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12 Things We Love About Pandora – The World of Avatar

Pandora – The World of Avatar has been wowing guests since the moment it opened in May, 2017. It has made Disney’s Animal Kingdom more popular than ever. The reason why guests are enjoying Pandora so much is simple; the area is amazing. Here are 12 things that make Pandora – The World of Avatar so incredible.

12. Inclusive

The premise behind Pandora – The World of Avatar is that you go through a portal and are whisked light years away. If you allow your imagination to take over, you can feel like that is exactly what happened. The area is inclusive, you can’t see the Tree of Life or anything else at Disney’s Animal Kingdom from it. It does make it feel like you are in another world.

11. Colors of Mo’ara

Face painting is popular at Walt Disney World, especially for children. Colors of Mo’ara is a face painting stand with a twist. Instead of turning into a tiger or Darth Maul, you and your kids can look like the Na’vi. Purchase some ears and a tail (available at the same location or inside Windtraders) and you will fit right in with the locals.

10. Swotu Waya Part One

Towards the center of Pandora – The World of Avatar is a drum circle. It’s officially known as Swotu Waya, which means “sacred place of song”. This is a great place to take the kids if they need to blow off a little bit of steam. They can pound away on the drums, and you can take a short break.

9. Swotu Waya Part Two

The drum circle holds a second purpose besides giving children a chance to use up some extra energy. It is also the home of the Swotu Waya Na’vi Drum Ceremony. This show is sometimes interactive, and it is a lot of fun to watch. It lasts for about 15 minutes, and there are several shows throughout the day and evening. Search Swotu Waya Na’vi Drum Ceremony on the My Disney Experience App to find current show times.

8. Magic Shot

Magic Shots are a fun way to add a little bit of extra magic to your PhotoPass pictures. It could be a character is added, or maybe you’ll be pictured trying to hold a large bunch of balloons. In Pandora, you can have a Magic Shot that shows your reaction as you point at a banshee flying overhead. Look for a PhotoPass photographer in order to capture this shot.

7. Pongu Pongu

Traveling light years in such a short amount of time is bound to make you thirsty. It’s a good thing that there is a local watering hole in Pandora – The World of Avatar. Pongu Pongu features a couple of drinks that you won’t find elsewhere at Walt Disney World. Night Blossom is the colorful non-alcoholic choice, while Mo’ara Margarita is for the 21 and up crowd. You can purchase your beverage with a Glowing Unadelta Seed and in a souvenir mug if you would like. There are also “local” ales for sale.

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6. Pandora During the Day

The atmosphere at Pandora – The World of Avatar is incredible during the day. You’ll want to have your camera ready, because there are surprises everywhere. The local plants blend in perfectly, and the floating mountains and waterfalls are spectacular. Pandora is not the type of place that you should hurry through. Take your time and explore.

5. Pandora at Night

Don’t think that you can visit the Valley of Mo’ara during the day and then leave. It feels like a whole new area at night. Pandora comes alive with colors, unlike anything that you’ve seen at any theme park before. You’ll want to look down under your feet, look up at the floating mountains, and look around to see everything in between. The area is breathtaking at night.

4. Windtraders

There is one main place to shop in Pandora – The World of Avatar. Windtraders is a destination in and of itself. This is where you can purchase an interactive banshee, or have an Avatar made in your likeness. You can buy typical souvenirs like T-shirts and cell phone cases, but you can also create your own Windtraders’ necklace. You’ll want to spend a little bit of time browsing, even if you don’t plan to buy anything.

3. Na’vi River Journey

A new land needs rides, and there are two of them in Pandora. Na’vi River Journey is a slow moving boat ride that is suitable for the entire family. You’ll glide down the Na’vi River, passing plenty of plants and animals as you go. You might even see a local or two. At the end you’ll encounter the Shaman of Songs. The lines for Na’vi River Journey grow long quickly, so arrive early or use FastPass+.

2. Satu’li Canteen

Of course you will get hungry during your visit to the Valley of Mo’ara, and the place to eat is Satu’li Canteen. It is “owned and operated” by Alpha Centauri Expeditions. Lunch and dinner offer make your own bowl by choosing a base, a protein, and a sauce. Steamed Pods are also available. One nice thing about Satu’li Canteen is that you can use the My Disney Experience App to order ahead of time. That means you won’t have to wait for your food.

1. Avatar Flight of Passage

It doesn’t matter how beautiful a new land is, if there isn’t an incredible ride the land will fail. Fortunately, one of the best rides at Walt Disney World is found in Pandora. Avatar Flight of Passage allows guests to link minds with Avatars so that they can fly on the back of banshees. The results are spectacular. You’ll wear 3D glasses to make the experience feel more real. Avatar Flight of Passage is currently the hardest to obtain FastPass+ at Walt Disney World. If you can get it, grab it fast. Otherwise, arrive as early as possible. The line will grow long within minutes of the park opening. It’s a good thing that the queue is almost as amazing as the ride.

One word about FastPass+. It is offered in tiers at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. You can pick one ride from Tier One and two from Tier Two. The two rides in Pandora – The World of Avatar are the only two Tier One attractions. If you want FastPass+ for both, you’ll need to stay on property and visit the parks two days. FastPass+ for Avatar Flight of Passage sometimes will be gone just minutes after the 60 day window opens up. If you’re not staying at a Walt Disney World resort, your chances of getting a FastPass+ for Flight of Passage are slim. There might still be some for Na’vi River Journey at the 30 day mark, but those won’t last long either.

About PaulaK

I grew up in Western Massachusetts. When I was nine my family went to Disneyland and I was hooked. I grew up, attended New England College in Henniker, NH and eventually moved to Virginia. I worked as a disc jockey, married and became a full time mom when our daughter was born. Fast forward several years. In 2010 we moved to Central Florida and my Disney obsession grew. I now work as a freelance writer and spend my spare time in the parks. Under the name Paula Brown I penned the novels Dream Wanderers and The Coffee Cruiser. I also am a co-author of Dining at Walt Disney World: The Definitive Guide. I'm obsessed with Star Wars, so this is a good time to live in Central Florida. I've been a vegetarian for well over a decade, a choice that my daughter eventually made as well. While my husband still hasn't joined us fully he has given up most meats except for seafood. I was relieved to find that vegetarian dining is not difficult at Walt Disney World.