With Avatar: The Way of Water now streaming on Disney+, audiences have been revisiting Pandora in a whole new light. The film, released in 2022, crossed the $2 billion mark in theaters, marking it as the third James Cameron film to achieve this milestone. The movie transports viewers from Pandora’s forests to its mesmerizing reefs and oceans, introducing a host of new underwater creatures. However, keen observers might have noticed these creatures before, even if they didn’t realize it at the time.
If you’ve visited Pandora – The World of Avatar at Walt Disney World Resort’s Animal Kingdom, you’ve already encountered these fascinating beings. This themed land is an immersive experience with floating mountains, lush foliage, intricate woven decor, and two unique dining spots: Pongu Pongu and Satul’i Canteen. The detailed design by Walt Disney Imagineering truly brings James Cameron’s world to life.
Pandora – The World of Avatar features two main attractions: Avatar Flight of Passage and the Na’vi River Journey. Both rides are celebrated for their immersive experiences, but Flight of Passage holds a special secret. This ride has been hinting at elements from Avatar: The Way of Water long before the film was released.
On Avatar Flight of Passage, guests ride on the back of an ikran (or mountain banshee) guided by a Na’vi. The journey takes guests across Pandora, showcasing the beauty of the forest and shores, including the iconic floating mountains. During the ride, visitors pass by beaches and fly over water, encountering playful ilu and majestic tulkun—two creatures prominently featured in the latest Avatar film.
It’s a delightful surprise that these alien animals, initially seen only at the Disney Resort, play significant roles in Avatar: The Way of Water.
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