Are you PREPARED for PANDORA?!?
“Prepare for Pandora” construction sign
If not, it will be much easier now to start preparing, since now we have an OPENING DATE for Pandora — The World of AVATAR! This brand new Animal Kingdom land will officially open on May 27th!! Guests can look forward to two new headliner attractions with the Na’vi River Journey and Avatar Flight of Passage.
“Fly High Above Pandora” sign
Of course, this announcement also indicates that May 27th will be the opening date for Satu’li Canteen, the land’s main dining location, as well as Pongu Pongu, a spot where guests will be able to grab a beverage.
Satu’li Canteen Concept Art ©Disney
At this time, not much has been revealed other than the names of these establishments. For instance, will Satu’li Canteen be a Table Service or Counter Service restaurant (or perhaps a hybrid of both a la Be Our Guest Restaurant in the Magic Kingdom)? And will Pongu Pongu be a lounge, or something more akin to a kiosk or snack stop?
What we DO know is that Satu’li Canteen will showcase Na’vi art and cultural items, and Pongu Pongu will feature “a design that is as eclectic as its Expat owner.”
Pongu Pongu Concept Art ©Disney
Oh, and I guess there’s one more thing that we know: we know we CAN’T WAIT for May 27th when we will finally be able to cross this bridge…
Entry Bridge into Pandora
… and discover this whole new land — and new eats!! — in Disney’s Animal Kingdom!
Are you excited for the opening of Pandora — The World of AVATAR? Please let us know with a comment!
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Can’t wait! Can’t wait! Can’t wait!!! Trip is planned for September just in time for the opening, but just after the summer rush! Looking forward to your reviews of all the new food offerings so I know what to add to my list to try!
We already had our trip planned coming in that weekend that news just made it more exciting to go!! My wife texted me last night OMG WOW, when she saw the news!!!! CAN NOT WAIT!
So super excited for Pandora!! We will be there May 30th!
do we know if fast passes will be available for the new rides come 60 days prior to opening?
I’ve been waiting for this announcement! Will be there in August, and we’ve booked the Animal Kingdom Lodge just for this reason. Now, if we could just find out when Rivers of Light will be ready!
Now that there is an official date it seems real and I can officially get excited! Can’t wait for the attractions and food. Any news on when Rivers of Light is expected to begin?
This may be a stupid question but we leave on the 20th of may, will we be able to experience anything or will they keep it all shut away until the grand openeing?
Emma, there is always a chance for a soft opening so check often. On our last trip, we got to eat at BOG before it was open and it was a thrilling surprise! Good luck!
I’m very excited for Pandora and all things new at WDW, but alas, no trips in sight right now.
Emma — Not stupid at all! There’s really no telling, but we’ll be sure to share if we hear of things kicking off earlier!
Leah — Soooooon! Cast member previews took place last night, so we expect very soon — maybe even before the month is out.
Eean — It may be as early as this month! We’ll keep you posted!
Kristina — We don’t know about that yet, but we’ll keep you posted! It could be that there will be a soft opening period during which there are no FastPasses.
We are hoping for a soft opening sometime the week before. Friday the 26th is our last day there for this trip.