Disney’s Pandora- The World of Avatar opened in the early summer of 2017 and is still immensely popular. Is it worth a visit? A completely immersive experience, Pandora- The World of Avatar will engage and excite guests of all ages. Find out where it is located, what to do, and what to eat as you plan your next visit. These are the best tips for visiting Disney’s Pandora.
Best Tips for Visiting Disney’s Pandora
Pandora is a brand new world located in the heart of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Being a fan of the film franchise matters not, as the world itself is explained to you as you go. To get there, cross the bridge toward the Tree of Life, hang a left after the gift shop and before Pizzafari, and you’re there.
Once you’re actually in Pandora, you won’t be able to see other areas of the Animal Kingdom. This is purposeful and adds depth and wonder to an already incredible new land.
The Rides in Pandora
First and foremost on everyone’s mind are the rides. There are currently two rides available to experience in Pandora. I highly suggest using a Genie+ Lightning Lane experience on one of the rides. Flight of Passage is an incredible experience, but the queue is also fun to wander through.
Flight of Passage often has the most extended wait times of the two rides, so consider that when planning your day. Na’vi River Journey is a gorgeous, slow boat ride through the world of the Na’vi. It’s over quickly, though; you may be irritated you waited so long!
Pandora- The World of Avatar Food
Next, I have to talk about the food. I cannot say enough good things about the Satu’li Canteen. I never found much in Animal Kingdom to be to my liking regarding food (save Yak and Yeti in the Asia section). Satu’li Canteen brings its A-game and delivers.
The ability to combine so many different options is fantastic, and it ensures everyone will get something they want. My daughter was brave enough to try the weird-looking cheeseburger pods and liked them! I recommend the wood-grilled, chopped chicken bowl with a rice base and the creamy herb sauce.
Pandora Entertainment
Even though there are only two rides in Pandora, there is quite a bit to see and do. Take advantage of the gorgeous scenery and put that Memory Maker to use. Open up your My Disney Experience app, and you might find a surprise game awaiting your play.
Listen to the beat of the drums and watch the short “Na’vi Drum Ceremony” performed by a trio of local musicians. Above all, come back in the evening because Pandora will look completely different at night.
The Souvenirs
We missed out on being able to get our own Banshee this last trip as they were completely sold out. If you see one on your next visit, grab it! They are great souvenirs that will be more than just a plush toy collecting dust on a shelf. My kids were a little disappointed they couldn’t get one.
However, after the sun went down, one of my kids found a Na’vi spear with a light-up interior. Windtraders, the gift shop in Pandora, also has shirts, mugs, jewelry, pins, toys, and more. Another option is to create your own Avatar lookalike! A personalized souvenir is an excellent reminder of a fun trip.
Bonus Tips for Pandora
Finally, there are so many extra little tidbits I could share that wouldn’t make sense in a random paragraph I decided to list them here:
- Take advantage of Early Theme Park Entry if you stay on Disney property and Rider Swap. Those two things could significantly reduce your wait time for rides.
- Order your food online. Disney has online ordering for many of its quick-service restaurants. Satu’li Canteen is one of them. This would keep you from standing in yet another line during your visit.
- Wilderness Explorers! There is a new stop dedicated to Wilderness Explorers in Pandora. We almost missed it, so keep an eye out for it!
Above all, exercise patience for your fellow man (and Cast Members). This area was just over a month “old” when we visited, and it was very crowded and busy. Realize you may not be able to “do it all,” and set those expectations accordingly.