Pandora Getting a Little ‘Tired’: Fans Weigh In on Declining Disney Attraction

When Pandora – The World of Avatar debuted at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in 2017, it immediately set a new standard for immersive themed lands, drawing visitors into the stunning world of James Cameron’s Avatar. The area was praised for its breathtaking floating mountains, bioluminescent plants, and intricate attention to detail. Guests marveled at the sensory experience as they stepped into a living, breathing alien world. The land quickly became one of Disney’s most celebrated attractions, a shining example of Walt Disney Imagineering’s craftsmanship and ability to create environments that feel entirely otherworldly.

However, recent reports are raising concerns about the current state of Pandora.

Recent Complaints Highlight the Declining Condition of Pandora’s Landscape

As the years have passed, visitors have started to notice that Pandora may not be aging as gracefully as Disney had hoped. Issues related to the maintenance and upkeep of the land have been surfacing, with several fans sharing their dismay over the declining condition of the area’s plants and water features. The lush and vibrant environment that once captivated guests appears to be fading, leaving some to question whether Disney is maintaining the immersive experience that Pandora once offered.

One fan on X (formerly Twitter) shared their observations after a recent summer visit:

“When I was in Pandora this summer, the fake plants appeared to be in really poor physical condition due to the sun and elements. For example, this grass was all droopy, lacked color, and this water was green and stagnant. I think this water used to move but something broke? These formerly pink plants look brown and wilted. Same goes for the lily pads in the water. And the water looks very gross. I hope they can address this, Pandora and its visitors deserve better.”

For a land designed to be visually immersive and constantly evolving—from its glowing flora to the dynamic water features—these concerns have raised red flags. The once-vibrant plants, which were integral to the area’s atmosphere, now appear to be suffering from exposure to the sun and weather, leaving guests to wonder if the environmental storytelling is being compromised. Pandora’s ability to transport visitors into the Avatar world relied heavily on its dynamic surroundings, so the deterioration of its key features may detract from the overall experience.

These formerly pink plants look brown and wilted. Same goes for the lily pads in the water. And the water looks very gross.

I hope they can address this, Pandora and its visitors deserve better. pic.twitter.com/dhL6tWORnJ

— Mickey Central (@Mickey_Central) September 15, 2025

Challenges of Maintaining Outdoor Attractions in Florida’s Harsh Climate

While it’s not uncommon for outdoor themed areas to face wear and tear over time—especially in Florida’s intense climate—Disney is renowned for its dedication to keeping its parks in pristine condition. The company has long been known for its attention to detail and high standards of maintenance, ensuring that guests can enjoy fully immersive environments at all times. Still, as the wear and tear on Pandora becomes more apparent, many are questioning whether Disney has let this land slip below the usual high bar.

Florida’s weather—heat, humidity, and frequent storms—puts immense strain on outdoor theming. While the area looked spectacular upon its opening, the elements have clearly taken their toll, and it seems as though the materials originally used to bring Pandora to life may now be showing signs of their age.

At this point, Disney has not officially commented on these concerns, and there has been no word on whether maintenance plans are in place for Pandora’s future. Long-time visitors know that Disney regularly addresses such issues through periodic refurbishments, but the lack of public acknowledgment or updates has left many wondering how long it will take for these issues to be addressed.

Pandora Remains a Fan Favorite – But Will These Issues Affect Its Popularity?

Pandora continues to be a fan favorite, with popular attractions such as Avatar Flight of Passage and Na’vi River Journey helping to maintain its popularity. Despite these issues, the land’s stunning rides and immersive nature continue to draw in large crowds. However, if the landscape continues to degrade, visitors might start to feel that the land is losing its once-unparalleled magic.

For many Disney fans, the promise of the parks isn’t just about thrilling rides but about the world-building that makes the experience feel complete. As Disney faces growing concerns about the upkeep of Pandora, the company may be under increasing pressure to invest in restoring the area to its former glory.

As this discussion continues to grow, it remains to be seen whether Disney will prioritize fixing the environmental issues in Pandora or allow them to persist. For now, fans can only hope that the magic that once defined the land can be revived before it begins to fade away for good.

Do you think Disney should take immediate action to refurbish Pandora, or are these concerns simply the result of time and natural wear on outdoor attractions? Let us know in the comments.