On Christmas day Disney revealed details of what 2017 has in store for visitors to Orlando’s Walt Disney World Resort. Chief among the park’s new draws will be Pandora – The World of Avatar.
Disney described Pandora – The World of Avatar as a “mythical world of floating mountains, bioluminescent rainforests and soaring Banshees anchors” and “a transformational experience unlike any other”.
Pandora – The World of Avatar
The richly-themed “new land” was created in close collaboration with James Cameron and Lightstorm Entertainment. Cameron is an award winning writer, director and filmaker. He is best known for his record-breaking films Titanic, True Lies, Terminator and Avatar. Disney highlights two attractions, Avatar Flight of Passage and Na’vi River Journey. The former will “send guests flying above the jungles of Pandora on a Mountain Banshee”, the latter will be an immersive family boat ride, flanked by “bioluminescent rainforests”.
Pandora – The World of Avatar will also feature a restaurant/cafe, the Satu’li Canteen and Pongu Pongu. This is a drinks kiosk with “a design as eclectic as its expat owner.”
Furthermore, at Windtraders, souvenir hunters can purchase Na’vi cultural items, toys, science kits and other themed/branded merchandise.
Bob Chapek, Chairman, Disney Parks and Resorts, said, “From the place making to the two extraordinary attractions that will be in the land…these promise to set new high-watermarks for the experiential magic we give our guests.”
Pandora – The World of Avatar will open in the summer of 2017.
Other Disney World Attractions for 2017
In addition to Pandora – The World of Avatar, Disney World will see a host of other new reveals. These include:
- Further additions to Disney Springs in 2017. This district’s “multi-year makeover” continues apace. Expect new restaurants.
- New dining options with Planet Hollywood Observatory, The Polite Pig and Wine Bar George.
- Visitors to Disney’s Animal Kingdom will experience a powerful new theatrical production in 2017. Rivers of Light is “a visual mix of water, fire, nature and light choreographed to an original musical score”. A night time show on the banks of Discovery River, it celebrates “the majesty of nature and the connection between animals and humans in the world”. This unique new show will feature “never-before-seen” technology.
Something About Mary’s Booty
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park will debut a new water ride. Styled as a “family-style raft adventure” this new attraction will immerse guests in the story of Captain Mary Oceaneer. Riders will be swept away by the story of a mythical treasure hunter who after many adventures on the seven seas found herself marooned on Typhoon Lagoon. The new ride will take guests on a white water adventure where they will encounter some of Mary’s deep sea treasure. At two minutes in length it will be among the longest attractions in Disney’s Water Parks. It opens Spring 2017.
Epcot International Festival of the Arts
Epcot welcomes a new festival playing winter weekends. The focus is on the visual, culinary and performing arts.
Ultimate Star Wars Tours
Guests will be able to enjoy Ultimate Star Wars tours in 2017. This seven hour long experience will takes the guests through all current Star wars experiences at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It will include rides, insider’s tours, character greetings, themed dining, and a VIP viewing of Star Wars: a Galactic Spectacular.
All images Walt Disney Co.