BREAKING: Annual Passholder Previews Begin Soon for Pandora – The World of AVATAR, Dates Revealed

WDWNT on March 27, 2017

Walt Disney World annual passholders will be getting a first-look at Pandora: The World of AVATAR with exclusive previews of the land scheduled to happen in just-a-little-over two weeks time.

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Floating mountains grace the skyline while exotic plants fill the colorful landscape inside Pandora – The World of Avatar, which opens May 27, 2017 at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Pandora – The World of Avatar will bring a variety of new experiences to the park, including a family-friendly attraction called Na’vi River Journey and new food & beverage and merchandise locations. Disney’s Animal Kingdom is one of four theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Kent Phillips, photographer)

Online registration should open very soon for annual passholders to sign up for one of two preview dates for Pandora: The World of AVATAR, April 8th or 9th, 2017. It is possible that more preview dates will be scheduled later, but these appear to be the first two, at least.

Rumor has it that there will be some restriction on “technology use” for guests who partake in the preview, perhaps a ban on photography and video recording, but we will have to wait and see exactly what that means. Again, this preview would be over a month and a half before the official opening of the land to guests.

As the project is still being finished up, these dates can still change, but it seems the previews will take place before the month of April 2017 is over, at the latest.

CONFIRMED: 2-Hour Nightly Extra Magic Hours Coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom This Summer for AVATAR

WDWNT on March 27, 2017

Last week, we told you that it was rumored that Disney’s Animal Kingdom would offer nightly Extra Magic Hours to resort guests so that they could more fully enjoy Pandora: The World of AVATAR once it opened. Today, the Swan and Dolphin resorts are confirming our suspicions…

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With Animal Kingdom park hours locked at an 11pm closing time during these early Summer months, the Extra Magic Hours will take place night from 11pm until 1AM until July 4th, 2017. This benefit will only be available to Walt Disney World Resort guests, and the Swan and Dolphin hotels fall within that category despite being operated by another company.

FastPass+ Reservations Open Tomorrow for Pandora: The World of AVATAR

WDWNT on March 27, 2017

FastPass+ reservations for the two attractions in Pandora: The World of AVATAR at Disney’s Animal Kingdom will become available for booking tomorrow, March 24th.

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The Na’vi River Journey and Flight of Passage will be separated in the FastPass+ reservation system so guests can not book both initially. Once guests use all their FastPasses for the day, they can book more, but chances are that the availability for these two rides will be slim-to-none the day-of.

Disney CEO Bob Iger Extends Contract Through 2019

WDWNT on March 27, 2017

On Thursday, the Walt Disney Company announced the extension of current CEO Bob Iger’s contract to July 2, 2019.  The complex nature of finding a suitable replacement has proven challenging in the years since Mr. Iger first announced his desire to retire.   Since it is a “robust process of identifying a successor and ensuring a smooth transition” the Board of Directors felt keeping the steady approach Mr. Iger has provided would best serve the Company.

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Robert A. Iger

In the release, the Independent of Lead Director of the Disney Board Orin C. Smith highlighted Mr. Iger’s success’s over his first 11 years as CEO.  Among those achievements are the 448% growth in shareholder returns while simultaneously increasing the market capitol of the company from $46 billion to $177 billion.

Mr. Iger expressed his gratitude in saying “leading this Company is a tremendous privilege, and I am honored to have been asked to continue serving as CEO” adding “even with the incredible success the Company has achieved, I am confident that Disney’s best days are still ahead”.

As part of his agreement, Mr. Iger will receive a $5 million dollar bonus for staying on.  In addition to the bonus, Mr. Iger will remain a consultant for the company for 3 years following his retirement.  Back in 2011, Mr. Iger announced his intentions to step down in 2015.  The departures of CFO Jay Rasulo and COO Tom Staggs left no clear successor within the company.  This latest extension marks the 3rd time that Mr. Iger’s contract has been extended since his initial announcement.

With Pandora: World of Avatar set to open this spring and both Toy Story and Star Wars Lands set to open by 2019, it makes sense that Mr. Iger would want to stay on for those openings as the acquisition of both Pixar and Lucasfilm have been huge success under the Iger tenure.

D23 Offering Behind The Scenes Tour of Pandora: The World of AVATAR with Joe Rohde

WDWNT on March 27, 2017

D23 is offering you the chance to be among the first to explore Pandora – The World of Avatar, not only before it opens to the public, but with Imagineer Joe Rohde! In addition to a guided walk-through of the exotic new land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park with Joe, attendees will enjoy lunch at Tiffins with Mr. Rohde and fellow D23 Members.

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The tour/experience will begin promptly at 11 am eastern. Tour will roughly last about 3 hours, and check-in will be made at the Tiffins Restaurant in Animal Kingdom. You will not be able to check in prior to 10:45 AM.

On the tour, guests will learn how the thriving Pandoran landscape conveys intrinsic park messages of the value of nature, transformation through adventure, conservation and stewardship. All attendees will receive a commemorative keepsake for this special engagement. Tickets will be $250 per person, plus a $5 per person processing fee. Tickets will go on sale Wednesday, April 5 at 10 a.m. PT (1 p.m. EDT). Please check back here at the official D23 website for this event for the ticketing link when available.

NOTE

  • D23 Gold and Gold Family Members may reserve a ticket for themselves and one (1) guest.
  • Due to the nature of this experience, all attendees must be at least 21 years of age or older to partake in this D23 event.
  • This event does not include admission to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Guests will need to have or purchase admission to Disney’s Animal Kingdom to attend. If planning to use a Walt Disney World Annual Passport to attend, each guest should check blockout dates to verify that the pass is valid for admission on Friday, May 19.
  • A very limited number of tickets are available. D23 Members will be required to provide their membership number when reserving tickets. Tickets may be picked up only with a valid photo ID AND D23 MEMBERSHIP CARD. D23 Members who do not bring their membership card may not be admitted to the event. Ticketed Members who do not attend the event forfeit their place as well as all experiences, benefits, and gifts associated with the event.
  • All D23 Special Events are subject to change without notice. There are no cancellations or refunds, and tickets are not transferable.

PLEASE BE ADVISED: Filming, photography, and other recording will take place at Walt Disney World Resort during the event you will be attending. By entering the premises, you irrevocably consent to and authorize The Walt Disney Company, its affiliates, successors, and assigns (collectively “Producer”), to photograph you, make sound recordings of you, and use such photographs and recordings throughout the world, for any purpose whatsoever in perpetuity, including, but not limited to, television broadcasts and home entertainment products, including, but not limited to, home video and DVD. All such photographs and sound recordings will be the sole property of Producer.

*Event is subject to cancellation in the event of inclement weather. As this is an early exploration of Pandora – The World of Avatar, please note that access to some areas of the Valley of Mo’ara on Pandora may be limited during your visit.

PHOTOS: First Look at Specialty Food and Drink & More Details on Dining in Pandora – The World of AVATAR at Animal Kingdom

WDWNT on March 17, 2017

Disney has finally released more details on the dining options in Pandora: The World of AVATAR. While we don’t have the full menu just yet, the photos below mark our first look at the specialty food and drink items that will inhabit the land.

A dish from the Satu'li Canteen in Pandora: The World of AVATAR

A dish from the Satu’li Canteen in Pandora: The World of AVATAR

Satu’li Canteen

Indulge in the art and culture of the Na’vi while dining inside this former RDA mess hall, only at Pandora – The World of Avatar.

Navi blueberry cheesecake, Pandora: The World of AVATAR

Navi blueberry cheesecake, Pandora: The World of AVATAR

Pictured above is the Na’vi blueberry cheesecake served with passion fruit curd.

A dish from the Satu'li Canteen in Pandora: The World of AVATAR

A dish from the Satu’li Canteen in Pandora: The World of AVATAR

Discover healthful dishes and familiar flavors from another world—wholesome grains, fresh vegetables and hearty proteins.

Between your aerial adventures on Avatar Flight of Passage and family-friendly voyages aboard Na’vi River Journey, tuck inside the Quonset-hut structure called Satu’li Canteen—long ago an RDA mess hall, now a peaceful dining facility adorned with Na’vi art and cultural items.

A dish from the Satu'li Canteen in Pandora: The World of AVATAR

A dish from the Satu’li Canteen in Pandora: The World of AVATAR

Owned and operated by Alpha Centauri Expeditions (ACE), Satu’li Canteen supplies travelers all the comforts of home—courtesy of a unique, fast-casual menu that’s been crafted from Pandora’s natural abundance.

Featuring international-inspired cuisine, vegetarian options and specialty libations, it’s the perfect place to refuel as you venture through the Valley of Mo’ara.

Pongu Pongu Refreshments

Drinks from Pongu Pongu, Pandora: The World of AVATAR

Drinks from Pongu Pongu, Pandora: The World of AVATAR

Wet your whistle at this popular drink stand run by an expat who fell in love with Pandora – The World of Avatar… and never left.

Lumpia from Pongu Pongu, Pandora: The World of AVATAR

Lumpia from Pongu Pongu, Pandora: The World of AVATAR

Pictured above is Lumpia, a crispy pineapple-cream cheese spring roll that will be offered at Pongu Pongu.

Quench your thirst the Pandoran way at an otherworldly pit-stop offering Na’vi-inspired refreshment.

Drinks from Pongu Pongu, Pandora: The World of AVATAR

Drinks from Pongu Pongu, Pandora: The World of AVATAR

Are your expeditions at Avatar Flight of Passage and Na’vi River Journey leaving you parched? Hike to the corner of Windtraders where you’ll find Pongu Pongu—when you spot a friendly expat serving out-of-this-world drinks, you’ve come to the right place.

Drinks from Pongu Pongu, Pandora: The World of AVATAR

Drinks from Pongu Pongu, Pandora: The World of AVATAR

Meaning “Party Party” in the language of the Na’vi, Pongu Pongu welcomes weary travelers to try our bioluminescent frozen cocktail, indigenous beers—or even a sweet snack you won’t find elsewhere!

Pandora: The World of AVATAR opens at Disney’s Animal Kingdom on May 27, 2017.

Height Requirement & FastPass + Information for Pandora: The World of AVATAR Rides

WDWNT on March 17, 2017

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According to the official Walt Disney World website, new information in regards to the rides in Pandora: The World of AVATAR has been released.

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Flight of Passage

Height Requirement: 44 inches tall

Age Interest: kids,tweens, teens, and adults

Official Description: “Get a banshee’s-eye view of the beauty and grandeur of Pandora on a rite of passage you won’t soon forget! Deep in the heart of the Valley of Mo’ara, discover Avatar Flight of Passage—an all-new expedition that lets interstellar explorers like you climb atop a mountain banshee for a breathtaking, first-person flight over the moon’s incredible landscape. Bonding with a mountain banshee is a crucial step in the life of a Na’vi hunter—and flying on the back of one of these powerful winged creatures represents an important rite of passage.Now, as a visitor to Pandora, you’ll finally have the chance to test yourself in a similar way!

FastPass+: yes

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Navi River Journey

Height Requirement: none

Age Interest: everyone

Official Description: “Glide down a gentle, mysterious river and feel a sense of wonder as the full beauty of Pandora reveals itself. Located within the Valley of Mo’ara, Na’vi River Journey offers explorers an experience that has to be seen—and heard—to be believed! As your expedition begins, climb aboard a reed boat and drift downstream. After coasting through a series of caves, and passing by exotic glowing plants and amazing creatures of the rainforest, you’ll soon find yourself face-to-face with the Na’vi Shaman of Songs. The adventure comes to a conclusion as the Shaman demonstrates her deep connection to the life force of Pandora—and sends positive energy out into the forest through the power of her music!”

Thrill level: slow rides

FastPass+: yes

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Valley of Mo’ara 

Height Requirement: none

Age interest : anyone

Official Description: “Walk about through the Valley of Mo’ara and get ready to discover a world like no other! There’s more to Pandora than expeditions like Avatar Flight of Passage and Na’vi River Journey… much more! All around its enormous floating mountains, you’ll quickly uncover the valley’s one-of-a-kind dining and shopping experiences—along with sights, sounds and experiences that include: Exotic plants that come to life with beautiful bioluminescence each night, A Na’vi-built drum circle containing instruments playable by all, Na’vi totems and other cultural items found throughout the land, Brand-new Wilderness Explorers challenges and badges to collect. You may even come across tour guides from Alpha Centauri Expeditions (ACE), scientists from the Pandora Conservation Initiative (PCI), or even an eclectic expat or two!

Stay posted for any future updates on Pandora: the World of Avatar in the coming weeks as the opening date draws closer. Pandora: the World of Avatar officially opens to the public on May 27th, 2017.

Rivers of Light at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Now To Be Performed Twice A Night

WDWNT on March 17, 2017

Starting March 11th, Rivers of Light at Disney’s Animal Kingdom will be offered twice a night on Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.

On March 11th, an 8:30pm show has been added. Following that, with daylight savings time in effect, Rivers of Light will be offered at 8:45PM and 10PM on those select nights. Park hours on these nights have been extended until 9:30PM.