November 28, 2016

This Week’s Ask Ashley Question

One of the questions this week came from Zoe from Timmins, Ontario, Canada. Zoe asked:

I’ve heard talk about an “Avatarland” being constructed in Animal Kingdom. What can you tell me about it? What can guests expect? When will it open?

Ashley’s Answers:  Everything You Need to Know About Pandora – The World of Avatar

Thank you so much for your questions Zoe! You are absolutely correct! The project, an expansion to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, is a land entitled:  Pandora – The World of Avatar (or loosely:  Avatarland). As of the Destination D event in Florida earlier this month, Walt Disney Parks & Resort Chairman, Bob Chapek, not only gave a construction update, but also announced that the land would be opening in the Summer of 2017!

In the Beginning

Originally, there was to be an Avatar-themed attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios potentially as part of the Studio Backlot Tour (which is now demolished and to become both Star Wars Land and Toy Story Land). But, it was former Chief Operating Officer, Tom Staggs who suggested incorporating the film into its own land in Disney’s Animal Kingdom as a way of adding an additional element to the park. The project was officially announced in September of 2011 via the Disney Parks Blog and began construction in January 2014.

Through the use of new technology, style, and materials; it is truly an innovative venture that will be a transformative experience that guests will remember for the rest of their lives.

Guest Experience

Walt Disney Imagineering has confirmed two attractions in which Disney and Avatar fans alike will finally be able to experience in the land of Pandora:

• Avatar:  Flight of Passage
  • Guests will experience what its like to fly with a mountain Banshee over the jungles of Pandora.

• Na’vi River Journey
  • A boat ride attraction with Audio-animatronics and small drops that will showcase the native flora and fauna of Pandora through the bioluminescent forests.

“I think the thing I’m most excited about right now to experience would be everything in Pandora. From the place-making to the two extraordinary attractions that will be in the land – both the Na’vi River Journey as well as Avatar Flight of Passage, these promise to set new high-watermarks for our experiential magic we give our guests.”

~Bob Chapek

Recent News

As the original mission of Disney’s Animal Kingdom states, it is a park that honors both animals and natural environments that are:  “real, ancient and imagined”. The bridge shown above was built when the RDA came to Pandora. Through time, the RDA left and nature began breaking down any confirmation of the RDA’s existence in Pandora. Now, the bridge will transition guests from the rest of Animal Kingdom to the base camp of the Alpha Centauri Expeditions, the eco-tour group preparing Pandora for its future adventure seekers and explorers; ultimately, the bridge fulfills Animal Kingdom’s mission.

Merchandise and Dining

Guests can find Na’vi cultural items, toys, science kits, and more.

The main restaurant in Pandora – The World of Avatar that will feature Na’vi art and other cultural items.

An eclectically designed special drink location.

Personally, I can’t wait for next summer! But, what do you think of the concept? Are you looking forward to experiencing Pandora and getting the opportunity to step into the World of Avatar?