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The beloved Disney World ride is now listed on a construction permit.
Credit: Derek Hatfield, Flickr
Back in 2017, Walt Disney World Resort opened its new Pandora — World of Avatar land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. An immense feat of Walt Disney Imagineering, the land in Florida is shockingly reminiscent of the vibrant world introduced in James Cameron’s billion-dollar science-fiction franchise.
With floating rocks and bioluminescent foliage that sparkles at night, Pandora is perhaps one of the most immersive things the Disney Parks brand has ever done. Nestled within the trees and the gravity-defying mountains are two popular attractions: Na’vi River Journey and Avatar Flight of Passage.
Credit: Disney
Before the likes of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and TRON Lightcycle / Run came along, Disney World’s Flight of Passage attraction was, arguably, the most in-demand ride in the Central Florida parks. Teaming simulation with a motorcycle-style ride vehicle, guests are transported across the colorful world of Pandora on the back of a banshee.
The attraction, along with the likes of Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, generally has the longest wait time on Disney park property, with guests eager to ride on their Disney vacation. That said, Flight of Passage also welcomes guests through the lightning lane if they buy an a la carte Individual Lightning Lane return time. This premier attraction is not included in the daily Disney Genie+ purchase (Na’vi River Journey is included in the Genie+ offer).
Credit: 20th Century Studios
New information has recently come to light regarding the pair of attractions in Pandora — The World of Avatar. In a new permit filing, Buena Vista Construction–Disney’s in-house team–is planning some kind of work on the show building that houses both Avatar Flight of Passage and Na’vi River Journey. The permit describes the work as “[providing] labor, material, and/or electrical for construction.” There is no confirmation as to what this permit is for, but regardless, changes are going to be made to this pair of fan-favorite Walt Disney World attractions.
There are no planned refurbishments for Avatar Flight of Passage on the calendar, so it is likely that the permit work will be done back of house. Currently at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Kali River Rapids is closed, with the official website listing March 15, 2024, as its reopening date.
Credit: Disney
Related: Disney World Park Officially Closing This Month
Looking ahead, major development is on the horizon for Animal Kingdom. At last year’s Destination D23 event in Orlando, Disney revealed that DinoLand, U.S.A. will be rethemed to the Tropical Americas and will feature the Encanto and Indiana Jones franchises. The latter will likely take over the current DINOSAUR location, as a similar Indy ride is already operating at the Disneyland Resort on the West Coast.
Alongside the DinoLand, U.S.A. announcement was the reveal that Flik and the gang will be vacating the Tree of Life Theater when It’s Tough to be a Bug! is eventually replaced by the cast of Zootopia (2016). No timelines have been shared yet on when Disney will commence work on these major new developments at the park.
Credit: 20th Century Studios
Related: Part of Walt Disney World Is Now 4,200 Miles Away From Orlando
As for the Avatar franchise, James Cameron’s second movie, Avatar: The Way of Water (2022), dominated the box office and became another huge hit for the director. Another three Avatar films are in development, as is a new Avatar attraction at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. The upcoming ride will reportedly be at Disney California Adventure.
What do you think Disney is doing to the Avatar ride at Animal Kingdom? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments down below!
Walt Disney World Resort boasts four theme parks: Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios Theme Park. It also features two Disney water parks, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park and Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park, and the retail and recreation area, Disney Springs. A valid ticket is needed to enter each park.
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