Skip to main content
  • News
    • MTV News
    • Trending News
    • Videos & Interviews
    • Taylor Swift
    • Kim Kardashian
  • Music
    • Music Highlights
    • Music Videos
    • Charts
    • Playlists
    • EMAs
    • MTV PUSH
    • Artists
  • Shows
    • Latest Shows
    • The Charlotte Show
    • Geordie Shore
    • Ex on the Beach
    • Just Tattoo Of Us
    • Teen Mom UK
    • The Royal World
  • Movies
    • Movies Highlights
    • New Movies Coming Soon
    • Videos & Interviews
    • Trailers
    • Moana
  • Travel
    • Videos
  • Style
  • Life
    • Life
    • MTV Breaks
    • Sex
    • WTF
    • SRS
    • Travel
    • Fitness
    • Generation Change
  • Pictures
  • Win
  • MTV Play
  • TV Guide
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Search
  • Pictures
  • Win
  • MTV Play
  • TV Guide
Home
  • News
    • MTV News
    • Trending News
    • Videos & Interviews
    • Taylor Swift
    • Kim Kardashian
  • Music
    • Music Highlights
    • Music Videos
    • Charts
    • Playlists
    • EMAs
    • MTV PUSH
    • Artists
  • Shows
    • Latest Shows
    • The Charlotte Show
    • Geordie Shore
    • Ex on the Beach
    • Just Tattoo Of Us
    • Teen Mom UK
    • The Royal World
  • Movies
    • Movies Highlights
    • New Movies Coming Soon
    • Videos & Interviews
    • Trailers
    • Moana
  • Travel
    • Videos
  • Style
  • Life
    • Life
    • MTV Breaks
    • Sex
    • WTF
    • SRS
    • Travel
    • Fitness
    • Generation Change
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Search

Travel

  • Main
  • Videos
  • Pictures
  • News

7 Reasons Disney World’s Pandora: World of Avatar Is Its Best Land Yet

There's a reason it's rumoured to have cost $500m...

Matt Risley
  • Share to Facebook
  • Tweet to Twitter
  • Share to Google plus
Thursday, May 25, 2017 - 04:42

Disney World is as much an experience as a theme park.

Sure, that sounds schmaltzy af, but the reality is that with a landmass the equivalent of TWO Manhattans, and four theme parks, 27 themed hotels, two water parks, and a bunch of other ridiculousness for you to explore within, it’s a city-sized adventure playground for all.

So the unveiling of a brand new land in one of its theme parks is a big deal. And that’s before you take into account that said land is based on the biggest movie ever made (a $2.8bn haul ain’t too shabby). Oh, and said land is rumoured to boast a price tag of around $500m.

MTV was present at the launch of Animal Kingdom Park’s ‘Pandora: World of Avatar’ land, and it is unsurprisingly full of the ambition, creativity and grin-inducing wonder you’d come to expect from the brains of the biggest movie and the biggest theme park on the planet. Here's why...

1. Its environment smacks you in the face (in a good way)

Part of Avatar’s success came thanks to its impressive world-building and stunning production design. Floating tree-dabbled cliffs with cascading waterfalls that rose above the clouds, soaring Banshee bird-dragon things, and 10”ish blue Na’-vi striding through the forestry were just the beginning.

https://instagram.com/p/BUeZXYIlBon/?taken-by=spliggle

While it’d be impossible to recreate all the above IRL (hey, if you know where we can create said bird-dragons, please do let us know), Pandora does a phenomenal job of bringing the CGI world to life.

An enormous (we’re going to guess, 100ft high) ‘floating’ island formation stands strong in the middle of the area, with rushing water, colourful fauna and other mountains (optical illusions FTW) falling into the distance.

It’s an eco-tastic, serene and unique space to wander around, and one you won’t want to leave.

2. It's faithful to the movie in ways that will blow your mind

Hundreds of journalists descended upon Orlando for the land’s official opening; a launch made all the more jaw-dropping by the appearance of none other than James Cameron, Sigourney Weaver, Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana and Walt Disney’s CEO Bob Iger, who opened it with style.

*breathing intensifies* #sigourneymotherchuffingweaver #visitpandora pic.twitter.com/5tHUFxUtsD

— Matt Risley (@spliggle) May 24, 2017

“I never thought I’d see the day when the Pandora I imagined could be made physically real,” said Cameron. “Working with Disney to bring this world to life has been an amazing experience, and the result is something I think everyone will love for generations to come. It really feels like you’re stepping into a dream.” 

From the extensively researched and recreated fauna, flora and animals (over 25 species are listed on a handy guide for you to tick off), to the insanely detailed rides (more on those in a second), it’s an Easter Egg-tastic treat for fans both present and future.

James Cameron has spent his entire career striving to make art immersive, and this is as experiential as it gets.

3. Na’vi River Journey is basically 'Pimp My It’s A Small World'

It’s A Small World is one of Disney World’s oldest and most iconic rides. Na’vi River Journey takes that initial concept (lovely, lazy water ride through an imaginary land full of rickety robotics) and updates it in retina-dazzling style.

Hop aboard a reed boat, and float through a bioluminescent rainforest full of glowing, dazzling plants, phenomenally realistic Pandoran creatures, and a special mystical encounter with the Na’vi’s Shaman of Songs.

It’s beautiful, bewitching and brilliant.

4. Avatar Flight of Passage is the best ride Disney’s ever made

Disney World has almost 50 rides across its four parks, and it’s impossible to argue that Avatar Flight of Passage is one of - if not - the best.

The extensive queuing area is a treat in itself, guiding you through caves rife with ancient Na’vi paintings, colourful shrubbery, and a jaw-hanging science lab full of weird lifeforms and an actual, physical 10ft Na’vi floating in a giant test-tube. 

Move onto the ‘pre-ride’ experience, and you’re treated to some fun Kinect-style motion sensor LOLs, an intro to the ride mechanics (it’s a motion rollercoaster, but not as you know it), and you’re soon shuffled on, to be ‘mind-melded’ with your chosen Avatar.

What follows is, frankly, an astonishing rollercoaster/immersive 3D CGI cinema smorgasbord, as you’re propelled through the air aboard a banshee, and soar, dip and dive through Avatar’s world - from forest to caves, out onto its unforeseen oceans, and high into the clouds.

It’s sensory overload, with smells (yay 4D), sights (imagine IMAX on steroids) and gyro-motion (you’ll feel the wind in your hair) combining to make you feel like you’re very, very much there.

Other rides have used this technology, but never to such stunningly seamless effect.

WATCH FOOTAGE FROM THE RIDES RIGHT NOW

5. It paves the way for Avatar’s future

It may have been a boggling eight years since Avatar was released, and we may still have another three frustrating years until its sequel hits cinemas, but Pandora gives more than a few hints of what’s to come.

Disney World’s version of Pandora is set after the events of the final Avatar film (Avatar 5, hitting cinemas in - oof - 2025), in a world where human and Na’vi live peacefully alongside each other.

Not only do you get a glimpse at the technology and symbiosis to come, but the Flight of Passage ride gives you a first-hand look at the other areas of Pandora we’ve yet to see on-screen. 

All we’ll say is that every moment soaring above (and through) the ocean is a show-stopping marvel (HAI GIANT SPACE WHALE) and we can’t wait to see more.

6. Everything is (hippy) awesome

One of Avatar’s defining themes is its commitment to a brighter, more ecologically balanced, harmonious, and decidedly less destructive future.

So it’s a hippyish joy to see character actors around the land doling out zen-like platitudes, banging drums with joyous abandon, and promoting tolerance and cool vibes.

It’s an eco-friendly mantra that extends to its restaurant, with the Satu’li Canteen serving up some strong vegetarian options, as well as the healthiest (but still NOM-miest) food we’d experienced in the park so far.

7. It's just as spectacular at night

Anyone who’s seen Avatar will remember its striking nocturnal scenes, as the forest (and everything in it) transforms into a neon-gasm of incredible colours and sights.

We’re happy to report that returning to Pandora at night is equally as great, as ultraviolet lights shine down, illuminating everything from floor to cavernously high mountainside into a rainbow of purples, greens and blues.

https://instagram.com/p/BUfxvyDl4gJ/?taken-by=spliggle

In a word, PURTY.

MTV Travelled With… Virgin Holidays, who offer 7 nights in Orlando from £925 per person, which includes scheduled Virgin Atlantic flights from London Gatwick to Orlando, room only accommodation at Disney’s All Star Music Resort with car hire included. Price is per person based on two adults and two children travelling and sharing a standard music room with Disney’s Ultimate Tickets. Price is based on a departure on August 31 2017. To book visit www.virginholidays.co.uk or call 0344 739 0025.

Latest News

Arlo Parks - MTV PUSH UK & IRE 2021
Arlo Parks Has Her Sights On Acting & Directing
AWA - MTV PUSH UK & IRE 2021
AWA Says Her Debut Album Is ‘Very Vulnerable and Open’
220 KID - MTV PUSH UK & IRE 2021
220 KID Tells Us The Heroic Reason Behind His Name
Alfie Templeman - MTV PUSH UK & IRE 2021
Alfie Templeman Just Wants To Make You Smile
MTV PUSH UK & IRE 2021
Voting For MTV PUSH UK & IRE 2021 Is Open!
Get To Know - Iann Dior
Get To Know: iann dior
Get To Know - J.I the Prince of N.Y
Get To Know: J.I The Prince Of N.Y
Khloé Kardashian Reacts To “Disrespectful” Typo On Throwback Family Christmas Card
Shawn Mendes Reveals How He And Camila Cabello Are Spending Christmas
Selena Gomez Wins An Award From Peta For Her Vegan Rare Beauty Makeup Collection
Get To Know - Holly Humberstone
Get To Know: Holly Humberstone
Addison Rae And Rachael Leigh Cook Recreate She’s All That Scene On TikTok
The Weeknd - Blinding Lights - Music Video
The Weeknd's 'Blinding Lights' Was MTV’s Most Played Video Of 2020
Cardi B Surprises Offset With A Lamborghini In Celebration Of His 29th Birthday
Kylie Jenner Named Highest Paid Celebrity Of 2020 With Nearly $550 Million
Dixie D’Amelio Defends Herself After A Fan Doubted Her Feelings For Noah Beck
Shawn Mendes Opens Up About “Frustrating” Rumours Surrounding His Sexuality
Dove Cameron Confirms Her Split From Thomas Doherty After Four Years Together
Timothée Chalamet Transforms Into Harry Styles For His SNL Hosting Debut
The Kardashian-Jenner Family Have Signed A Multi-Year Content Deal With Hulu

More From Travel

Travel
7 Reasons Why Sailing The Med Is Your Next Summer Adventure
Travel
Unique festivals, rainforest hikes and white-sand beaches... St.Kitts is the place to be
Travel
2 Weeks Road Trippin' The Deep American South
Travel
Antigua: 6 Reasons To Book The Caribbean Getaway Of Your Dreams Right Now
Travel
Here’s why Nashville is the undisputed city of music
Travel
The Most Instagrammable Spots In New York City
Travel
The Ultimate Guide To Palawan, Philippines
Travel
The ultimate Italian honeymoon destinations for all you romantics out there
Travel
5 Reasons Why Mykonos Should Be Your Next Relaxing Weekend Getaway
Travel
Coolest Things To Do In Santa Monica
Travel
The Coolest Places To Stay In New York City
Travel
The Most Authentic Things To Do in Jamaica’s Montego Bay

Trending Articles

Charli D’Amelio Sets The Record Straight About A Fake “Leaked” Picture Online
10 Things Your Heartbroken Friend Needs To Hear
21 Types Of People You'll Find In Every Friendship Group
Celebrity
10 Celebrities Who Have Some Seriously Kinky Sex Likes In The Bedroom
Arlo Parks - MTV PUSH UK & IRE 2021
Arlo Parks Has Her Sights On Acting & Directing
MTV PUSH UK & IRE 2021
Voting For MTV PUSH UK & IRE 2021 Is Open!
18 Most Naked Of Naked Moments To Have Ever Hit Geordie Shore
AWA - MTV PUSH UK & IRE 2021
AWA Says Her Debut Album Is ‘Very Vulnerable and Open’
  • Contact Us
  • Access Services
  • Website Terms
  • Mobile Terms
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • MTV Jobs
  • MTV Press
  • Anti-Slavery
  • Global Tax Policy Statement
Hit us with some keywords!