as we are? Comment in the forums!
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