UPDATED AUGUST 2024. Pandora – The World of Avatar opened in Disney’s Animal Kingdom in 2017. Before its debut, Disney put together a preview video that still inspires us to this day. Plus, with news that a whole new Avatar area will be coming to Disneyland Resort, we know we’ll want to explore both coasts for the ultimate Avatar experience.

This video is a great introduction to the land that once was only alive in the Pandora films. Since that time, so much has been added that we continuously update this article to include more things to do and see when you visit Pandora – The World of Avatar.

You’ll notice former Disney Imagineer Joe Rhode in the preview video as well as the creator and director of the original Avatar movie narrating this quick peek of Pandora. With such a star-studded team, it’s easy to see how The World of Avatar came together to be completely amazing.

Pandora – the World of Avatar is a unique, immersive experience unlike any other. Almost the entire world is custom-designed with waves and pulses going through the entire landscape. And of course, the hundreds of plants that come alive with bioluminescent technology.

The ensemble of designers, engineers and robotic techs certainly created a world that James Cameron once only dreamed of back in 1995. From huge floating mountains to life-sized plants and creatures, you’ll be totally immersed in Pandora – The World of Avatar during your next Walt Disney World vacation.

To enter this incredible landscape you can enter from Discovery Island or from Africa. Follow the path to cross the park’s Discovery River onto Pandora – The World of Avatar and continue along a winding rainforest path for your first glimpse of the land’s iconic floating mountains.

Now let’s talk about the rides!

The Walt Disney Company is known for telling amazing stories. It only made sense to encompass the storyline of one of the highest-grossing films of all time, Avatar, into Walt Disney World attractions.

Avatar Flight of Passage

Fly on the back of a mountain banshee during an exhilarating, 3D ride over the vast moon of Pandora on the Avatar Flight of Passage attraction.

Get ready to feel the wind-in-your-face and banshee breathing beneath you as you soar through the forest and past floating mountains. It will be a multisensory experience you won’t soon forget. Your ultimate adventure also includes an encounter with the most feared predator of Pandora, the Great Leonopteryx.

Na’vi River Journey

The Na’vi River Journey is a family-friendly adventure where guests travel down a sacred river deep into a bioluminescent rainforest. Aboard reed boats, you’ll float past exotic glowing plants and Pandoran creatures into the midst of a musical Na’vi ceremony. The journey culminates in an encounter with the breathtakingly realistic Na’vi Shaman of Songs who is deeply connected with Pandora’s life force and sends positive energy into the forest through her music.

Because these attractions are so popular, we recommend reading up on Lightning Lane and Individual Lightning Lane. You definitely want to make time in your day for these rides.

In a land that celebrates the magic of nature, you’ll want to explore every inch both day and night, especially the glowing fauna and flora after dark.

Here are a few more things you’ll want to explore while in Pandora.

Colors of Mo'ara

As you trek through the Valley of Mo’ara, drop by this colorful kiosk for a Na’vi-inspired face painting.

It’s run by local expats and helps explorers see themselves as one of the Na’vi! Featuring authentic Pandoran markings, along with merchandise, it’s a perfect stop for little ones and big ones alike—whether you’re just arriving at Pandora or departing for your next great adventure.

Windtraders

Discover exotic merchandise and souvenirs celebrating the flora, fauna and culture of Pandora. From Na’vi cultural artifacts and adopting your own banshee to science kits and Alpha Centauri Expeditions (ACE) apparel, you’ll find something exciting for every member of the family here.

If you have never been to Pandora, you are in for a treat and plenty to eat. The artful storytelling on Pandora continues at these two dining establishments.

Satu'li Canteen

Stop for sustenance at the land’s Satu’li Canteen, a Quonset-hut-style building with a spacious dining area that pays tribute to the Na’vi and their culture with special décor. The menu at this fast-casual restaurant is inspired by the healthful bounty of Pandora – wholesome grains, fresh vegetables, and hearty proteins.

Our Walt Disney World experts add, “This is one of the best quick service restaurants at Walt Disney World and is a favorite among our staff!”

Pongu Pongu

If you’re looking for something quick to eat or drink, you can also grab a drink at Pongu Pongu, where a friendly expat serves up bioluminescent frozen cocktails and indigenous beers. They also serve breakfast and snacks like Pongu Lumpia (pineapple-cream cheese spring roll) or Blueberry Cream Cheese Mousse. Or go for the tried and true Cheeseburger Pods. These are a hit with the whole family!

We are so excited for you to journey to The World of Avatar and Get Away Today will be by your side for every step of the planning process. We'd love to help you find the best deal on your Walt Disney World hotel and tickets. You can find our Walt Disney World packages online, or you can call any of our reservation agents at 855-GET-AWAY.

There’s so much to know about Pandora, we’ve gathered a few frequently asked questions to help you gain a better understanding of this unique land at Walt Disney World.

Is Pandora still at Disney World?

Yes, Pandora – The World of Avatar is located at Disney World inside Animal Kingdom Park.

Which Disney Park has Pandora?

Pandora – The World of Avatar is located at Disney World inside Animal Kingdom Park. It is the only Disney theme park in the world to host a Pandora themed land.

How many rides are in Pandora at Animal Kingdom?

There are two rides: Avatar Flight of Passage and Na’vi River Journey.

Does Pandora glow or light up at night?

Yes, the glow effect is one of the most magical things to witness after dark at Walt Disney World. The World of Avatar glows a bioluminescence hue each night.

What is the scent of Pandora – The World of Avatar?

Imagineers infused many different smells and scents into the land, most are fresh plants, flowers, the smell of freshly fallen rain. You’ll also experience earth-like sulfur smells. Many candles try their best to mimic the scent and Disney fans are often drawn to “Banshee Flight” scent.