Pandora – World of Avatar is one of the most popular themed lands inside Disney’s Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World. Between immersion, atmosphere, attractions, and dining, everyone in your party will surely find something they’ll enjoy here. We’ve compiled a complete guide to Pandora – World of Avatar to be sure you don’t miss anything on your next vacation!

Pandora – The World of Avatar Overview

After three years of construction and three prior years of development, Pandora – The World of Avatar opened in May 2017 at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Based on James Cameron’s widely popular Avatar franchise, the addition of this land was met with high anticipation, and Disney certainly did deliver! Once you step into the Valley of Mo’ara, you are entirely immersed.

But, wait, Avatar isn’t even Disney? Right? …Actually, it is!

Though the Avatar franchise was not technically a Disney franchise at the time, in September 2011, The Walt Disney Company entered a licensing agreement with 20th Century Fox to acquire the theme park design rights to the films. And, in 2019, Disney fully acquired 20th Century Fox, securing the entire Avatar franchise under their umbrella.

Now, Pandora sits as one of the most popular areas of the theme park. You can enter it on the left side of the park, just past Pizzafari and Nomad Lounge. If you get to Creature Comforts, you’ve gone too far. A second back entrance is also available — just follow the path through Africa past the Festival of the Lion King!

Pandora – The World of Avatar Theming

Like any Disney World land, there’s an entire backstory to Pandora – The World of Avatar!

The story goes that the Resources Development Association (also known as RDA in the film), mined and left a valley in Pandora named the Valley of Mo’ara. Once the Na’vi took over the land, two companies were allowed to generate human activity on Mo’ara.

The main design feature of this Avatar-inspired land is the floating mountain range. Though the landscape of Mo’ara includes much more than just floating mountains. Aside from the iconic floating mountains, you’ll find waterfalls, agriculture, Pandorean flora, and sounds of life overtaking your surroundings.

While the land is beautiful during the day, and one of the most intricate themed lands of all time, Pandora really comes to life at night. The bioluminescent lights create a jaw-dropping design you won’t want to miss. Even if you aren’t a fan of the film franchise, don’t pass over the beauty of Mo’ara.

Disney Photopass photographers are strategically located around Pandora to give guests memories they won’t forget with these stunning backdrops.

Pandora – The World of Avatar Attractions

Pandora – The World of Avatar is home to two of the most popular attractions inside Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Let’s dive into their details!

Avatar Flight of Passage

Hop on a Banshee and experience the most sought-after ride at Animal Kingdom! Guests embark on a 3D journey through Pandora’s world and gorgeous landscapes. As a Na’vi hunter, one of the primary missions is to bond with the banshees, and you’ll accomplish that on this ride!

There is a 44-inch height requirement for this ride. Child rider swap is available, as well as Individual Lightning Lanes for purchase. If you are staying on Disney property and don’t want to purchase Lightning Lane, take advantage of the resort’s Early Theme Park Entry perk and head straight to Flight of Passage! This ride will have the longest wait in the park.

Na’vi River Journey

This slow-moving, dark boat ride is a journey everyone in your party can take, with no height requirement! Guests will travel through the Pandora rainforest and its caves, soaking in the bioluminescent beauty of the scenery. You’ll even stumble upon Na’vi Shaman of Songs, pouring her positive energy through music.

Na’vi River Journey tends to have the second-longest wait times in the park, only behind Flight of Passage, so be prepared to wait. For those uninterested or little ones that don’t meet the height requirement in Flight of Passage, head here first during Early Entry into the park. It is also included in Lightning Lane Multi Pass if you’d prefer to pay to skip the line.

Pandora – The World of Avatar Dining

Pandora is home to some of the most unique (and most “Instagramable”) dining options at Animal Kingdom. With one quick service restaurant and one snack and beverage stand, there’s plenty to keep you well fed!

Satu’li Canteen

At Satu’li Canteen, you’ll step inside a former RDA Mess Hall and indulge in health-centric dishes unique to other theme park food offerings. Offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner, you’ll find grains, fresh vegetables, and hearty proteins.

For breakfast, you’ll find options such as slow-roasted pork shoulder potato hash, cinnamon french toast, and vegetable frittatas with beef, just to name a few. For lunch and dinner, guests can create their own combination bowls. Base options include a potato hash, noodles, rice and beans, or a salad, with beef, chicken, and shrimp protein options. Sauce options are also available. In addition to the popular combination bowls, Satu’li Canteen is where guests will find the popular cheeseburger steamed pods. These bao buns have all the cheeseburger ingredients inside them, giving a unique twist on a popular theme park food.

Satu’li Canteen is frequently praised for its health-conscious menu and the quality of its ingredients. And I can confirm that it’s good! Mobile ordering and walk-up service are available here.

Pongu Pongu

Pongu Pongu means Party Party in the Na’vi language! The Pongu Pongu walk-up window invites guests to enjoy quick refreshments, specialty beers, and a few frozen concoctions.

Travelers can refuel with a giant pretzel or pineapple cream cheese spring roll (known as the Pongu Lumpia) or refresh with a specialty beer native to Pandora! Frozen rum and tequila cocktails are available, and even a mocktail is available for those who can’t oblige. These drinks are tasty and some of the most aesthetically pleasing in Disney World!

Don’t let the lines fool you; Pongu Pongu has two working sides, and they move quickly!

Pandora – The World of Avatar Shops

In addition to attractions and dining, guests can enjoy shopping on their journey through the Valley of Mo’ara!

Windtraders

Windtraders sells exotic souvenirs and merchandise that represent Pandora’s culture. You can find science kits, animal creatures, Pandoraean structures, treasures, and traditional Disney merchandise such as Magicbands and apparel.

Windtraders is at the exit of Avatar Flight of Passage, so the store can get crowded. Don’t let that discourage you from checking out what Windtraders offers. You won’t be able to find most of this merchandise anywhere else!

Guests can even create their own Avatar at the ACE Avatar Maker, where an Alpha Centauri Expedition Scan Technician will capture graphics and information that creates your own avatar! No reservations are required to participate in this experience.

Colors of Mo’ara

On the east side of Pandora, near Na’vi River Journey, is Colors of Mo’ara. This kiosk sets the stage for adventure, a one-stop shop for travelers passing by who may need additional supplies.

Explorers will find gifts, merchandise, and trinkets to remind them of their Na’vi journey, including water bottles, backpacks, banshees, and even face painting when available.

Comments

Have you experienced Pandora – The World of Avatar yet? Let us know in the comments what you look forward to most on your next visit to Disney’s Animal Kingdom!