Wowed by Disney's Pandora

The future of theme parks has arrived.

Pandora–The World of Avatar at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida takes you to new heights and immerses you in new discoveries.

You forget you’re in Animal Kingdom at Disney World the moment you walk across the bridge that enters the new world and unveils the floating mountains.

Disney and Avatar producers James Cameron and Jon Landau created a theme park with amazing technology that will take your breath away. The level of detail throughout Pandora— from the rides to the food to even the surrounding fauna— was extremely well thought out.

It doesn’t matter if you’ve never seen the movie.

Before my visit, I had the chance to watch the Avatar film for the first time, but I opted out instead. I wanted to experience the new attractions as someone who hasn’t already been exposed to the world of Pandora.

Not everyone who visits will have seen the movie and that fact will remain true when the sequels come out. Disney knows this and delivered a place that will entertain all who enter.

I would recommend setting up a FastPass + for your visit to Pandora and planning ahead which time of day you’ll attend. Getting there early isn’t everything either, especially considering how astonishing it is at night with all of the bioluminescent lighting around the park.

If you can’t acquire a FastPass +, the wait for Avatar Flight of Passage and the Na’vi River Journey is still worth it. Disney did an outstanding job putting guests inside the world during the lines as you walk through the caves and labs.

Avatar Flight of Passage is a 3D augmented reality flying simulator attraction that has you soaring around Pandora on the back of a mountain banshee. It’s the future of theme park rides and one you’ll want to ride repeatedly.

The technology here blew me away: At no time was the ride jerky or uncomfortable, even with all the drops and twists and turns my banshee was making during our flight.

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The Na’vi River Journey is a must as well, especially if you aren’t able to wander through Pandora at night. Board a boat for a peaceful ride through the bioluminescent rainforest and you will be amazed again by the stunning technology used throughout. Seriously awesome animatronics await on this ride.

Theme park excursions have come a long way since It’s a Small World.

This is particularly evident in the Valley of Mo’ara. Kids will love that they can play on the drum circle before and after Cast Members’ performances. People of all ages will marvel at the floating mountains. The view from underneath is equally as breathtaking as the one when you enter.

If you get hungry in Pandora, the food at Satu’li Canteen offers up exotic tastes and flavors, as well as a spin on the classic cheeseburger.

The steamed cheeseburger in bao buns was delicious and hands down one of the best meals I had during my stay at Disney World. The roast beef is also a popular choice, and there are multiple options for vegetarians as well.

I’d also highly recommend stopping by Pongu Pongu if you enjoy refreshing beverages. The Night Blossom is their non-alcoholic specialty and makes for a great picture. There are also alcoholic options for the adults who prefer this as their souvenirs.

The kids will be begging for their own pet banshee or to create their own Avatar action figure. (Yes, they can model an action figure after you by scanning your face and letting you personalize your look.)

Isn’t technology amazing?

That’s what Pandora is all about. A fun spot for the whole family to marvel at a new world filled with futuristic like wonders.

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