For now, we’re expecting to see Avatar 2 released sometime in 2018. However, since the sequel to the 2009 international blockbuster has been delayed for years now, we’re not holding out breath. But the good news is, fans of James Cameron’s sci-fi world Pandora won’t have to wait that long to return to the lush forest planet.
At D23’s Destination D: Amazing Adventures, a kind of convention for Disney’s theme park devotees, Walt Disney Parks & Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek announced that Pandora – The World of Avatar, will officially be opening next summer at Disney’s Animal Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. And along with the announcement, some new images of what the attraction will entail, including details on previously unheard of rides, have also been revealed.
Walt Disney Parks & Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek made the announcement at D23’s Destination D event, which is essentially a convention for Disney’s theme park fans. At the event, Chapek also shared concept artwork and dished out additional details about the theme park and its rides. The park’s main restaurant will be called “Satu’li Canteen,” inspired by Na’vi art and cultural items, the eatery will serve something called as Pongu Pongu, which is a “special drink location,” according to Digital Trends.
The park will have two main attractions; the “Na’vi River Journey” and the “Flight of Passage.” The “Na’vi River Journey” will take guests on a boat ride through a sacred river surrounded by a bioluminescent rainforest. The ride will also include an encounter with a Na’vi Shaman, a figure that shares a deep connection with the life force of Pandora, according to Inside The Magic.
The “Flight of Passage” attraction will allow guests to enjoy the stunning visuals of Pandora as they experience a ride on the dragon-bird like creatures known as Banshees. The entrance bridge to “Pandora,” which connects “Pandora” to Animal Kingdom, has already been completed and there is a storyline behind it.
According to the story, the bridge was constructed when a destructive organization known as the RDA invaded Pandora. After their departure, the bridge serves as an entry base camp for Alpha Centauri Expeditions, an eco-tour group that organizes trips to Pandora for explorers and adventure seekers.