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

[poison ivy]

I'm here today! I got to AK at 5:15am for resort EMH (Didn't want to take any chances). I was in and out of FoP in 15 minutes. Right now, I'm in line for NRJ. Posted wait time was 35 mins when I entered. Anything specific you want to know?

How crowded was the entrance at 5:15am? Did they open up all touchpoints and let everyone in at 7 or just resort guests?

 

[yulilin3]

I'm going later today, leaving my house around 3:30 so should be parking around 3:25pm. I'll update.
Taking DD to see the night bioluminescence. Probably stay until we are kicked out

 

[ThistleMae]

I don't think anyone thinks this will compete with HP or SWL, even Disney can't believe that. They are both global, with multiple stories, with hardcore fans who have these IPs part of their lives and celebrations. Avatar is a one time big hit movie that no one I know talks about or even remembers (except how long it is). I mean no one says "hey, let's have an Avatar festival"... What it brings to Disney is it's beauty that is "out of this world" and could truly be back drop for lots of stories. There is always a market for merchandise based on fantasy and that is who is buying, they are buying for the fantasy, colors, uniqueness of products.

My other DS knows nothing, understands nothing of Avatar. Loved the land and loved FoP calling it Flying Dragon. He wanted to buy a Flying Dragon. As long as the money flows and that park if full, Disney will consider it a success.

I'm a huge Avatar fan...as you can tell from my Avatar...LOL! Just wanted you to know someone who thought the movie was fantastic, my favorite movie of all time. I'm not a huge SW fan, but have seen all of the movies. I loved Harry Potter and I have to say I was amazed at the authenticity of the set...especially at night. I think anyone who loves Disney, will want to experience anything new Disney has to offer. I mean, come on, nothing beats Disney...it's the most magical place on earth after all. I just loved the movie Avatar....I loved the characters and the way the Navi' paired with the Banshee. Who wouldn't want a strong, powerful beast that can fly you around, and can't be ridden by anyone but you? We are going in July and I can't wait to see Pandora. I haven't watched any of the clips...I want to experience it for the first time without seeing what it looks like. But I have enjoyed this thread and all the posts, especially the wait times and the issues for some with the seat restraints. I will continue to enjoy whatever Disney puts out there for the rest of my life!

 

[ThistleMae]

Just got in line for FoP. Posted wait is 120 minutes but cast member at the end of the line is saying 210-240 min wait.

Is it just me...I would never wait n a 240 minute line for any ride...I would just die! As much as I want to experience Pandora, I just couldn't do it.

 

[AMusicLifeForMe]

I'm going later today, leaving my house around 3:30 so should be parking around 3:25pm. I'll update.
Taking DD to see the night bioluminescence. Probably stay until we are kicked out

Maybe I'll see you! I have FoP FP at 4ish. Any reports on how the crowd is right now?

 

[Lost Yeti]

For FoP, yeah, the video resolution is much higher, and the screen is larger in your view, and your viewing position is better, but simply stating the base tech is nothing remotely new. It's one of those horrible screen rides that Universal keeps doing.

This is just making the cycle move with the video and having a screen instead. That doesn't compare at all to the tech required for the Potter rides. Not to say that some of Disney's rides aren't high tech, rides like Dinosaur and Test Track come to mind, but this one doesn't strike me as one that required a bunch of new tech.

I think FoP has been oversimplified in an attempt to give those who have not ridden an idea of what to expect with FoP. We can only say it resembles Soarin' and ST at the most basic motion simulator level and it has some 4D components like Soarin'. No, it is not a completely new concept as far as the type of ride, but comparing it to other "screen rides", especially those at Universal does a great injustice to FoP. I am not aware of any other simulator that has multiple movement "platforms" (the floor and the individual ride vehicles).

I understand the hesitation to trust the reviews so far as they may lack objectivity. However, saying it's not much of an improvement over Back to the Future goes way too far on the other side of the spectrum.

Bottom line: FoP required new technology, is a game-changer in the motion simulator realm, and it is the most intricate attraction developed by Disney...and it's not even close.

And Forbidden Journey has been updated recently with some sharper resolution on their screens. I'm sure it's a very cool ride, but it wouldn't be on the same scale as the Potter rides.

Now with all that said, what should my strategy be this week to try to ride these for the first time? So far I've been unable to get a fastpass, and I really can't wait longer than about 2 hours, as I am by myself and won't be able to leave the line for a pee break or anything.

When was the update done? I was there November '16 and thought the screens were kind of crummy.

You'd be best served by rope dropping FoP. NRJ gets under a 2hr wait at times, but I don't see FoP dropping below 2 hours for a long time.

Any tips if you are not doing Pandora first thing upon entering the park?

Enjoy the rest of the park . Normally I'd tell you to keep an eye on the wait times but it seems like FoP reaches a max and stays there the whole day. There may have been some fluctuation yesterday, but that's going by MDE. I gathered from yesterday's reports that most waited about 4 hours. NRJ seems to fluctuate a bit more as the hype isn't there. I would just make sure, if you want to see it at night, to get in there early before they close access to guests until EMH begin.

 

[lowe@massed.net]

Second day at Pandora...
... We had a FP for FOP at 5:45-6:45 and NRJ 6:55-7:55.

How were you able to get FPs for both rides on the same night?

 

[yulilin3]

Maybe I'll see you! I have FoP FP at 4ish. Any reports on how the crowd is right now?

That'll be fun to meet you. I'll be wearing a white Star Wars shirt with the Millennium Falcon

 

[AMusicLifeForMe]

That'll be fun to meet you. I'll be wearing a white Star Wars shirt with the Millennium Falcon

Same! I'm wearing a black Disboards shirt and a black Star Wars hat. My Dad and I are also really tall so we are usually recognized that way.

 

[JDUCKY]

I'm going later today, leaving my house around 3:30 so should be parking around 3:25pm. I'll update.
Taking DD to see the night bioluminescence. Probably stay until we are kicked out

You own a DeLorean??

 

[poison ivy]

That'll be fun to meet you. I'll be wearing a white Star Wars shirt with the Millennium Falcon

Same! I'm wearing a black Disboards shirt and a black Star Wars hat. My Dad and I are also really tall so we are usually recognized that way.

You two should meet at the FoP test seat and post some pics and video demonstrations..

 

[HopperFan]

I'm a huge Avatar fan...as you can tell from my Avatar...LOL! Just wanted you to know someone who thought the movie was fantastic, my favorite movie of all time. I'm not a huge SW fan, but have seen all of the movies. I loved Harry Potter and I have to say I was amazed at the authenticity of the set...especially at night. I think anyone who loves Disney, will want to experience anything new Disney has to offer. I mean, come on, nothing beats Disney...it's the most magical place on earth after all. I just loved the movie Avatar....I loved the characters and the way the Navi' paired with the Banshee. Who wouldn't want a strong, powerful beast that can fly you around, and can't be ridden by anyone but you? We are going in July and I can't wait to see Pandora. I haven't watched any of the clips...I want to experience it for the first time without seeing what it looks like. But I have enjoyed this thread and all the posts, especially the wait times and the issues for some with the seat restraints. I will continue to enjoy whatever Disney puts out there for the rest of my life!

Completely agree anyone who loves Disney will be excited to come see a new land no matter what the theme. And they did pull off something beautiful that can be enjoyed by everyone. But will it compete with HP or SW in terms of fan base?

I do think you may be a small group that would travel to Disney just to see Pandora if you were not a Disney fan. Lucky for you, you are both. HP brought Universal HP fans that were not Universal fans and SWL will bring SW fans who are not Disney fans, therefore tapping a market. Pandora will bring already existing Disney fans or just theme park fans in general looking for something new. The IP itself, minus being a Disney or theme park fan, likely has a very small market. As long as Disney is providing a good product, unique merchandise and good food .. the land is a hit for them.

 

[Yaz]

How crowded was the entrance at 5:15am? Did they open up all touchpoints and let everyone in at 7 or just resort guests?

There were about 10 people (including my family) at the entrance at 5:15am. There were 4 touchpoints open. They let everyone in but split up resort and non-resort guests in the Oasis. Resort guests went to the left and CMs scanned your ticket/band to verify reservations. Non-resort guests were sent to the right side.

 

[JMSMommy]

After having read pages of this thread this weekend as we were preparing to go yesterday, here are my thoughts. We came in from on site at Universal, so I rode both FoP and Forbidden journey in same day.

We are HUGE Harry Potter fans. We loved FJ when we first rode and were wowed. Yesterday, FoP blew everything I have ever ridden out of the water. It was the first time I have ever ridden a ride and been very sad that it was over. FoP is immersive, I only felt like I was on a ride when I turned my head because my daughter kept talking to me in excitement for what she saw. The screen wraps around the ride vehicles so well that you don't see edges. There is no distortion (except for the 3D glasses that I never can seem to see right through). The "motorcycle" part even gives you feedback that helps maintain that immersive experience. The sensory input outside of sight was fabulously done. Soarin and Star TOURs had a super powered super charged baby called FoP doesn't even come that close to covering it.

Now to FJ. My 10 year old daughter rode FJ for the first time Saturday. She was in awe. Sunday we did Pandora, she was in awe. Sunday afternoon we went back to FJ. She (and I) were underwhelmed. FJ you are in the ride vehicle, and I am aware of that at all times. I saw the edges of the screens in every transition from area to area. The flinging upside down and around sometimes felt as if it was done to be "thrilling" instead of necessary to the ride. We still liked it.

My family has also enjoyed Disney Quest and have ridden the Aladdin ride. FoP is so much better. It's been years since I did that one, but I remember that it was not something was impressed by.

 

[ThistleMae]

Is this person speaking about the standby wait times? What does he want the CM to do - just let him on?

He could show him the way out...LOL!

 

[ThistleMae]

Recap of my wait time below. I'm usually the most impatient park goer ever, since I'm usually a single rider (and usually won't get on a ride without FP) I get antsy if I ever have to wait more than 30 min. But today's insanely long wait didn't make me want to go on FoP any less.

I think I also lucked out with the people who I've waited in line with, they've all been awesome. People in line always ask me if I think the wait is worth it (especially today) but I'm always hesitant to respond because I don't want them to come out being disappointed based on my personal bias (this is probably my new favorite ride at WDW)

(Times below are when I arrived at each different room/location)
12:19pm entrance
1:07 caverns
1:48 airlock
1:50 pre-bioluminescence
2:08 bioluminescence
3:15 lab
4:12 banshee mural room
4:43 link room
4:50-4:55 (estimate, didn't get the time) instruction video room

What do people do in a line for 5 hours? I am just amazed at everyone's endurance. You should get some kind of award!

 

[Cinderella94]

I've read here that the FP line for FOP has been up to 45 minutes- what about NRJ?

 

[AMusicLifeForMe]

You two should meet at the FoP test seat and post some pics and video demonstrations..

Nope. I'm not putting myself out there like that. Sorry. We will definitely try the test seat though, and I will report back the outcome.

 

[maryj11]

I'd definitely skip RoL or see if they do 2 showings while you're there.

And yea it'll be getting dark about 8pm

Thanks for the advice. I hope they add another show and throw in some night EMH.

 

[JMSMommy]

I can't wait to ride FoP in August!

I just have a question - how secure is it for a smaller, skinny child? My 5 year old is exactly 44", but she's only 37 lbs. I tried looking at pictures and videos, but it's hard to see how well she'll be restrained. I know she'd love this ride because she loves Soarin, Tower of Terror, and all of the roller coasters, but I don't want to be worried that she'll fall out during the whole ride!

Finally refound this! I have a 9 year old who weighs 45 pounds and is 50" tall. She looks like a 7 year old. Anyway, she was super secure and we had no worries with her riding. She loves Tower of Terror (rides with her arms up) and the coasters (again with the arms up). I just asked her and she said she had just a little wiggle room and felt really secure. Hope that helps!