Last week Recommend had a sneak peek of Pandora—the World of Avatar—at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The highly anticipated new land is surrounded with the fauna and flora that is seen throughout the “Avatar” movie. As one roams around the park, you’re greeted with personalities who are on a discovery of Pandora themselves. These characters add to your guest experience, as they help make the experience feel more real and immersive.
Before the grand opening, which took place over Memorial Day Weekend on May 27th, the media was on hand, along with Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company; James Cameron, director of the “Avatar” movie; and the movie’s cast, to experience the new park area. Pandora features two new rides—Flight of Passage and the Na’Vi River ride. On the Flight of Passage, guests take a virtual ride on a banshee as they soar over Pandora. And while rowing through the Na’vi River, guests take in the bioluminescent scenes of the mystical land. These rides won’t disappoint, I can attest, as I rode both multiple times.
At night, the park transforms into a glowing magical land, where a bioluminescent pathway leads your way. But, before your guests join the crowds to experience this mystical land for themselves, take a glimpse through our photo captures of this anticipated world now brought to life.
The focal point of the park, is this giant tree that cascades over guests.
The fauna and flora at Pandora feel as if you’ve stepped on to the movie set.
Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company and James Cameron, director of the “Avatar” movie, greet media during the opening ceremony for Pandora.
The cast of “Avatar” joins Disney creators for the opening day of Pandora.
The bridge at Pandora feels as if you’re right in the movie.
The giant waterfall in the middle of the park is quite the sight.
An Avatar is being cloned in the lab guests pass through before boarding Flight of Passage.
Guests being matched up with their Avatar before taking flight on a Banshee on the new ride, Flight of Passage.
Colorful dessert at Pandora.
Guests can take their own banshee home—for “adoption” (sale) at the gift shop.
The scenery on the new Na’vi River ride is filled with bright colors and mystical displays.
The bioluminescent floor lights the path through Pandora.
The night scene at Pandora is filled with a vibrant glow.
Views of wildlife from our guestroom at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.
The new Wishes nighttime light and firework show at the Magic Kingdom ends with a colorful display of many favorite chapters.
Disney’s “Toy Story” soldiers helped wrangle us up to our media presentation.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios is showcasing “The Music of Pixar Live” with a grand orchestra.
