We are so excited to finally be able to experience Pandora this summer and Walt Disney World has released Fast Pass selections for the two attractions this week- Na ‘vi River Journey and Avatar Flight of Passage. To make it easier for guests to fully experience Pandora, from May 27-July 4, 2017, Guests staying at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels can explore Pandora – The World of Avatar beyond regular Park hours. Nightly Extra Magic Hours will be offered from 11 p.m.-1 a.m. only in Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park.
So, for those of us not traveling from May 27-July 4, 2017, what is our suggested Fast Pass and park touring strategy?
First, I highly suggest a Rivers of light Dining package if seeing it is important to you and your family AND you have booked a Disney Dining Plan that includes table service credits. Tiffins is OUTSTANDING, putting it mildly. We experienced the Dining Package in February at Tusker House and really enjoyed it. If you have the Disney Dining Plan- this option is included- Tiffins would be 2 table service credits per person and Tusker House (which offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner) is only 1 table service credit. Just securing a reservation WILL NOT insure your Rivers of Light access- you MUST reserve a Rivers of Light Dining package. If you did not book a dining plan package or you have the Quick Service Dining Plan- I would still suggest then reserving a dining package at Tusker House during the breakfast hours and paying out of pocket for your package as breakfast is most cost effective.
As far as Fast Pass selections, if you did not book a dining package for Rivers of Light- I would suggest using one to see this spectacular show.
As far as attractions, you are permitted to choose one of the Pandora attractions- but not both when selecting Fast Passes. You really have to decide which attraction will work best for you and your day.
The Avatar Flight of Passage does have a height requirement of 44 inches, so any child not that height will not be permitted to ride. Children under age 7 years must be accompanied by a person age 14 years or older to ride this attraction as well. This attraction will also have elements of virtual reality and you will need to wear 3D glasses during the duration of the attraction, so if you are prone to motion sickness- this attraction might not be the one for you.
The Na ‘vi River Journey is a slower boat ride, not sure if it will be a higher capacity vessel like Pirates of the Caribbean or It’s a Small World, or smaller like Frozen. From the official pictures, it looks smaller to me:
I am inclined to suggest, if your family wants to ride both to choose this one to Fast Pass because every guest has the ability to ride this ride- infants through adults. This is a very family friendly ride, however Children under age 7 years must be accompanied by a person age 14 years or older.
If you chose a Pandora attraction, you may choose TWO more from the list below. If you did not choose a Pandora attraction, you may choose THREE:
DINOSAUR must be 40” to ride
Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain must be 44” to ride
Festival of the Lion King
Finding Nemo – The Musical
It’s Tough to be a Bug!
Kali River Rapids must be 38” to ride
Kilimanjaro Safaris
Meet Favorite Disney Pals at Adventurers Outpost
Primeval Whirl must be 48” to ride
Rivers of Light
That said, if you booked a dining package and 1 Avatar attraction- you still have time to wait for the other Avatar attraction AND 2 more Animal Kingdom attractions PLUS see Rivers of Light.
On your way out of the park at night, after watching River of Light- stop by The Tree of Life and watch it awaken… it’s one of my favorites!
For anyone to suggest Animal Kingdom is a half day theme park hasn’t visited lately!
I can’t wait to check it out! Not long now.