Disney’s ‘Avatar’ Attraction May Be Copying Universal’s ‘Harry Potter’ Playbook

There’s a growing buzz around one of Disney World’s most stunning lands, and it’s not the kind Disney likes. Something subtle but noticeable has guests talking, and many believe Disney might be following in Universal’s footsteps in a way that’s raising eyebrows.

What was once considered one of the most technologically advanced rides on Earth is now being compared to something that’s seen better days—and longtime fans aren’t thrilled.

When Pandora Set the Bar

Back in 2017, Disney unveiled Pandora – The World of Avatar at Animal Kingdom, instantly redefining what themed design could look like. Floating mountains, glowing flora, and alien sounds made every inch of the land feel alive.

Guests could grab drinks that glowed in the dark or sample quirky snacks, but it was the marquee attraction that had everyone lining up for hours. Avatar: Flight of Passage quickly became the park’s biggest hit, delivering an emotional, heart-pounding flight across the skies of Pandora.

The technology behind it stunned even Disney’s most critical fans. The seamless mix of movement, scent, and visuals created one of the most convincing illusions in theme park history. It wasn’t just a ride—it was a leap into another world.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter That Started It All

Of course, Universal’s Harry Potter land got there first. When Hogsmeade opened at Islands of Adventure in 2010, the industry changed overnight. Suddenly, fans could walk through snow-capped streets, sip Butterbeer, and stare up at the majestic Hogwarts Castle. The land felt ripped straight from the films, and the ride at its center, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, was a breakthrough.

Using robotic ride arms and massive projection screens, it took guests into Harry’s world in a way no one had ever experienced. It became the blueprint for modern immersive rides—and a tough act to follow.

Two Titans of Technology

When Flight of Passage arrived, comparisons to Forbidden Journey were impossible to ignore. Both used motion and screen technology to simulate flight, both delivered cinematic visuals, and both became the kind of attractions fans bragged about riding. Each one defined its park—but now, both share another unfortunate similarity: they’re not as sharp as they once were.

The Visual Magic Is Fading

Guests are starting to notice that those once-crystal-clear screens are losing their edge. On both rides, what was once crisp and vivid now looks murky. The images that used to make guests gasp feel softer, blurrier, and less vibrant. It’s the same feeling as watching an old HD movie on a worn-out TV—still enjoyable, but missing the wow factor.

Forbidden Journey has addressed this issue for years, a reasonable approach given its age. It opened long before Avatar’s ride, and its screens have endured over a decade of daily use. But Disney’s Flight of Passage? That’s a different story.

Disney’s Standards, Disney’s Problem

Because Flight of Passage launched years after Universal’s Forbidden Journey, guests expect it to look better for longer. Disney has built its reputation on flawless upkeep and cutting-edge quality, so the recent decline stings all the more. Fans have posted online about duller colors and blurry 3D effects—some even admit to closing one eye just to make it tolerable.

People aren’t angry because the ride is bad—they’re frustrated because Disney usually gets it right. When you pay premium prices for a premium park, you expect the magic to stay pristine.

Both Parks Have Work to Do

To be fair, neither company is immune to aging tech. Screens degrade, projectors lose brightness, and complex motion systems need constant tuning. Universal’s Forbidden Journey could absolutely use an upgrade, but Disney’s situation hits harder because of how new Flight of Passage still feels.

Both parks have the resources to address this issue. A refresh in projection technology could bring both rides back to their original brilliance. These are landmark attractions—they deserve the same level of care that went into building them.

The Verdict

Disney and Universal both revolutionized theme park storytelling with these rides. But guests are noticing the wear, and that means the magic is fading faster than it should. Fans don’t want new rides—they just want the ones they love restored to their best. Until that happens, it seems Avatar: Flight of Passage might truly be going the way of Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey—and not in the way Disney intended.