***Official*** Pandora: The World of Avatar Information Thread

Status
Not open for further replies.
I find it concerning that reports are suggesting tall people with large feet aren't going to be able to ride the ride. I always understand rides excluding folks based on obesity or very unique body shapes, but tall?

If being tall but a normal body size prevents me from riding this ride I'm going to lose my mind.

Just wondering how tall are you? I know there are some tall people who can't do other coasters at Disney because they just don't fit in the space but that is more than 6'6". I could see my little brother having issues because he's like Groot sized (tall and thin we use to call him bean pole).
 
Hi everyone! I'm not a Cast Member, but I was invited by one to one of the previews this week. I want to tell you about my experience with the preview and my impressions of the land. I understand that these opinions are my own. If you've trudged through 15 pages of people worrying about if they'll fit on FoP or not, I hope that you'll find this post a nice change of pace.

To start, I was not at all excited for Pandora. I have no connection with the movie, and I've grown tired with simulated attractions. This past week of seeing overwhelming review pour in with countless people proclaiming FoP as the "best ride ever" got to me. The hype was real. My preview was at 9AM and I found it difficult to sleep the night before, I was so excited.

My group arrived at the park at 7:45 AM. There were separate park entry touch points blocked off for this preview. We were the first group in line, and were told we would be let in at 8:15 and would receive a "Fastpass" for FoP.

At 8:15, we were let into the park and told to go wait by the Tree of Life. Nobody led us over there. It was essentially "figure it out!" When they told us to meet by the Tree, we were actually supposed to line up by the FastPass+ kiosks. Several groups behind us had gotten there first, and were now in front of us in line. So much for being first. We were held here until about 8:55.

We were then brought forward to the entry bridge of Pandora. The Cast Member in our group showed her confirmation e-mail and we were let in. I don't recall his ID being checked. It seemed a bit insecure in that regard, but I wasn't paying attention that closely.

At the temporary gate to Pandora, we talked to a friendly Cast Member who was the first of many to tell us about all of the issues Flight of Passage has been having. Essentially, the ride is not able to run for more than an hour without breaking down or needing a rest period. Almost every Cast Member we asked would tell us essentially the same thing.

As we entered, we were given a "FastPass" with a 15 minute window for FoP. It's not so much a FastPass as it is a ticket to ride. We were told that they are only given to the first 400 people that enter. For anyone else, it's tough luck. Our ticket was for 09:00 - 09:15.

Flight of Passage
We arrived at FoP and were directed through the FastPass line. There is nothing interesting to look at in the FastPass line. We were held at merge for about 5 minutes, and directed to a long hallway afterward (similar to Soarin') where we waiting another 10. I don't believe they were finished with opening procedures.

At 9:15, we began the pre-shows. This has been posted online - feel free to watch it for yourself. The guy playing the part of the "scientist" is awful. the dialogue is atrocious. At one point I believe he says something like "Because of science, you'll be able to feel like you're flying!" Very specific. Also note that the screen is in a small room and is not elevated. It's at the far end of the room where people are standing two by two. If one larger person is in front of you, you won't see the screen (but joke's on them because they probably won't get to ride, anyway). What's even more odd is that the pre-show begins by saying something like "Can everyone see me on the screen?" Many people replied, "No."

Moving onto the ride. It was finally happening. We placed our belongings in the bins behind us, put on our "goggles", sat down on our Tron bikes and looked forward at a wall. Looking down at the screen on the vehicle, I could see a live feed of my own face, with a camera very flatteringly pointed up at my chin, as the computer transferred me to my Avatar. Finally, there was a strobe light, and I watched the wall lift up to reveal a giant screen, a la Soarin'.

There was no moving forward toward the screen. I was on the 1st floor, toward the far corner. I had to look up and to the right to look toward the "center" of the screen. At all times, I was very aware that there was a ceiling above me. If I looked up and right slightly further than the screen, I could see all of the other rows of people riding.

So much for "no bad seats". I was very much off-centered and could tell. At some points, I even got double vision in the 3D because I wasn't looking straight on. Oh well.

The ride mechanism itself is pretty cool. If you look behind you, you can see how much the theater moves. You're in a row of people, in a room, and it feels like the room is moving to a 3D video. I found it very hard to suspend belief enough to not be aware of this.

And the movie content itself? Nothing happens. Much like Soarin', you're just taking a ride. There is no conflict, no dialogue, and really no music. And you can very much tell it's CGI. It doesn't even look as good as the movie, which came out almost a decade ago. It looks like a smoother, higher resolution PS4 game.

The drops that people mentioned on here are more like gentle dives. Nothing overly thrilling. Nothing jerky like Star Tours. Gentle, like Soarin', but with more dramatic movement.

Overall, it's a fun ride, no doubt. It just isn't what people have been saying it is. It is not a "game changer". It does not top The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man for best 3D attraction (opinion). It's basically Jimmy Fallon ride on bikes. It's just OK. Lower your expectations and try to enjoy it for what it is.

The attraction broke down soon after we rode, and was own for most of the time we spent in the land.

The standby queue is incredible. It was open for people to freely walk through. It is very much like the queue in Journey to the Center of the Earth in Tokyo. I imagine Disney knew that people would be spending a lot of time in there, so they made it great.

River Journey
After FoP, we went to River Journey. It was a walk on, and Cast Members were allowed to ride as much as they wish. We were also told that we were free to stay in the land after our allotted time, and that nobody would be kicked out. Disney should have let more people enter the land, and kept FoP limited, because the River Cast looked bored.

I don't know what to say about River Journey, besides that I think that it is the worst attraction in WDW. It is visually pleasing, the shaman animatronic is cool, but that's it. There is no story. The ride blurs together as one scene - it all looks the same. The projections are very easy to identify and differentiate from the live action scenes. It's short. Unless you've spent the last 7 years obsessing over Avatar, then you probably have no emotional connection to this world.

I'd love to stand by the exit of the ride and hear people's reaction when they leave. I imagine many people will be confused and disappointed.

The Land
As you can see from the pictures that are out there, the land itself looks great. In my opinion, it looks better in pictures.

Pandora is small. It somehow feels smaller than Camp Minnie Mickey. The centerpiece is beautiful, but that's about the only impressive part. Otherwise, it's a bunch of trees and plants. There are some fun interactive elements that I'm sure the kids will get a kick out of. Overall, it's not as interesting as Diagon Alley, and not anywhere close to being on the same level as Tokyo Disney Sea.

Those small islands that are supposed to look like they're miles away? The effect doesn't do it for me. And it probably doesn't help that when you come into the parking lot, you see that they're about 2 feet tall and hanging by wire to a show building. It makes it more difficult to suspend belief.

Food
The chicken bowl was great. It's nice to see Disney stepping up their Quick Service game here. The non-alcoholic apple/pear drink was disgusting. Avoid that.

Overall
Pandora is a nice edition to WDW, but I urge you to set reasonable expectations. FoP is a fun ride that I believe people will be very disappointed in because of the 6 year wait and expecting something that it's not. River Journey is a disaster.

Please let me know if you have any specific questions.
I appreciate the review however your accounts don't seem to match those of others. Maybe you won't at a bad time? This was still previews so not everything is going to be 100%.
 
Just wondering how tall are you? I know there are some tall people who can't do other coasters at Disney because they just don't fit in the space but that is more than 6'6". I could see my little brother having issues because he's like Groot sized (tall and thin we use to call him bean pole).

I'm 6'4" but wear size 14 shoes, which seems to be more of what I'm concerned about.
 
I'm 6'4" but wear size 14 shoes, which seems to be more of what I'm concerned about.

Ah. I don't think our test will help but when I'm there on Saturday the 13th if we get to ride I'll update people on my visual thoughts to see where issue points may be. I think if you are tall and thin you'll be fine but we'll see.
 

Hmmm, it never occurred to me that I might have an issue, but I too have the giant calves and feet! You are my people! I am relative short, 5'3", and fairly average size, but my feet have been a size 10 since I had kids (I call them my Fred Flintstone feet) and I have somewhat large and muscular calves. Not really noticeable, but I used to do seasonal rentals with ski boots and would have serious issues, so I eventually had to purchase expensive ski boots that worked with my calves. I generally can't buy dress boots of any kind if they go above the ankle.

I'm thinking it won't be an issue and that I just won't have any circulation in my feet after the ride, because like you said, it would really eliminate a lot of people if a woman's size 10 foot didn't fit, but I just hadn't even thought of it as a concern...

(just as an aside to another fellow large calves person...DH gave me a pair of dress boots a couple years ago, as he knows I usually can't buy boots. He was so proud, "They said they're made especially for women with huge calves!" :sad2: Gee, thanks! Although I do love the boots...)
Love it!!! :rotfl2: :rotfl: Yes... tall boots, really skinny jeans... nope... not my friends. Fingers crossed for the giant feet/calves crowd... who knew there really WAS one!! :D
 
1. Even if you're in the first group, the walk via standby will be at least 5 minutes from entering the FoP line, that's at a quick pace with no one stopping for pictures, it'll be more like 10 minutes. Then if you are let into the first pre show area right away, the first video is 5 minutes, the second room and video is about 4min, then you enter the actual ride room, sit, buckles is another 3 to 4 minutes.
2. You should be fine, the movements are smooth and the screen to movement sync is perfect
Wait... 9min of video?? Am I WORKING/CONTROLLING the ride or just RIDING it?! Do I have to take notes?? :rolleyes1
 
I keep hearing all the things the ride vehicle doesn't do and I keep wondering, why a very restrictive restraint system? You don't leave the ground or move much. What makes it necessary for a 3 point restraint?

I've begun wondering the same thing..
 
I'm going to use what I've read both pro and now apparently con, and just enjoy. We go 5/17 12-2 slot. I really, really hope they will FP everyone so we can all ride FOP. It's a main reason for going during previews, otherwise (Fla resident) would wait at least 6 months before even trying to go to Pandora.

I guess I get why they made the seats like a motorcycle, but am frankly shocked that they would potentially disclude a whole range/group of folks who are coming to WDW. I think everyone understands there are height restrictions for some rides, but you pretty much figure otherwise everyone can ride. It'll be interesting to see what kind of backlash this gets. Also, I think many people who come don't plan ahead like us Dis-headers and won't realize till they get to the ride that it might be a potential no-go.

And lastly, line area long enough for a FOUR-hour wait??? That is insane. Anyone who would wait that long needs their head examined.
 
I appreciate the review however your accounts don't seem to match those of others. Maybe you won't at a bad time? This was still previews so not everything is going to be 100%.

Counter question - what about my words made you think that my timing was a factor? Was an entire storyline not present from River Journey that will be there on opening day? What could be possibly different about FoP on opening day? I'm afraid my opinion will stand.


Really? Do you say this as the ride tech is NOW, compared to newer technology, or as it was when it was introduced? I know we had 1 opinion of Spider Man 10 years ago that does not hold true today.

Spidey was (semi) recently refurbished. It is just an all around better ride from start to finish. I say it in direct comparison. When it comes down to it, Flight is nothing more than moving while watching a 3D video - there's nothing really "newer" about it.


WOW, kinda ouch.

Number 1 thing that stood out, if you used the correct word ........... strobe light ...... if this is true and correct, this ride needs a warning sign out front. Many folks absolutely can not do strobe lights for medical reasons. This could be a bigger issue than fitting in the ride.

You say you can see the ceiling? Could you see the floor below you?

From what I recall it was essentially a quick flash of light - possibly in strobe like nature. You can very much see the floor around you. To the left, to the right, below. You are on a bike attached to the floor and that doesn't change at any point. Now that you mention it, this was a big factor in me not feeling like I was flying.
 
You know for the very first post you certaintly came on to the thread and the DIS in general to bash the heck out of Pandora..strange really :scratchin especially given your screenname chosen. TBH it's not really worth going toe to toe with you but perhaps you might want to take into consideration other people. You really come off as very very negative (really the NRJ is the WORST ride in WDW?? and sooooo sorry that people have an honest concern towards the ride restrictions). I just quoted the parts that to me I considered more on the uber bashing side.

If you've trudged through 15 pages of people worrying about if they'll fit on FoP or not, I hope that you'll find this post a nice change of pace.

The guy playing the part of the "scientist" is awful. the dialogue is atrocious. At one point I believe he says something like "Because of science, you'll be able to feel like you're flying!" Very specific. Also note that the screen is in a small room and is not elevated. It's at the far end of the room where people are standing two by two. If one larger person is in front of you, you won't see the screen (but joke's on them because they probably won't get to ride, anyway). What's even more odd is that the pre-show begins by saying something like "Can everyone see me on the screen?" Many people replied, "No."

And the movie content itself? Nothing happens. Much like Soarin', you're just taking a ride. There is no conflict, no dialogue, and really no music. And you can very much tell it's CGI. It doesn't even look as good as the movie, which came out almost a decade ago. It looks like a smoother, higher resolution PS4 game.

Overall, it's a fun ride, no doubt. It just isn't what people have been saying it is. It is not a "game changer". It does not top The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man for best 3D attraction (opinion). It's basically Jimmy Fallon ride on bikes. It's just OK. Lower your expectations and try to enjoy it for what it is.

I don't know what to say about River Journey, besides that I think that it is the worst attraction in WDW.

Unless you've spent the last 7 years obsessing over Avatar, then you probably have no emotional connection to this world.

I'd love to stand by the exit of the ride and hear people's reaction when they leave. I imagine many people will be confused and disappointed.

The centerpiece is beautiful, but that's about the only impressive part. Otherwise, it's a bunch of trees and plants. There are some fun interactive elements that I'm sure the kids will get a kick out of. Overall, it's not as interesting as Diagon Alley,

Those small islands that are supposed to look like they're miles away? The effect doesn't do it for me. And it probably doesn't help that when you come into the parking lot, you see that they're about 2 feet tall and hanging by wire to a show building. It makes it more difficult to suspend belief.

Pandora is a nice edition to WDW, but I urge you to set reasonable expectations. FoP is a fun ride that I believe people will be very disappointed in because of the 6 year wait and expecting something that it's not. River Journey is a disaster.
 
Counter question - what about my words made you think that my timing was a factor? Was an entire storyline not present from River Journey that will be there on opening day? What could be possibly different about FoP on opening day? I'm afraid my opinion will stand.
I watched a full video of river journey. Sure there is no overwhelming story but I don't think that's the point of the ride. Does it's a small world have an overwhelming storyline that develops during the ride? No it's about things within the ride. I'm just thinking you're one experience might not be like everyone else's. Everyone else who's been in so far differs from your experience.
 
I'll step in to remind everyone to remain civil in their discussion of Pandora in general.

As always, posters are entitled to share their opinions in a non-argumentative manner and without attacking anyone whether it is their 1st post or 10,000th. Thanks! :)
 
You know for the very first post you certaintly came on to the thread and the DIS in general to bash the heck out of Pandora..strange really :scratchin especially given your screenname chosen. TBH it's not really worth going toe to toe with you but perhaps you might want to take into consideration other people. You really come off as very very negative (really the NRJ is the WORST ride in WDW?? and sooooo sorry that people have an honest concern towards the ride restrictions). I just quoted the parts that to me I considered more on the uber bashing side.

Why do you think this is a "bash" of Pandora? This was my opinion of the land, which I stated in the very beginning. My opinion does not have to be "considerate" of anyone in this regard. I hope that some may find my post useful. I wish I had gotten the chance to read a post just like it before I went, so that I could set my expectations lower.
 
Why do you think this is a "bash" of Pandora? This was my opinion of the land, which I stated in the very beginning. My opinion does not have to be "considerate" of anyone in this regard. I hope that some may find my post useful. I wish I had gotten the chance to read a post just like it before I went, so that I could set my expectations lower.

Thanks! I appreciate reading all opinions. :goodvibes
 
The guy playing the part of the "scientist" is awful. the dialogue is atrocious. At one point I believe he says something like "Because of science, you'll be able to feel like you're flying!"
My first thought reading this part: that is JUST like the movie, then! :duck:

Counter question - what about my words made you think that my timing was a factor? Was an entire storyline not present from River Journey that will be there on opening day? What could be possibly different about FoP on opening day? I'm afraid my opinion will stand.

You can very much see the floor around you. To the left, to the right, below. You are on a bike attached to the floor and that doesn't change at any point. Now that you mention it, this was a big factor in me not feeling like I was flying.

I'm not going to comment on "tone", always in the eye of the beholder -- thinking just about the CONTENT of your posts and the points you raise, sounds like some legit complaints to me. Surely not EVERYONE IN THE WORLD will think this is the best thing since sliced bread, and I appreciate different points of view. Sometimes one needs to be brave on DIS to offer a contrary POV to whatever is prevailing on a thread, but I know I appreciate it.

I'm in the I-hate-the-movie-but-am-excited-about-Pandora camp -- still am now, but I appreciate all thoughts from those who have already visited.
 
Why do you think this is a "bash" of Pandora? This was my opinion of the land, which I stated in the very beginning. My opinion does not have to be "considerate" of anyone in this regard. I hope that some may find my post useful. I wish I had gotten the chance to read a post just like it before I went, so that I could set my expectations lower.
There is a difference between giving your opinion and bashing and sorry you came across def. as bashing.
 
Spidey was (semi) recently refurbished. It is just an all around better ride from start to finish. I say it in direct comparison. When it comes down to it, Flight is nothing more than moving while watching a 3D video - there's nothing really "newer" about it.
Interesting view. We'll see in a couple of weeks. We did Spidey 2 weeks ago and think it falls way short of the new 3D simulator rides at Universal. When we rode it 10 years ago we thought it was amazing. Now, it's rather comically poor. To us. I'm going in to FoP with an open mind, not watching videos, etc. Curious to see where to put it in the 3D landscape.
 
From what I recall it was essentially a quick flash of light - possibly in strobe like nature. You can very much see the floor around you. To the left, to the right, below. You are on a bike attached to the floor and that doesn't change at any point. Now that you mention it, this was a big factor in me not feeling like I was flying.

Not the room floor that you are in, but the floor out ... so below, you saw it?

And thanks for the review, it's always good to get fresh perspectives as you often will pick up on things others maybe don't. I was concerned about the "projection" due to the Soarin' issues. Still excited to see it in a couple weeks!
 
Status
Not open for further replies.












Save Up to 30% on Rooms at Walt Disney World!

Save up to 30% on rooms at select Disney Resorts Collection hotels when you stay 5 consecutive nights or longer in late summer and early fall. Plus, enjoy other savings for shorter stays.This offer is valid for stays most nights from August 1 to October 11, 2025.
CLICK HERE













DIS Facebook DIS youtube DIS Instagram DIS Pinterest

Back
Top