Opening in summer 2017 at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Pandora-The World of Avatar will bring a variety of new experiences to the park, including a family-friendly attraction called Na’vi River Journey and new food & beverage and merchandise locations. Pongu Pongu (pictured here) will be a special drink location with a design that is as eclectic as its Expat owner. Disney’s Animal Kingdom is one of four theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Disney Parks)
Bob Chapek, Chairman, Disney Parks and Resorts, gave a look into the future of the newest addition to the Walt Disney World Resort today, unveiling some exciting new updates coming soon to Disney’s Animal Kingdom expansion – Pandora – The World of Avatar.
As part of Chapek’s conversation with D23 host Jeffrey Epstein, he revealed the new entry bridge to Pandora – The World of Avatar. According to the storyline developed by Walt Disney Imagineering and Lightstorm Entertainment, this bridge was built during a time when a destructive company called the RDA – Resources Development Administration came to Pandora. Now that they are long gone, nature is breaking down evidence of their presence. This bridge will soon serve as an entry into the base camp of Alpha Centauri Expeditions, the eco-tour group that will host explorers on their Pandora adventure.
“I think the thing I’m most excited about right now to experience would be everything in Pandora.” Chapek said. “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.”
Chapek shared details of the two, new signature attractions of Avatar Flight of Passage, where guests will fly over the jungles of Pandora on a Mountain Banshee and Na’vi River Journey, a family-friendly boat ride through the bioluminescent forests. He also gave a first look at the new Satu’li Canteen, which is the main dining establishment for Pandora, featuring Na’vi art and cultural items; Windtraders, where travelers can purchase Na’vi cultural items, toys, science kits, and more; and the Pongu Pongu, a drink location with a design that is as eclectic as its Expat owner.
Coming in summer of 2017, Pandora – The World of Avatar will complete the transformation of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Disney in collaboration with filmmaker James Cameron and Lightstorm Entertainment is bringing to life the mythical world of Pandora, inspired by Cameron’s AVATAR, at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park. The awe-inspiring land of floating mountains, bioluminescent rainforests and soaring Banshees will give guests a transformational experience they will never forget.
Chapek gave the sneak peek at the updates to an enthusiastic crowd of Disney fans at the “Destination D: Amazing Adventures” conference for D23, the official fan club for The Walt Disney Company. The “Destination D” Convention, held this year at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, also features a panel by the creative team behind Pandora – The World of Avatar including filmmaker James Cameron, producer Jon Landau and Joe Rohde, Creative Director for Disney’s Animal Kingdom from Walt Disney Imagineering.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom presents holiday themes in a whole new “dark,” with new daytime-into-night experiences, including Tree of Life transformations, Kilimanjaro Safaris, Kali Rivers Rapids and Expedition Everest. For the holidays:
Disney’s Animal Kingdom park is roaring with wild experiences, exciting attractions, mystical creatures and cultural foods that are not to be missed!
Take a look at some posters that are up near the entrance of the future home of Pandora: The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
While currently not a lot to see except the exterior of a large building and a few floating mountains, check out some photos of the Construction of Pandora the World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
As the sights and sounds of the savanna come to life at dusk in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, visitors to the theme park now have the opportunity to experience them in an up-close-and-personal way with the new “Savor the Savanna” tour. This premium offering affords guests a private two-hour safari trek through the 110-acre Harambe Wildlife Reserve, with a spectacular world of creatures, such as gentle giraffes, playful wild dogs and regal lions, roaming about.
The leisurely pace and a knowledgeable Harambe guide help to ensure no one misses the array of exotic animals in a variety of unique habitats. The safari vehicle will stop frequently for the best wildlife viewing and photo opportunities, and the guide will point out fascinating facts along the way.
A highlight of the adventure is a stop for dinner at an exclusive viewing area. Here, guests will enjoy a selection of regional beers, wines and specialty drinks and savor African-inspired tapas, right in the middle of the breathtaking savanna. It’s a bounty of flavors bursting with delectable tastes and textures.
After the journey, guests will receive a special keepsake memento of their unforgettable evening to take home.
Cost for this exclusive experience, which is limited to a maximum of 12 participants, is $169 per person. Each participant must be at least eight years old, and valid theme park admission is required. To book reservations, guests may call 407-WDW-TOUR or visit DisneyWorld.com/tours.
It’s time to admit that Walt Disney knows what it’s doing with its Animal Kingdom theme park in Florida. I’ve been critical of Disney World’s fourth theme park in the past.
The Savor the Savanna: Evening Safari Experience allows guests to welcome the evening at Disney’s Animal Kingdom®Theme Park with a private safari, African tapas, all-inclusive beverages and more.
A trained photographer will take photos throughout the adventure – a service that’s included with the tour. And, when the excursion comes to a close, guests will receive a photo code they can use to access and download images taken during the experience. Plus, they’ll also receive a commemorative keepsake.
The cost is $169 per Guest (tax not included). Valid Theme Park admission is required, and each participant must be at least 8 years old. Each experience is limited to a maximum of 12 Guests. Inclement weather conditions and other factors may affect schedules, and offerings are subject to change without notice.
Book this experience today by calling 407-WDW-TOUR!
