When you step foot in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, you’re going to be pleasantly surprised to learn that you now have a choice instead of heading to Expedition Everest or Kilimanjaro Safaris.
The newest land to hit the Animal Kingdom is open and seeing massive crowds, and after seeing it in person (and not through the lens of Official Disney PR photos), Pandora – The World of Avatar is awesome!
Although you can get caught up in the retail shops, the hidden gems, the instagramable food and recognizable (kinda) characters and icons…there is a method to experiencing the world of James Cameron!
PHOTOGRAPH THE FLOATING MOUNTAINS
To say that this was one of my favorite parts of the land would be crazy…because it’s so much fun!
The Imagineers put all their talents on display, which could only rival Cars Land at Disney’s California Adventure on the west coast with it’s level of detail and sheer scale. Try out all your Snapchat & Instagram filters and photo apps when you’re in the land. You’ll thank me when you’re getting MAD likes!
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GET YOUR INSTAGRAM ON WITH THE NIGHT BLOSSOM DRINK!
When we first took a sip of this non-alcoholic frozen offering, we were shocked! It’s the perfect size to share. When you bring in the sweet & sour flavors mixed with the boba balls….the Florida weather has met its match:)
TAKE A BOAT RIDE THROUGH A BIOLUMINESCENT JUNGLE ON THE NA’VI RIVER JOURNEY
This is a calm and Jungle-Cruise-style boat ride for guests of all ages. If you watch a video online, you’re missing out on the overwhelming feeling that you get when you’re surrounded by some of the best lighting that Disney Imagineering has come out with!
Plus the Animatronic Shaman of Songs (potential spoiler for the next round of Avatar sequels) is incredible!
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ADOPT A BANSHEE
The Windtraders retail store is one of my favorite spots in all of Walt Disney World! They are fully stocked with merchandise that is exclusive to Pandora…and not a Mickey to be found!
One of the surprise hits, the banshee adoptions is a must do! For $50, you’re able to buy a banshee that hangs out on your shoulder and becomes a cool part of your personality. It can move its wings and other movements that will make other guests envious of your puppetry skills!
HAVE YOUR LIFE CHANGED BY EXPERIENCING FLIGHT OF PASSAGE
I’ve never said “wow” so many times during a ride! Disney likes to create immersive worlds that guests are transported into…and this was by far one of the best that I’ve ever seen! It’s a 3D motion simulator (on paper), but in real life…it’s so much more.
EAT THE MOUSSE
It’s a dessert that HAD to have been created for social media folks. Blueberry Cream Cheese with passion fruit, whipped cream and a piece of white chocolate is one of my GOTTA eat snacks in Walt Disney World!
I wouldn’t be shocked if we visited Satu’li Canteen just to eat dessert;)
GET A PHOTOPASS MAGIC SHOT
Ever thought about being photobombed by a Banshee? Well if you ask your Photopass Photographer about a potential Magic Shot…you may be surprised!
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TRANSFORM YOUR FACE INTO A GLOW-IN-THE-DARK AVATAR AT THE COLORS OF MOARA
Face painting is everywhere at Theme Parks, so when you bring the style and colors of Avatar into the framework…you get the designs at the Colors of Moara! Oh, and the bonus that they glow-in-the-dark is brilliant!
GET AN AVATAR ACTION FIGURE…OF YOURSELF!
Windtraders makes another stop on the list, but this is just about the perfect gift for someone who has everything. The process is actually pretty straightforward and takes about an hour to get from the customization & scanning phase to holding your Avatar in real life.
Sure, it’s a little pricey…but you’re at Disney! 😉
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PANDORA AT NIGHT
Disney’s Animal Kingdom has taken giant steps to becoming a full day park. For years, it was known as only a half-day experience, with operating hours usually closing at 5pm. Now that the Bioluminescence of Pandora has awoken the nighttime explorers, it’s given new life to a park that (in my opinion) is actually better when the sun goes down.
Seriously, the number of elements within the Land that come alive at nighttime is breathtaking and will make you want to book your next vacation to Walt Disney World to see it again!
Interested in knowing more about Walt Disney World? We’ve got many more articles for Trip Planning and Research for your vacation to Florida!