Disney Parks: 10 Awesome Things You Didn’t Know You Could Do In Pandora: The World Of Avatar
Disney's Animal Kingdom is one of the most magnificent theme parks on the planet, and it's also home to a world of flora and fauna that blends science fact with science fiction. We are of course talking about the World of Avatar, home to the Na'vi, the Banshees, and other extraordinary subjects.
Because this area of the park is so unlike the rest of the property, stepping onto Pandora feels like exploring a whole new planet. The Disney Imagineers have gone above and beyond the call of duty to create this incredible world, and we've got 10 things you can do to experience this breathtaking sci-fi ecosystem.
10 Hike the Hallelujah Mountains
One of the rare features of the world of Avatar has to offer is that it's one of the few areas you can thoroughly enjoy without stepping foot on a single ride. In the Valley of Mo'ara, guests can hike through a brilliant recreation of Pandora's Hallelujah Mountains and lush vibrant jungles.
Though you encounter no hostile creatures like the Thanator, you will absolutely be floored by the amount of detail and beauty Disney has brought to life. Though there are a few fictitious elements present, Disney has featured several incredible real plants and other natural features to bring this world off the silver screen.
9 Explore a Bioluminescent Forest
Jumping off our previous entry, you might want to take a second glance at Pandora once the sun goes down. Like so many attractions in Disney's Animal Kingdom, everything is different at night. You might have seen floating mountains in the daylight, but at night you might see a beautiful botanical light show.
Because the Disney Imagineers leave no detail out of place, the jungles of Pandora come alive with beautiful bioluminescent plant life after sunset. Granted, most of this display is artificial, but it's still a unique way to see this side of the park. You'll still want to explore after your writing is done.
8 Learn from Pandora’s Tour Guides
Unfortunately, Disney has not perfected the science of recreating eight-foot-tall blue cat people for Meet-and-Greets on Pandora, but that doesn't mean there aren't locals to interact with while you explore the jungles and floating mountain ranges. In fact, you can find several Pandora scientists, nature experts, and tour guides during your visit.
The cast of various scientists, rangers, and explorers definitely help give a more personal touch to the environment, but also assist in any questions or concerns guests might have during their visit. The cast members both educate and entertain, all while pushing that extra element of immersion.
7 Adopt a Banshee
We don't know why anyone would want a giant alien dragon in their home, but thanks for the magic of Disney you can adopt the small one from The World of Avatar. Granted, these miniature monsters are highly recommended for older children or sci-fi collectors, but they still make for unique souvenirs from this incredible planet.
At the Banshee Rookery, not only can you adopt and "bond" with a miniature Banshee, but one of Pandora's conservation experts will give you the full background in the importance and significance of the creature. Chalk this up to another impressive element that brings this world to life.
6 Take the Na'vi River Journey
It's a Small World's got nothing on this river ride. The Na'vi River Journey might seem like your standard boat/dark ride, believe us when we tell you you've never seen anything quite like this unique experience. Disney always does its best to bring guests into the world of their movies, and Pandora is home to two such experiences.
For those who are looking to ease their way into the immersive world, this is a great way to start. The Na'vi River Journey will pull you from your reality and send you through an alien jungle filled with various creatures and characters that populate Pandora.
5 Jam at a Drum Circle
The Pandora Drum Circle gives new meaning to the name Sound Garden as cast members and musicians jam out on some uniquely created instruments. The music itself is definitely alien in its makeup, but there's something absolutely intoxicating about these strange sounds.
It's a simple show, but it's one we can definitely take time to listen to after we've trekked across the jungles. It might be an acquired taste for some, or those not fully immersed, but we think it's just one of those things that deserve a little more attention. Stay awhile and listen.
4 Grab Some Native Cuisine at the Satu’li Canteen
All right, we don't know how one would recreate local cuisine from an alien planet that only exists in the mind of James Cameron, but Disney seems to have found a way. Though the ingredients are all earthbound, the dishes definitely are worthy of the Na'vi culture.
2 popular options seem to be the Build-Your-Own Bowl and the cheeseburger pods, both of which are unique spins on familiar favorites. We also have a soft spot for the blueberry mousse if you're looking for something unique for dessert. Either way, you won't leave hungry.
3 Have a Drink at Pongu Pongu
Perhaps the most alien items on Pandora's menu has to be the selection of unique drinks at Pongu Pongu. Home to four curious concoctions, and a pineapple spring roll, Pongu Pongu certainly has local libations you can only find on this alien planet. If you're looking to try something natural but different, quench your thirst here.
Not only can you find extraterrestrial draft beer, but you can also enjoy non-alcoholic fruity creations like a Night Blossom or a Mo'Ara Margarita. Either way, your beverage of choice is bound to be something you've probably never had before.
2 Meet a Mech Pilot
Definitely one of the coolest character encounters in the park, Pandora's refurbished and repurposed mech suits are definitely a sight to behold. Once a weapon of war and destruction, the AMP mechs have been redesigned to practice conservation and study on the surface of the planet.
No longer are they used to find Unobtainium; instead, they are used as a mode of transport and exploration, as well as an interesting guest interaction. The mech pilots will be more than happy to show off their tech and explain the world around them. It's definitely one of our favorite details in the park.
1 Ride a Banshee
You simply cannot go to the world of Avatar without riding Flight of Passage. To some, this might look like a sci-fi version of Epcot's Soarin', but believe us when we tell you it's so much more. In this attraction, you are pulled from reality into the world of Avatar complete with your own Na'vi and Banshee.
There are some rides in the Disney parks you just have to experience to fully understand, and this is a big one. You will be left gobsmacked send the sights, sounds, and sensations of this incredible ride. We wouldn't be surprised if you spent three Fastpasses on this attraction.