Florida Resident 3 & 4-Day “Discover Disney” Discount Tickets Return; Potential AVATAR Opening Date Revealed

The Florida Resident Discover Disney 3-Day and 4-Day tickets will be returning to Walt Disney World and are on sale now, but the most interesting thing about them is a series of blackout dates only for the Animal Kingdom park.

The tickets themselves are good for 3 or 4-days of visits to Walt Disney World theme parks between January 4th until June 9th, 2017. The 3-day ticket is $139.00 for ages 3 and up and the 4-day ticket is $159.00 for ages 3 and up. Guests can also add then Water Parks Fun and More Option at a discounted price.

Pandora: The World of AVATAR is scheduled to open Summer 2017 at Disney'sAnimal Kingdom. Does that mean May 27th, 2017?

Pandora: The World of AVATAR is scheduled to open Summer 2017 at Disney’sAnimal Kingdom. Does that mean May 27th, 2017?

The most interesting facet of this is the blockout dates exclusive to Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park that begin on May 27th, 2017 and run through the end of the tickets on June 9th. Based on when these dates are, it seems likely that this is currently penciled in as the official opening of Pandora: The World of AVATAR at the park. As we learned from Rivers of Light, these things are always subject to change, but it seems likely that Pandora will kick off the Summer season with a grand opening during Memorial Day weekend 2017. 

Disney has stated that Pandora: The World of AVATAR will open Summer 2017. Memorial Day weekend is often considered the beginning of the U.S. summer season.

Florida Resident 3 & 4-Day “Discover Disney” Discount Tickets Return; Potential AVATAR Opening Date Revealed

The Florida Resident Discover Disney 3-Day and 4-Day tickets will be returning to Walt Disney World and are on sale now, but the most interesting thing about them is a series of blackout dates only for the Animal Kingdom park.

The tickets themselves are good for 3 or 4-days of visits to Walt Disney World theme parks between January 4th until June 9th, 2017. The 3-day ticket is $139.00 for ages 3 and up and the 4-day ticket is $159.00 for ages 3 and up. Guests can also add then Water Parks Fun and More Option at a discounted price.

Pandora: The World of AVATAR is scheduled to open Summer 2017 at Disney'sAnimal Kingdom. Does that mean May 27th, 2017?

Pandora: The World of AVATAR is scheduled to open Summer 2017 at Disney’sAnimal Kingdom. Does that mean May 27th, 2017?

The most interesting facet of this is the blockout dates exclusive to Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park that begin on May 27th, 2017 and run through the end of the tickets on June 9th. Based on when these dates are, it seems likely that this is currently penciled in as the official opening of Pandora: The World of AVATAR at the park. As we learned from Rivers of Light, these things are always subject to change, but it seems likely that Pandora will kick off the Summer season with a grand opening during Memorial Day weekend 2017. 

Disney has stated that Pandora: The World of AVATAR will open Summer 2017. Memorial Day weekend is often considered the beginning of the U.S. summer season.

PHOTOS: Disney Shares New Glimpses Inside Pandora: The World of AVATAR

During this morning’s Disney Parks Magical Christmas Celebration, an extended look inside of Pandora: The World of AVATAR at Disney’s Animal Kingdom was presented.

The segment was even introduced by Disney CEO Bob Iger.

Joe Rohde and James Cameron appeared int he segment to talk about the project.

A short video from on-board the Navi River Journey attraction was shared.

Most interesting was our first look inside at the Soarin’-esque ride system for Flight of Passage, where guests will feel like they are riding on a Banshee around Pandora.

Of course, glimpses of the incredible plant life and floating mountains were shared.

The logo for Pandora: The World of AVATAR was finally shared, promoting that the land will finally open in the Summer of 2017.

New Concept Art, Stores and Dining for Pandora: The World of AVATAR at Animal Kingdom

It was announced today that Pandora – The World of Avatar is set to open at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in summer 2017. Now, Disney is sharing a first look at what you can expect to see in the land.

Opening in summer 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. Satu’li Canteen, (pictured here) will be the main restaurant in Pandora – The World of Avatar and will feature Na’vi art and cultural items. Disney’s Animal Kingdom is one of four theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (David Roark, photographer)

Opening in summer 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. Satu’li Canteen, (pictured here) will be the main restaurant in Pandora – The World of Avatar and will feature Na’vi art and cultural items. Disney’s Animal Kingdom is one of four theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (David Roark, photographer)

Satu’li Canteen will be the main restaurant in Pandora – The World of Avatar and will feature Na’vi art and cultural items.

Opening in summer 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. Windtraders, (pictured here) travelers can find Na’vi cultural items, toys, science kits, and more.Disney’s Animal Kingdom is one of four theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (David Roark, photographer)

Opening in summer 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. Windtraders, (pictured here) travelers can find Na’vi cultural items, toys, science kits, and more.Disney’s Animal Kingdom is one of four theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (David Roark, photographer)

At Windtraders, travelers can find Na’vi cultural items, toys, science kits, and more.

Opening in summer 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. Pongu Pongu (pictured here) will be a special drink location with a design that is as eclectic as its Expat owner. Disney’s Animal Kingdom is one of four theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Disney Parks)

Opening in summer 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. Pongu Pongu (pictured here) will be a special drink location with a design that is as eclectic as its Expat owner. Disney’s Animal Kingdom is one of four theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Disney Parks)

And Pongu Pongu (pictured at the top of the story) will be a special drink location with a design that is as eclectic as its Expat owner.

All of today’s new images were shared by Walt Disney Parks & Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek during a D23’s Destination D: Amazing Adventures presentation at the Walt Disney World Resort.

VIDEO: First Look at Amazing AVATAR Animatronic Figure for Disney World

As posted today on the Disney Parks Blog:

Alpha Centauri Expeditions Offers the First Look At The Na’vi River Journey Shaman

1120zu_0289as-copy

Earlier today Alpha Centauri Expeditions (A.C.E.) Founder Marshall Lamm joined filmmaker James Cameron and Imagineer Joe Rohde to share details on upcoming travel to Pandora – The World of Avatar, the amazing world that is located 4.4 light years away from Planet Earth.

Marshall closed his presentation with a remarkable video. The reclusive Shaman of Songs, a revered member of the Na’vi people of Pandora, shared just for fans at D23’s Destination D: Amazing Adventures. Take a look here:

PHOTOS, VIDEO: New Nighttime Lighting Appears in Pandora – The World of AVATAR at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Over the weekend, something new popped up in Pandora: The World of AVATAR at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Attached to those lampposts we showed you a few weeks back are some rather interesting looking lighting fixtures.

Pandora: The World of AVATAR construction

Pandora: The World of AVATAR construction

The lights lie just behind the construction walls keeping guests out of the active construction zone.

Pandora: The World of AVATAR construction

Pandora: The World of AVATAR construction

The new lighting fixtures with the floating island looming in the background.

Pandora: The World of AVATAR construction

Pandora: The World of AVATAR construction

More of the impressive details on the bridge continue to emerge as well.

Pandora: The World of AVATAR construction

Pandora: The World of AVATAR construction

Pandora: The World of AVATAR construction

Pandora: The World of AVATAR construction

Pandora: The World of AVATAR construction

Pandora: The World of AVATAR construction

Pandora: The World of AVATAR construction

Pandora: The World of AVATAR construction

Towards the end of the bridge, some very different lighting fixtures begin to appear.

Pandora: The World of AVATAR construction

Pandora: The World of AVATAR construction

We also have a short video of the new details to share with you today:

If you haven’t seen it yet, please check out last week’s video update below to see the overall progress on Pandora: The World of AVATAR:

Pandora: The World of AVATAR is scheduled to open in 2017 at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park.

PHOTO REPORT: Animal Kingdom 10/24/16 (Rivers of Light, AVATAR, New Merchandise, ETC.)

In our latest photo report, we catch up on Pandora: The World of AVATAR, Rivers of Light, and all of the other goings-on around Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park. Get ready for a wild time!

Welcome to Disney’s Animal Kingdom

img_4388

Pandora: The World of AVATAR

img_4595

I decided to take a walk down to the bus loop at Animal Kingdom to see the progress on Pandora: The World of AVATAR. This area offers an interesting view of the construction.

img_4596

img_4597

img_4598

img_4601

img_4607

img_4390

Small glimpses of the land are available from the Rainforest Cafe park entrance.

img_4392
img_4401

img_4402

Steel is still going up on the ground level of the land, for what we don’t know.

img_4404

As more and more trees are planted and the surrounding ones grow in, it is becoming harder to see the construction from some angles.

img_4405

img_4406

img_4409

More of the alien lampposts have gone up along the bridge.

img_4415

For some reason, there is a second set of construction walls behind the first.

img_4423

Most of the bridge between Discovery Island and Pandora has been uncovered.

img_4426

Some strange and colorful plant life and mushrooms are “growing” on the bridge, it looks like they may even light up.

img_4428

img_4576

New Starbucks Mug

img_2500

A new Disney Parks exclusive Starbucks mug was recently released.

img_2501

img_2502

Flame Tree Barbecue

img_4436

Work continues on the expansion of the Flame Tree Barbecue restaurant.

img_4437

img_4439

Rivers of Light

img_4489

Rumors continue to swirl that guests at Destination D: Amazing Adventures will see Rivers of Light first, and some visible work in the viewing area leads us to believe we are nearing the first soft-opening of the show.

img_4490

img_4493

One of the boats that will be in the show was docked and charging by the viewing area.

img_4496

img_4498

img_4502

img_4505

img_4507

Maharajah Jungle Trek

img_4508

The new monkey species has still not debuted along the Maharajah Jungle Trek.

img_4510

img_4512

Flights of Wonder

img_4519

We keep waiting for them to finish the coverings added to the Caravan Theater, but it may just be finished and unfortunately this is what the roof looks like.

img_4525

Tree of Life Trails

img_4532

Work continues on the trail behind the Tree of Life. This has to be opening soon, right?

img_4533

img_4534

img_4535

img_4537

img_4538

img_4541

Additional Guest Relations

img_4545

Disney is testing out a second guest relations location near Kilimanjaro Safaris for a limited time.

img_4549

This and That

img_4574

I was feeling artsy with my glazed almonds. Alright, I’m just trying to be EasyWDW I guess.

img_4581

Vinylmation Designer Series 2 was recently released.

img_4582

img_4584

Prepackaged iPhone 7 and 7 Plus phone cases are slowly appearing in the parks.

img_4585

img_4586

img_4592

img_4593

A new snowman antenna topper is available as well.

img_4594

VIDEO: New Alien Plant-life & An Interesting Look at Construction in Our Latest Update on Pandora: The World of AVATAR

As we grow ever closer to the opening of Pandora: The World of AVATAR at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in 2017, new details continue to emerge for this exciting new theme park land. While visiting the Nomad Lounge over the weekend, I discovered that a large portion of the bridge from Discovery Island into the alien world was mostly uncovered, showcasing some amazing new details, including what looks like some small plants and mushrooms that may illuminate in the evening. We also took a short walk out to the Animal Kingdom bus loop to see an interesting angle of the construction from behind. We take a look at all of this and more in our latest video update on the progress on the project:

BREAKING: Images of AVATAR Theme Park Merchandise Leak; New Details of Animal Kingdom Land Emerge

There are still a lot of unanswered questions about exactly what guests can do and what they will see when they enter Pandora: The World of AVATAR at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in 2017. Today, an inside source has provided us our first look at some of the pins being developed for the attraction, revealing some interesting details about this project that have been shrouded in mystery.

ACE logo pin for Pandora: The World of AVATAR at Disney's Animal Kingdom

ACE logo pin for Pandora: The World of AVATAR at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

The ACE logo pin in fact confirms that ACE will play a huge role in the experience on the “planet”. ACE was first introduced to guests at the exhibit previewing the AVATAR themed land at the 2015 D23 Expo. The following video is a good introduction to the company:

Mystery pin collection for Pandora: The World of AVATAR at Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park

Mystery pin collection for Pandora: The World of AVATAR at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park

While we know we will be immersed in the story of AVATAR since many cast members working in the area will need to learn the fictional Na’vi language and culture, it also appears that Disney branding will not be clearly present on any of the merchandise packaging either. This will continue the illusion with guests that they are on Pandora and that ACE is actually their host for the experience, selling merchandise in their own gift stores on the planet. Cast members will reportedly be sporting ACE name tags as well, rather than Walt Disney World name tags that are worn in all other park areas.

Mystery pin collection for Pandora: The World of AVATAR at Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park

Mystery pin collection for Pandora: The World of AVATAR at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park

While it may be us overthinking, some of the places and things showcased in the mystery pin set could very well be places and experiences for guests on Pandora:

  • Mo’ara – This is reportedly a location that will play a larger role in then AVATAR sequels, but is not mentioned in the first film nor any lore beyond that as of yet.
  • Navi Cultural Relations – Guests will get to meet the large Navi people in meet and greet type experiences (or even roaming around perhaps).
  • The Mountain Banshee Project – This will play a central roll in the Flight of Passage attraction where guests will ride aboard Banshees. Part of this project will allow humans to ride on these magnificent creatures, something usually only done by the Na’vi people.
  • The Drum Circle – This is a ceremony where Jake Sully became a member of the Na’Vi in the film. It is possible there will be an experience where guests can take part in a similar ceremony and become an honorary member of the people of Pandora.
  • The Pandora Cavern Tours – This could be its own walking experience, part of the queue for either of the two ride-through attractions in the land, or a scene in the Na’Vi River Journey ride.
Logo pin for the Flight of Passage, a ride in Pandora: The World of AVATAR at Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park

Logo pin for the Flight of Passage, a ride in Pandora: The World of AVATAR at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park

While they may be just pins, they are honestly the first new piece of information on the project we have received in over a year. The existence of the final product also possibly means that the opening of the land isn’t very far away, perhaps 6 months or less at this point. Whatever the case may be, we will soon be getting more details at Destination D next month. Until then, let the speculation begin.

Disney Cast Members Will Need to Speak Na’vi to Work in Pandora: The World of AVATAR

Disney theme park experiences are all about immersion and bringing guests into a another world, but I’m not sure they have ever gone this far before…

Pandora: The World of AVATAR at Disney's Animal Kingdom

Pandora: The World of AVATAR at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

An internal casting call for “proprietors” (basically the leaders of each land in Disney theme parks) has gone out at Walt Disney World for Pandora: The World of AVATAR at Disney’s Animal Kingdom:

“Pandora: The World of Avatar is committed to becoming the most immersive and engaging land in the history of The Walt Disney Company. Through unparalleled storytelling, place-making and attention to detail, this role will be critical in leading and inspiring our Cast as they set the standard by which all other experiences are measured.”

The more interesting part is the basic job qualifications for the role, which include a proficiency in a new language…

“Ability to understand, articulate and teach Na’vi and Pandora culture and its connection to the Disney’s Animal Kingdom brand”

“Willingness to learn a new language: learnnavi.org

“Inspire, educate and hold Leaders and Cast accountable to be an active participant in an immersive experience”

“Develop and deliver a plan to premier Pandora: The World of Avatar as the most immersive experience ever accomplished”

Now, I’m not the biggest fan in the world of the AVATAR film, but this even sounds exciting to me. Could you imagine a theme park land that requires every cast member “living” in it to actually know and be a curator of the history and culture of the mythical realm they work in? Seems like the kind of storytelling you always hope for as a guest.

Pandora: The World of AVATAR at Disney's Animal Kingdom

Pandora: The World of AVATAR at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Regardless, the fact that this casting call has gone out also means that Pandora: The World of AVATAR can’t be that far way from finally being completed and that we are very likely well under a year away from the grand opening (or maybe even soft openings) for this new theme park land.