Credit: DisneyWhen Pandora – The World of Avatar opened at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in 2017, it was hailed as one of the most immersive themed lands ever built. Guests marveled at the floating mountains, glowing bioluminescent plants, and breathtaking detail that transported them straight into James Cameron’s cinematic universe. For years, the land has been a shining example of Walt Disney Imagineering’s ability to craft living, breathing worlds that feel unlike anything else in a theme park.
What Happened to Pandora?
However, recent reports from fans suggest that the land may not be aging as gracefully as Disney had hoped. Guests have begun to share their concerns online, noting that the once-vibrant plants and waterways now appear tired, faded, and in need of attention.
One fan on X (formerly Twitter) described their experience during a summer visit:
“When I was in Pandora this summer, the fake plants appeared to be in really poor physical condition due to the sun and elements. For example this grass was all droopy, lacked color, and this water was green and stagnant. I think this water used to move but something broke? These formerly pink plants look brown and wilted. Same goes for the lily pads in the water. And the water looks very gross. I hope they can address this, Pandora and its visitors deserve better.”
For a land that relies heavily on its visual storytelling and otherworldly atmosphere, these kinds of details are critical. Pandora was designed to feel alive, with lush vegetation and interactive environments that change from day to night. Even the water features were meant to contribute to the illusion, moving and shimmering under Animal Kingdom’s Florida sun. If these elements appear to be failing, the overall guest experience could be diminished.
These formerly pink plants look brown and wilted. Same goes for the lily pads in the water. And the water looks very gross.
I hope they can address this, Pandora and its visitors deserve better. pic.twitter.com/dhL6tWORnJ
— Mickey Central (@Mickey_Central) September 15, 2025
Normal Wear and Tear?
While theme park lands naturally face challenges from weather, sun exposure, and heavy daily traffic, Disney typically maintains a reputation for keeping its environments pristine. But fans have noted that the upkeep of Pandora may have slipped compared to the company’s usual standards. Florida’s climate is notoriously harsh on outdoor theming, and materials that looked fresh in 2017 may now be showing their limits after years of exposure.
Disney has not officially commented on the complaints, and it is unclear whether routine refurbishments or touch-ups are planned for the near future. Still, long-time visitors know that Disney regularly rotates maintenance work around the parks, meaning these issues could be addressed at any time.
Pandora remains one of Animal Kingdom’s biggest draws, thanks to attractions like Avatar Flight of Passage and Na’vi River Journey. Fans who love the land hope that these recent concerns will be met with swift attention to preserve the awe-inspiring quality of the environment.
For many guests, the promise of Disney is not only thrilling rides but also the ability to step into a storybook world where every detail matters. As the conversation around Pandora’s upkeep grows, the company may find itself under pressure to ensure that one of its most ambitious lands continues to live up to its reputation.
Do you think Disney should prioritize a refurbishment for Pandora, or are these complaints just part of the challenges of outdoor theme park theming? Let us know in the comments.