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

[AngiTN]

That's what that is? I thought it was just another delay tactic due to an issue during the ride. It happened every time we rode last month. Once it went on for about 15 min.

 

[ThistleMae]

We're going February 27 to March 4. So I guess we will be there at the same time! Are you going to request a refurbished room?

Yes, we need 3 rooms. I usually like to stay in the 60's building but I doubt those rooms will be ready yet. I haven't been there since they fenced in the pool. What about you...where do you usually stay?

 

[ThistleMae]

Where exactly is this new interactive feature?

 

[BuckeyeBama]

That's what that is? I thought it was just another delay tactic due to an issue during the ride. It happened every time we rode last month. Once it went on for about 15 min.

They were doing this if you were delayed during the AP previews. We rode 3 times and had this happen during our second ride.

 

[BuckeyeBama]

Where exactly is this new interactive feature?

It is in the first loading room, in the room in which you first stand on your assigned numbers.

 

[ThistleMae]

It is in the first loading room, in the room in which you first stand on your assigned numbers.

Is it cool?

 

[ABZDisneyFan]

Just got back from 10 days at Disney. We hit AK twice at rope drop, once during an 8 a.m. opening and once during a 9 a.m.

We arrived at 645 am for the 8 a.m. opening. We were probably 4th in line at our bag drop station and then 4th or 5th at our tapstile. They started letting us into AK at around 720 or so. A brisk walk to the next stopping point at the Tiffins' end of the bridge to AK. We were on the right side about five people deep. They held us here until about 735 and then we moved across the bridge only to wait again. At around 740, we started walking behind a CM to FoP. In the queue by 746, waiting to enter the pre-show by 752 and in the preshow by 755. I believe we were in the second group to ride. We were off the ride by about 815 by which time the standby line was 60 minutes. We took some pictures and then headed over to the river journey. We were in the queue around 830 and off the ride by about 850. From then on, the rest of the day went smoothly.

For the 9 a.m. opening, we arrived at AK by 725. They were letting people through bag check already and we ended up first in line at our tapstile. They let us through the tapstile at around 810. Some people sprinted to the bridge but we kept to a fast walk. We were in the front of the pack at the bridge to Pandora by 815. They didn't bother with the second stop and started walking us slowly to FoP at around 830. We were in the queue by 835 and were in the first group to ride. We were in pre-show by 840 and off the ride before 9. We headed over to river journey after a bathroom stop and still more or less walked onto the ride (less than 5 minute wait).

It wasn't fun waking up that early on either day, but we got through both rides in Pandora in less than an hour, leaving the rest of the park easy to navigate for the rest of the day.

They do rider swap at FoP as well.

One last thing - we did the dining package for RoL on our last night. RoL was cancelled due to a thunderstorm. Since we were not able to see the show, we went to guest relations and then offered us either $5 per person on a gift card of 3 anytime/any ride FPs per person (excluding only the two Pandora rides). Ended up taking the FPs to use on our last morning at MK. Two rides on SDMT and one at Space were well worth $5.[/QUOTE

Did you use Disney transportation to get you there at 6:45 or did you drive?

 

[AngiTN]

Is it cool?

Not in my opinion. Which is why I thought it was obvious it was just being done because there was a delay further up "the line" so to speak.
Your standing there moving around awkwardly, or just standing around if you opt not to participate. Waiting.

 

[Haley R]

Yes, we need 3 rooms. I usually like to stay in the 60's building but I doubt those rooms will be ready yet. I haven't been there since they fenced in the pool. What about you...where do you usually stay?

We've never stayed at POP before. We are taking our niece and my sister-in-law and are on a tighter budget so we needed a value resort. My husband wants to stay in the 70's and I want the 50's, but I highly doubt the 50's will be done by then.

We've stayed at French Quarter, Riverside, and Animal Kingdom Lodge. Have you stayed at other places besides POP?

 

[Tonyz]

Some of my thoughts on Pandora:

1. The land itself is the most beautiful thing Disney has ever created (at least that I've seen). The detailing in the landscaping is utter perfection. I would just wander the land with my mouth open, gazing at the gorgeous hill of waterfalls and the mixing of the greens and other-worldly colors, trying to capture every little aspect of it in my memory. Little things like the water-squirting creates just add another layer to this living, breathing environment. Standing under those mountains, you're convinced they're floating (of course with some vines "helping"). As far as a visual weenie goes, this is Disney at the top of its game. It's as awe-inspiring as the first time seeing the Castle or a giant golf ball, or a mountain in the distance. I love this aspect in particular because it shows that even though Disney is using new ways to approach Imagineering, some of Walt's original rules still apply. As long as there are new Disney lands, there will be new visual weenies. Stand in front of Flight of Passage and see the mountain range, the waterfalls, the vegetation... it's a work of art. It's something that man shouldn't be able to create; something this gorgeous should only be able to come from nature. Oh wait... it's almost like that's what they were going for!

2. Flight of Passage. This one is tough to talk about. For those of you who haven't done it yet, you don't understand. For those of you who have... you do. All I'll say is that the feeling of this ride is something I had never experienced. It transcended a theme park and put me somewhere else. I got off and I felt different... in a good way. It's so unlike anything I've ever done. It's tough to put down in words just what it is that you experience when you're riding that banshee. It sounds so simple, so not-that-impressive. But just wait until you actually do it... because then you'll get it. Now for people saying it's the best attraction Disney (or anyone) has ever done... ehh... that I don't agree with. Even though the feelings and sensations you will experience on this one are things you've never felt before, I still prefer the simplicity of floating in a log singing Laughin' Place on Splash, or the pure thrills of Everest. Both of these attractions seem simple and almost quaint compared to Flight of Passage, and I understand thinking FoP is the better experience, but nothing will ever touch my love for Splash Mountain, and Everest is a close second. But FoP sits comfortably in my top 3 attractions at Disney World.

3. Navi River Journey. I loved this one... but I love all Disney boat rides. Yeah it's not the "experience" of FoP, but this is old-school Disney with cutting edge technology. The depth perception of what you see around you looks like it goes back forever. Every single inch of the attraction is bursting with detail and color. Don't forget to look up, because this thing is immersion in the truest sense of the word. The Navi audio-animatronic at the end? What needs to be said? Perfect. And I NEED an official release of the song for this ride, because it's an instant classic and the best piece of original music Disney has done in a long time. Overall this is a perfect Disney dark ride.

4. I had the cheeseburger pods and cheesecake from Satu'li Canteen and the Pongu Lumpia from Pongu Pongu. The pods were very good, the cheesecake was incredible, and the Lumpias are my new favorite Disney snack.

Overall, Pandora blew me away. My expectations were high and it surpassed it every step of the way. It might just be my new favorite place on property. I hated the movie, I don't care about the characters... but it doesn't matter. The smartest thing they ever did was to make this about Pandora - the land, not Avatar - the movie. In 20 years if no one remembers or cares about the movie, this land will still stand and be loved as one of the single best things Disney has ever done.

And one final note on the genius that is Joe Rohde. I've said it before, and I'll say it again... Rohde is, IMO, the single best non-first generation Imagineer ever.

 

[lynn_s]

Not sure if this is new, but yesterday, I was by myself and once at the FP tapstyle and exit from the mural room was directed to one of the middle lines, which appears to be being used for single riders, instead of calling for someone from the main line.

I rode 4 times yesterday (Once with FP, 3 times during the DVC Moonlight Magic party), and same thing each time.

Also, had different experiences with the CM's checking the restraints. 3 of 4 wanted everyone to "swing your feet". The 4'th didn't ask about feet, but tried to push the back restraint tighter.

 

[DanielNYC]

Some of my thoughts on Pandora:

1. The land itself is the most beautiful thing Disney has ever created (at least that I've seen). The detailing in the landscaping is utter perfection. I would just wander the land with my mouth open, gazing at the gorgeous hill of waterfalls and the mixing of the greens and other-worldly colors, trying to capture every little aspect of it in my memory. Little things like the water-squirting creates just add another layer to this living, breathing environment. Standing under those mountains, you're convinced they're floating (of course with some vines "helping"). As far as a visual weenie goes, this is Disney at the top of its game. It's as awe-inspiring as the first time seeing the Castle or a giant golf ball, or a mountain in the distance. I love this aspect in particular because it shows that even though Disney is using new ways to approach Imagineering, some of Walt's original rules still apply. As long as there are new Disney lands, there will be new visual weenies. Stand in front of Flight of Passage and see the mountain range, the waterfalls, the vegetation... it's a work of art. It's something that man shouldn't be able to create; something this gorgeous should only be able to come from nature. Oh wait... it's almost like that's what they were going for!

2. Flight of Passage. This one is tough to talk about. For those of you who haven't done it yet, you don't understand. For those of you who have... you do. All I'll say is that the feeling of this ride is something I had never experienced. It transcended a theme park and put me somewhere else. I got off and I felt different... in a good way. It's so unlike anything I've ever done. It's tough to put down in words just what it is that you experience when you're riding that banshee. It sounds so simple, so not-that-impressive. But just wait until you actually do it... because then you'll get it. Now for people saying it's the best attraction Disney (or anyone) has ever done... ehh... that I don't agree with. Even though the feelings and sensations you will experience on this one are things you've never felt before, I still prefer the simplicity of floating in a log singing Laughin' Place on Splash, or the pure thrills of Everest. Both of these attractions seem simple and almost quaint compared to Flight of Passage, and I understand thinking FoP is the better experience, but nothing will ever touch my love for Splash Mountain, and Everest is a close second. But FoP sits comfortably in my top 3 attractions at Disney World.

3. Navi River Journey. I loved this one... but I love all Disney boat rides. Yeah it's not the "experience" of FoP, but this is old-school Disney with cutting edge technology. The depth perception of what you see around you looks like it goes back forever. Every single inch of the attraction is bursting with detail and color. Don't forget to look up, because this thing is immersion in the truest sense of the word. The Navi audio-animatronic at the end? What needs to be said? Perfect. And I NEED an official release of the song for this ride, because it's an instant classic and the best piece of original music Disney has done in a long time. Overall this is a perfect Disney dark ride.

4. I had the cheeseburger pods and cheesecake from Satu'li Canteen and the Pongu Lumpia from Pongu Pongu. The pods were very good, the cheesecake was incredible, and the Lumpias are my new favorite Disney snack.

Overall, Pandora blew me away. My expectations were high and it surpassed it every step of the way. It might just be my new favorite place on property. I hated the movie, I don't care about the characters... but it doesn't matter. The smartest thing they ever did was to make this about Pandora - the land, not Avatar - the movie. In 20 years if no one remembers or cares about the movie, this land will still stand and be loved as one of the single best things Disney has ever done.

And one final note on the genius that is Joe Rohde. I've said it before, and I'll say it again... Rohde is, IMO, the single best non-first generation Imagineer ever.

Agree 100%. Pandora is a stunning Imagineering achievement. We took some time just to walk around and take it all in and were totally blown away by the details and total feeling of immersion in this land.

 

[TomServo27]

Flight of Passage. This one is tough to talk about. For those of you who haven't done it yet, you don't understand. For those of you who have... you do. All I'll say is that the feeling of this ride is something I had never experienced.

Went this morning I understand now was amazing. We got to AK about 8:40 line stretched to the first path to the right across the bridge guy said it be 90 minutes took 25 to get to first pre show area. We actually missed the hank in the tank part they had us bypass that part of the que unfortunately. Also had breakfast at Satuli was excellent looking forward to dinner tonight there.

 

[Dan Murphy]

And I NEED an official release of the song for this ride, because it's an instant classic and the best piece of original music Disney has done in a long time.

And I really agree with all your thoughts above.

 

[LMO429]

I have 2 Animal Kingdom Days Planned for our October Trip. I decided for both days to get the FP for FOP which I now have. I would like to get on Navi River but without and extended wait (we have a 2 year old with us) I do not want to deal with the insanity of a rope drop for a boat ride esp with a little kid. Lets say I was to be at AK for rope drop and did not run over how long would the wait be for Navi???? Is that my best bet or what are the wait times at night time? This is not a must do for us but I would like to get on it since it's our first time at Pandora. We be at AK oct 25 and Oct 27

 

[ThistleMae]

We've never stayed at POP before. We are taking our niece and my sister-in-law and are on a tighter budget so we needed a value resort. My husband wants to stay in the 70's and I want the 50's, but I highly doubt the 50's will be done by then.

We've stayed at French Quarter, Riverside, and Animal Kingdom Lodge. Have you stayed at other places besides POP?

Only one other place...Polynesian. It was nice, but for some reason we still really like PoP...what we did like about Poly was the boat ride directly to MK...and the use of the monorail to go to Epcot. You can take a short walk to the TTC to get on. But you still needed to use the bus system for other parks. Also they have a really small food court, hardly any food choices. And it's pricey. And you hardly are ever in your room. PoP has a good atmosphere, the food court is great and it's really pretty at night. Just love it!

 

[Boardwalk III]

Thank you for this - it is exactly what I've been wanting to know for rope drop! EMH vs regular hours. So it looks to me that it was about the same amount of time from arrival til finish (an hour and a half) if you get there about 90 minutes before opening. Guess if that is the case no need to arrive at 6:45 for EMH when 7:20 on a Reg park day will do it for the same wait time? I know it's only 1/2 hour later but every bit helps as we'll have a party of 8 including 4 20-somethings!

 

[Boardwalk III]

Thank you for this - it is exactly what I've been wanting to know for rope drop! EMH vs regular hours. So it looks to me that it was about the same amount of time from arrival til finish (an hour and a half) if you get there about 90 minutes before opening. Guess if that is the case no need to arrive at 6:45 for EMH when 7:20 on a Reg park day will do it for the same wait time? I know it's only 1/2 hour later but every bit helps as we'll have a party of 8 including 4 20-somethings!

 

[Haley R]

Only one other place...Polynesian. It was nice, but for some reason we still really like PoP...what we did like about Poly was the boat ride directly to MK...and the use of the monorail to go to Epcot. You can take a short walk to the TTC to get on. But you still needed to use the bus system for other parks. Also they have a really small food court, hardly any food choices. And it's pricey. And you hardly are ever in your room. PoP has a good atmosphere, the food court is great and it's really pretty at night. Just love it!

This is kind of how we felt about the Animal Kingdom Lodge. We didn't actually pay for an animal view room, but ended up able to see lots of animals at once. We liked the spread out buildings at Port Orleans a lot more than the one giant building at AKL. I agree about the food court, too. The food court at AKL was pretty small and the options were limited. I like the idea of walking over to Art of Animation while we stay at POP, as well. I've heard their food court is really good.

 

[Kudmani]

We did this at the end of August with our 3 year old. We arrived around 7:30 to be at the front of the pack for a 9:00 open. Stay to the left of the bridge as you cross into Pandora. Once the masses follow the CMs to the right for FoP, you should have a pretty easy time getting to NRJ. Our daughter loved it, so we were able to ride 3 times in a row with very little wait on both of our AK days.

I have 2 Animal Kingdom Days Planned for our October Trip. I decided for both days to get the FP for FOP which I now have. I would like to get on Navi River but without and extended wait (we have a 2 year old with us) I do not want to deal with the insanity of a rope drop for a boat ride esp with a little kid. Lets say I was to be at AK for rope drop and did not run over how long would the wait be for Navi???? Is that my best bet or what are the wait times at night time? This is not a must do for us but I would like to get on it since it's our first time at Pandora. We be at AK oct 25 and Oct 27