D23: Pandora – World of Avatar announced to open at Walt Disney World in Summer 2017, ride details revealed

in Disney, Events, Theme Parks, Walt Disney World

Walt Disney Parks & Resorts Chairman, Bob Chapek,  just gave an update on Pandora – The World of Avatar to the audience of Disney fans at D23’s Destination D event this weekend at Walt Disney World.

We now know the new expansion of Disney’s Animal Kingdom is set to open in Summer 2017.

Details have been revealed about the land’s two main attractions, Na’vi River Journey and Flight of Passage.

This land will transport guests to a visually stunning world complete with floating mountains and bioluminescent plants. Here, guests will be able to experience two excursions that will truly push adventure to the next level. First, the family friendly Na’vi River Journey will send guests down a sacred river hidden within a bioluminescent rainforest. Their journey will end in an unforgettable encounter with a Na’vi Shaman, a figure who has a deep connection to the life force of Pandora. And second, the Avatar Flight of Passage excursion will offer the jaw-dropping experience of riding on a Banshee over the world of Pandora.

Pandora Ð The World of AVATAR will bring a variety of new experiences to Disney's Animal Kingdom, including a family-friendly attraction called NaÕvi River Journey. The adventure begins as guests set out in canoes and venture down a mysterious, sacred river hidden within the bioluminescent rainforest. The full beauty of Pandora reveals itself as the canoes pass by exotic glowing plants and amazing creatures. The journey culminates in an encounter with a NaÕvi shaman, who has a deep connection to the life force of Pandora and sends positive energy out into the forest through her music. NaÕvi River Journey will open with Pandora Ð The World of AVATAR in 2017. Disney's Animal Kingdom is one of four theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Disney)

We also have just been told that the scaffolding has just been removed from the entry bridge into the new land, officially connecting the land with the rest of the park.

The Disney Parks Blog gives some more insight into the story. The storyline behind the new land explains that:

“This bridge was built during a time when a destructive company called the RDA came to Pandora. Now that they’re long gone, nature is breaking down evidence of their presence. This bridge will soon serve as an entry into the base camp of Alpha Centauri Expeditions, the eco-tour group that is preparing Pandora for future explorers and adventure seekers.”

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The story of the bridge is only one part of a story that reflects the original mission of Disney’s Animal Kingdom–that of being a park that honors animals and natural environments “real, ancient and imagined.”

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Opening in summer 2017 at Disney's Animal Kingdom, Pandora-The World of Avatar will bring a variety of new experiences to the park, including a family-friendly attraction called NaÕvi River Journey and new food & beverage and merchandise locations. Pongu Pongu (pictured here) will be a special drink location with a design that is as eclectic as its Expat owner. DisneyÕs Animal Kingdom is one of four theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Disney Parks)

Opening in summer 2017 at Disney's Animal Kingdom, Pandora-The World of Avatar will bring a variety of new experiences to the park, including a family-friendly attraction called NaÕvi River Journey and new food & beverage and merchandise locations. SatuÕli Canteen, (pictured here) will be the main restaurant in Pandora Ð The World of Avatar and will feature NaÕvi art and cultural items. DisneyÕs Animal Kingdom is one of four theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (David Roark, photographer)

Opening in summer 2017 at Disney's Animal Kingdom, Pandora-The World of Avatar will bring a variety of new experiences to the park, including a family-friendly attraction called NaÕvi River Journey and new food & beverage and merchandise locations. Windtraders, (pictured here) travelers can find NaÕvi cultural items, toys, science kits, and more.DisneyÕs Animal Kingdom is one of four theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (David Roark, photographer)

As already mentioned, the entire Pandora – The World of Avatar land is set to open in 2017.

Keep your eye on the Inside the Magic in the coming weeks for more updates on this amazing expansion.

in Disney, Events, Theme Parks, Walt Disney World

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