Disney World Guests Blocked From Pandora Locations at Animal Kingdom
A popular pathway inside Pandora–The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom has quietly gone offline, catching many guests by surprise during recent park visits.
Pandora has long been considered one of the most immersive lands Walt Disney World has ever created, transporting guests to the moon of Pandora from James Cameron’s Avatar franchise. Since the original 2009 film debuted, the series has expanded with Avatar: The Way of Water in 2022 and Avatar: Fire and Ash in 2025, further cementing the world’s presence across Disney parks.
When the land opened in 2017, it was designed to take place years after the first film, inviting visitors into the Valley of Mo’ara. The area is instantly recognizable for its floating mountains, alien plant life, and layered sound design that makes the environment feel active and inhabited.
While Pandora impresses during daylight hours, many fans consider nighttime to be when the land truly shines. As the sun sets, the walkways and foliage glow with bioluminescent effects, transforming the area into one of Animal Kingdom’s most visually striking nighttime environments.
Anchoring the land is Avatar Flight of Passage, a headline attraction that remains one of the most in-demand rides across Walt Disney World. The attraction places riders on the back of a banshee, sending them soaring across Pandora through a combination of large-scale screens, motion simulation, and environmental effects.
Due to its popularity, Flight of Passage is included in Disney’s Lightning Lane Single Pass program, allowing guests to buy individual ride access rather than endure lengthy standby waits. Pandora also offers Na’vi River Journey, a calmer boat ride that glides through a glowing rainforest and emphasizes the land’s spiritual themes and connection to nature.
Given Pandora’s constant crowds, any disruption can have ripple effects. As seen by Kenny the Pirate, sections of guest walkways within the land have been blocked off. While the closure may create tighter foot traffic patterns, it appears to be tied to an effort many fans have been hoping for.
Reports indicate Disney is restoring sections of the land’s bioluminescent paint, as it did last year. Because Disney’s Animal Kingdom often closes earlier than other parks, some visitors feel they rarely get the chance to fully experience Pandora’s nighttime glow.
Even so, closing a major walkway could lead to congestion, particularly on busy weekends when Animal Kingdom draws larger crowds.
Despite the closure, Pandora still offers plenty to explore. Satu’li Canteen remains a standout quick-service option, known for its customizable bowls and unique flavors, while Windtraders continues to serve as the land’s primary retail location.
Pandora’s influence isn’t limited to Florida. Disney has already confirmed plans for a new Pandora-themed land at Disneyland Resort, signaling that Avatar will continue to play a major role in the company’s theme park portfolio for years to come.
How do you feel about Disney’s unexpected refurbishment in Pandora? Let us know in the comments down below!
