Visiting Pandora World of Avatar at Animal Kingdom

Visiting Pandora World of Avatar at Animal Kingdom

Pandora at Animal Kingdom is a beautiful land on Avatar, 4.4 light-years away. From army-like bases to natural cuisine and the whole feeling of being connected to the planet, this bioluminescent land at Walt Disney World comes even more alive at night. And during the season, Animal Kingdom often stays open late enough that you can get a glimpse of this magical world against the darkness of the evening. If you’re ready to explore this amazing new land at Animal Kingdom, here’s everything you need to know about Pandora!
Pandora at Animal Kingdom Park

Where is Pandora in Walt Disney World?

First things first. Pandora World of Avatar is in Animal Kingdom. To get to Pandora in Animal Kingdom, you walk through the Oasis, towards the Tree of Life on Discovery Island. Once there, take the path to your left. You will see a walkway to the left, just before you get to Pizzafari. That is the path to Pandora World of Avatar. As you’re walking down this path you will see Tiffins and  Nomad Lounge to the right. 

Pandora is small. If you feel like you haven’t seen everything, honestly, you probably have. The area takes just a couple of hours to explore, though your ride wait times will extend that if you’re counting queue times.

Where is Pandora in Animal Kingdom Disney World

Pandora World of Avatar Floating Mountains

Does Pandora World of Avatar Have Rides?

Yes! Pandora has two rides. Know that they are both still very popular and tend to have long waits. While the Na’vi river boat ride is typically a shorter wait, during busy times it can get over 60 minute wait time.  The simulated ride- Flight of Passage can sometimes have more than 120 minute wait. 

Na’vi River Journey

The Na’vi River Journey is the Pandora boat ride that brings you through an underground calming cave-like experience on the boat. Na’vi River Journey is very beautiful, slow-moving, and relaxing, but it’s only about 5 minutes long. In general, we don’t wait for more than 45 minutes for this ride. It’s usually lower times in the mornings and evenings. So if you time it right, you should be able to grab a better wait time for Na’vi River Journey.

Flight of Passage

Flight of Passage is the other ride in Pandora. And highly sought after! This simulated ride takes on you a journey on the “back of banshee”. It’s truly one of the most amazing ride experiences. As a result, Flight of Passage regularly sees 2 hour wait times. The wait queue for Flight of Passage is amazing, however, so if it’s a hot day and you have time feel free to wait in line! You can snag a Lightning Lane Pass for Flight of Passage if you access the My Disney Experience App early enough to book one! Lightning Lane Passes open up at 7 am, and many are “sold out” by noon. 

 

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pongu pongu night blossom drink at pandora

Where Can you Eat in Pandora?

Pandora has two places you get food. The Pongu Pongu counter is a small, walk-up quick-service dining location. And the Satu’li Canteen, themed to a mess hall is where you can find lunch and dinner in Pandora; one of the best restaurants in Animal Kingdom park

Pongu Pongu

They have Pongu Lumpia which is one of our favorite snacks at Animal Kingdom. This Disney snack is basically pineapple and cream cheese wrapped in pastry, like an egg roll. It’s light and delicious. Pongu Pongu also has Night Blossoms, both non-alcoholic and alcoholic. If you’ve been to the Flower and Garden Festival and tried the Violet Lemonade, it’s basically the same thing. A little sour, a little sweet, and in Pandora, they put boba on it. If you don’t love boba balls (tapioca balls) just ask for it without them. 

Satu’li Canteen

The main restaurant in Pandora with indoor and outdoor seating is Satu’li Canteen. If you’re looking for a healthy meal, you can find power bowls, salads, and Paleo and Vegetarian-friendly options. You can customize your power bowl to your liking and we truly think this is one of the best lunches in Animal Kingdom. And we love that it’s different than anything else you’ll find at a quick service restaurant in the Disney parks.

Food at Pandora World of Avatar

What’s the Best Time to Visit Pandora in Animal Kingdom?

Unless you’re rope-dropping Flight of Passage, we recommend you visit Pandora at night. Though Animal Kingdom isn’t always open later, on evenings in the summer, you can take advantage of later hours. We cannot recommend this enough. Heck, even if you do rope drop Flight of Passage, this area of the park still gets rather crowded in the afternoons, so go back in the evening. Not only is everything beautifully lit up, but the entire atmosphere is completely different. Even if you just stop by for a few minutes, it’s worth the trip. Watch the drum circle. This may not be your cup of tea, but it is a fun addition to the entertainment there. Stay for a minute or stay for the whole show. You can also head to the many areas across Pandora World of Avatar that have light displays. You can even find these on the ground and snap a picture. 

Pandora Animal Kingdom at Night

Does Pandora have special Merchandise?

You bet! If you want to spring for the cost of adopting a banshee, you can head over to Wind Traders to get a banshee of your very own. Wind Traders is the gift shop you’ll go into after exiting Flight of Passage. And people go crazy over the little interactive banshees that sit on your shoulder. These souvenirs get really pricey but if you’re an Avatar fan, it’s an absolute must-have. And of course you can head to our shop for even more Pandora Outfits to try! 

Moss Wall World of Avatar Disney Pandora
Need tees for exploring Pandora? Check out our post on our favorite Pandora Merchandise!

What are the Best Photo Ops in Pandora Animal Kingdom?

Pandora is so beautiful that of course there are tons of photo ops. We love the Moss Wall, pictures in front of the Floating Mountains, and beautiful waterfalls. You can also find any cute place for a family photo as there are PhotoPass photographers everywhere in Pandora. They too can help guide you to the most popular spots for photos. Don’t have a photo pass? They’re happy to take a pic for you with your phone or camera. Check out all our favorite Photo Spots in Animal Kingdom for the best places to strike a pose. 

Pandora Floating Mountains Mickey Ears

Pandora supports Animal Kingdom’s Conservation Mission

If you have a Facebook account you can go on a conservation mission in the app. When you walk into Pandora, a message will pop up from your Disney app asking if you’d like to go on a mission. You have to have Facebook messenger enabled to play. This is not really as much of a “game” as it is a series of questions. But, if you complete a mission, $10 will be donated to the Disney Conservation Fund and the missions take about 5 minutes to complete.

Everything you Need to Know about Pandora Animal Kingdom

Our number one piece of advice would be to talk to the cast members. There are so many details happening in this land, that you really don’t want to miss it! And they can give you so much cool insider info that you won’t find too many other places. Take your time. While you could finish here in a couple of hours, don’t feel like you need to. Take your time, the beauty in Pandora is really in the details. And if you do happen to be stuck in a 2-hour queue, put your phone down and notice all the little things that the Walt Disney World Imagineers have created for you.

Pandora World of Avatar Glowing Floor

Pandora at Animal Kingdom is amazing. From the rides to the food to the atmosphere. Here's a quick guide to everything you can see, do and eat there! #polkadotpixies #pandora #animalkingdom #disneyguide

 

 

Co-Founder and Director at Polka Dot Pixie Co LLC | Website | + posts

Melanie Renee is a photographer, writer, designer and mom. Visiting Disney destinations since 2010, she is also an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. When she's not creating her next coffee recipe, or designing apparel at Polka Dot Pixie Shop, she's seeking beautiful sunsets and planning her next trip .


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