Reviews of Pandora — the World of Avatar
Reviewed by LiaElf76 Review Date: 05/18/2017
Rating: (9) Recommended
I'm a huge fan of the Avatar movie so I've been excited about this since the first announcement. My favorite place creating a space dedicated to my favorite movie, how could I not be excited.
First off, it's beautiful to walk around in Pandora. Disney did a good job blending real world plants with the artificial plants to really bring the place to life. I was a bit saddened to not get to see it in the dark when it should come to life with bioluminescent effects to mimic the movie.
By accident, my first stop was the gift shop, Windtraders. I went in knowing I was buying one of the Banshee shoulder puppet animals. The toy was neat, and I kind of felt like a rock star walking around with it on my shoulder (and wore it to the Magic Kingdom the next day as well).
The cast seems pretty dedicated to sticking with the story of Pandora. For instance, I was required to take an oath pledging to protect the natural environment of Pandora and Earth before I could "adopt" my Banshee. And casst members greeted me with the Na'vi phrase "I see you," (in Na'vi) once I had my Banshee. When I asked about the personalized Avatar figures, the cast member launched into explaining the scientific "research" it was helping to complete.
Flight of Passage was an awesome ride, despite it shutting down in the pre-ride room during my first attempt to ride it. My description is it's kind of Soarin' on steroids, really giving you the sensation of flying and combining some "4D" effects like smells (pleasant smells), wind, and mild spritzing of water (the scents are much better utilized then on Soarin'). And it kind of felt like I was getting a sneak peek at the next Avatar movie since some of the creatures you see weren't in thd original movie.
Na'vi River Journey is by far the best animatronic infused boat ride in Disney World. The Na'vi Shaman of Songs near the end is very lifelike. That being said, it's just a boat ride and a fairly short one at that. It's beautiful and well done but I wish it would have taken you from day to night so you could see a wide array of animals, both the daytime and nighttime creatures.
I didn't eat at the restaurant but I did try the Ma'oro Margarita specialty drink at the Pongu Pongu stand. It was tasty and the juice filled beads kind of made it more fun to drink.
I guess I'd also like to mention that Pandora is so far just filled with Pandora stuff. The gift shop doesn't have any Disney characters (not even morphed into blue-skinned Na'vi characters). It's a nice refreshing reprieve from constant Mickey and Frozen merchandise. Sadly with it being new I'm not sure when I'll feel the urge to brave the crowds to return to the world of Pandora. But I might need to risk it to see it after dark.
Pros:
Beautiful, Flight of PassageCons:
Few attractionsReviewed by Sweetypi Review Date: 05/17/2017
Rating: (10) Recommended
Although I enjoyed the movie Avatar I wasn't overly hyped about Disney doing something based on this old movie. Whether you saw the movie or not you will be blown away by the details and beauty of the theming. Although I was unbelievably lucky to have seen it thanks to Cast member Tim who had 2 extra tickets to the cast preview and invited me and my husband in with them, I didn't get to see it at night which they claim is even more spectacular and hope to get to see in a few months again. The river ride is peaceful and serine and beautiful but I was mesmerized by Avatar-flight of passage. I found it so realistic as if I was soaring through this gorgeous land, I couldn't take it all in but it is an experience you won't forget.
Pros:
EverythingCons:
—Reviewed by Sbinegar1 Review Date: 05/16/2017
Rating: (8) Recommended
I am a 5'7 350lb woman. I was able to get on the flights of passage but it was not able to lock me in. I was not able to ride this attraction. I have always loved Disney and never had fears of not fitting until the last few rides they have created in the last few years. I am also unable to ride the mine train as it will not go down over my legs. I loved the immersion nature of this world but Walt Disney World has really missed the mark with being heavy people friendly. I can only hope they rethink a possible option for fluffy people and or a stationary option for those of us that can't or don't fit.
Pros:
Beautiful and immersiveCons:
Not big people friendlyReviewed by dcdeb Review Date: 05/13/2017
Rating: (10) Recommended
Deb Wills recently had the chance to preview Pandora - The World of Avatar and shares her first impressions in this YouTube video:
https://youtu.be/DHdae3V-iD0
(Spoiler: She gives it two thumbs way up!)
