Pandora – Page 4 – WDWNT Archive

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

WDWNT on October 31, 2016

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

Pandora: The World of AVATAR

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New Starbucks Mug

A new Disney Parks exclusive Starbucks mug was recently released.

Flame Tree Barbecue

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

Rivers of Light

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.

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

Maharajah Jungle Trek

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

Flights of Wonder

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.

Tree of Life Trails

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

Additional Guest Relations

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

This and That

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

Vinylmation Designer Series 2 was recently released.

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

A new snowman antenna topper is available as well.

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

WDWNT on October 14, 2016

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

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

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

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

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

WDWNT on October 5, 2016

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

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

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.

PHOTOS, VIDEO: Alien Lamppost Installed at Pandora – The World of AVATAR, Latest Progress

WDWNT on September 26, 2016

Pandora: The World of AVATAR seems to be coming along nicely at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. In a lot of ways, it looks like the project is speeding along now, appearing likely to open by the middle of 2017 should all go according to plan. While visiting Animal Kingdom over the weekend, I captured some pictures and video of the latest progress on the project, including the arrival of a new and intriguing decorative piece inside of the land.

From most angles, it has simply become a lush landscape. While beautiful, it makes it impossible for us to really see what is going on in the construction site anymore.

From the back patio of the Nomad Lounge, something of interest has become visible.

It is an alien lamppost, appearing to constructed of materials one would not find on Earth (in story off course, I’m sure it is made of wood or resin in actuality).

For a better look this strange, alien decorative piece, I invite you to watch the below video update of construction that i recorded over the weekend:

PHOTOS, VIDEO: Pandora – The World of AVATAR Construction, Aerial Look As of August 2016

WDWNT on September 2, 2016

Since Disney is getting a bit crazy about guests taking photos or video of Pandora: The World of AVATAR construction at Animal Kingdom (we’ll talk more about that later this week), we decided to once again take to the skies to see the work on the new land from above. Still slated to open in 2017, the land based on the hit 2009 film has made some progress since we last checked in from the skies:

AVATAR Construction at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

An overall look at the construction site, which looks to have come quite a ways since we last checked in.

AVATAR Construction at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

In the back, we see that the dining facility in an “abandoned hangar” is coming along nicely.

AVATAR Construction at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

The floating mountains are mostly completed above the show building level, no more scaffolding to be found.

AVATAR Construction at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

The entrance to the Na’vi River Journey still has some progress to make.

AVATAR Construction at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Some smaller rock-work is starting to be painted at ground level.

AVATAR Construction at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

A lot of foliage has been planted over the last few weeks.

AVATAR Construction at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

If you prefer a video look, we have a quick fly-by for you to view as well:

New Disney Parks Collection PANDORA Jewelry Coming in March 2015

WDWNT on March 19, 2015

Some new charms items from the Disney Parks Collection | PANDORA, will launch in multiple merchandise locations at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts on March 12. The new charms will join the previously released jewelry collection that features hand-finished .925 sterling silver and 14K gold charms inspired by some of Disney’s most beloved characters and icons. Here’s a preview of some new items created especially for Disney Parks.

Two charms will be released that were inspired by Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland park and Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park. These sterling silver dangle charms, which make great keepsakes, feature the resort destination name on the bottom of each castle.

This spring collection will also include a sterling silver and teal enamel charm featuring Mickey’s Fun Wheel from Disney California Adventure park. A popular charm, however, is a sleek sterling silver geometric sphere that resembles Spaceship Earth with a monorail from Epcot.

Guests should also look for a Minnie Mouse charm that is similar to the “Mickey Mania” charm released last fall. The sterling silver openwork “Minnie Mania” charm has colorful red, light yellow, black and white enamel details.

Black and red enamel Mickey and Minnie Mouse icons are also pictured on a sterling silver safety chain with enamel hearts. For those who may not be familiar with a safety chain, it’s a stylish and practical way to keep your charms secure on your PANDORA bracelet. To use, simply thread one end on the bracelet first, add your charms and then thread the other side of the safety chain on the end of the bracelet to secure.

The best places at Disney Parks to find PANDORA jewelry are at La Mascarade d’Orleans in New Orleans Square in Disneyland park at Disneyland Resort, and at Uptown Jewelers in Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort.

Guests will also find an additional jewelry charm designs from the spring 2015 Disney | PANDORA Jewelry Collection at select Disney Parks merchandise locations and at PANDORA stores throughout North America.

Select charms will also be offered on the Disney Parks online store at http://www.DisneyStore.com/PANDORA.

Kelly Derda’s 2/20/15 WDW Photo Report (Magic Kingdom Changes, Epcot Flower and Garden Prep, ETC.)

WDWNT on February 26, 2015

One of the newest WDWNT Reporters, Kelly Derda, visited the Magic Kingdom and epcot this week and has some great, newsworthy photos to share with us, so let’s take a look:

After decades of guests attempting to run onto the Mickey floral at the Train Station, a railing has been put up, similar to Disneyland