Over the weekend, Bob Chapek, Chairman of Disney Parks and Resorts revealed more details on Pandora – The World of Avatar.

Good news is that we are still on track for a Summer 2017 opening, and although I should leave this until the end of the post (as it was at the end of the weekend), check out this incredible animatronic:

Yes, this is an animatronic, not CG. The ‘Shaman of Songs’ will be present on the river ride that will be housed within Pandora.

Entering Pandora – The World of Avatar

Disney have cooked up something special, a brand new bridge that will serve as the entrance to Pandora.

bridge entrance to Pandora - The World of Avatar

According to Disney, this bridge was built when a company called RDA (Resources Development Administration) came to Pandora. They have long since left and as you can see from the photo above, nature has started to take it back.

The bridge will guide guests into the Alpha Centauri Expeditions base camp, these are the eco-tour group that will take guests into their exploration of Pandora.

Dining and Shopping in Pandora

Satu’li Canteen (going to enjoy trying to say that on this weeks podcast) serves as the main dining area within Pandora and although there is nothing on the menu just yet, we do know it will feature Na’vi art and cultural items.

Satuli Canteen Concept Art

Windtraders is going to be the main store of Pandora where science kits, Na’vi cultural items, toys and more will be available.

shop exterior concept art at Pandora the world of Avatar

Finally, Pongu Pongu is a specially designed drink location though this is about all we know at this stage…

Attractions in Pandora

We have known for sometime what these are going to be, over the weekend Disney revealed more information on each of these.

Na’vi River Journey will be a family-friendly boat ride through the bioluminescent forests of Pandora, whereas, Avatar Flight of Passage will send guests flying over the jungles of Pandora on a Mountain Banshee.

The team at Disney also stated that the Na’vi will not be roaming Pandora outside of the attractions themselves though there will be plants that light up during the evening hours and react to touch like in the movie.

The more I read about Avatar the more I can’t wait for Summer 2017, even if I didn’t care for the movie that much, this new land is already looking to be one of the best advancements in theme park technology we have seen in years.

What are your thoughts on all of the Pandora announcements?