Have you ever hiked under a floating mountain or floated down a mystical river? Walt Disney World’s Pandora – The World of Avatar challenges everything you thought you knew about possibilities. As the newest land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park and the largest addition in its history, Pandora – The World of Avatar is a whole new world beyond belief, based on the epic film, AVATAR.
Creating magic for thousands of families is an everyday part of life at Walt Disney World and for Djuan Rivers, Vice President of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, being a magician is part of his job.
Rivers, a native of Orlando, began his Disney career in high school as an hourly Cast Member on Main Street, U.S.A. After graduating from Emory University, he returned to Disney and has held various roles around the world – like leading the team at Aulani, a Disney Vacation Club Resort in beautiful Hawaii – and throughout different divisions of the company.
In 2014, Rivers was appointed Vice President of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. “I’m so proud to be a part of this park and joined at a pivotal time when we were transforming the experience into both the day and nighttime,” he shared in a recent interview with BlackDoctor.org. “I have truly enjoyed being a part of this incredible company and working alongside our talented Cast.”
Djuan Rivers takes BlackDoctor.org behind the scenes of Pandora – The World of Avatar to share what makes this new land the perfect adventure for explorers of all ages.
BlackDoctor.org: What was your involvement with the creation of Pandora – The World of Avatar?
Pandora – The World of Avatar represents the largest expansion at Disney’s Animal Kingdom since we opened in 1998 and is the most immersive land Disney Parks has created to date. I led the opening team and overall operations effort, partnering with our Imagineers and many others across the Disney company as well as Lightstorm Entertainment to bring the land to life and create a seamless guest experience. It’s been one of my proudest moments.
The Cast are a big piece of the storytelling at all of our parks, so we made sure they felt knowledgeable about the story of Pandora and its role at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Cast Members were immersed in the Na’vi (characters in the film) culture, by learning about their language, environment and way of life. One example is the way Cast Members welcome guests with the common Na’vi word for hello – Kaltxi (kahl-T’IH).
While guests will enjoy Pandora’s amazing expeditions and stunning floating mountains, one of the many things they will remember when they return home are the Cast Members who helped create magical memories during their Disney vacation.
BlackDoctor.org: What is the story behind Pandora – The World of Avatar? How did the idea come about and why was this attraction created?
Pandora – The World of Avatar found its perfect home at Disney’s Animal Kingdom because it expands on the message of conservation that pulses throughout Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The land and the park itself both celebrate the intrinsic value of nature, the transformation that comes from encountering the natural world, and both the film and the park inspire personal calls to action. AVATAR is the perfect fit for Disney because it shares the same core beliefs of storytelling around family, loyalty, living in harmony and a belief in oneself.
BlackDoctor.org: What makes Pandora – The World of Avatar unique? What can visitors look forward to?
The land really is an attraction itself. As guests walk into the awe-inspiring Pandora, they are taken on an otherworldly transformative experience they will never forget. At night, the majestic floating mountains and the incredible flora and fauna of Pandora all glow with colorful bioluminescence.
Pandora also features two new attractions – Avatar Flight of Passage and Na’vi River Journey.
Avatar Flight of Passage is a breathtaking flight on the back of a mountain banshee as you soar over the incredible natural landscape of Pandora. Na’vi River Journey is a family-friendly expedition down a gentle, mysterious river hidden within the bioluminescent rainforest. The ride culminates in an encounter with a Na’vi Shaman of Songs, who has a deep connection to the life force of Pandora and sends positive energy out into the forest through her music.
Dining and shopping lovers also will find treasures in Pandora. Satu’li Canteen, our new quick service restaurant, features unique culinary creations like create your own bowls and steamed bao bun pods. Pongu Pongu, our specialty beverage kiosk provides refreshing drinks like the Night Blossom, a delicious, fruit-flavored treat for guests of all ages. And guests will find the perfect Pandora souvenir to serve as a reminder of their adventure – like a pet banshee or an Avatar action figure customized just for you – at Windtraders, our merchandise shop.
BlackDoctor.org: Do you have any suggestions for how families can make the most of their visit to Pandora – The World of Avatar, and to Walt Disney World in general?
The My Disney Experience app and website is a great planning resource for families and is a one-stop shop for all things Walt Disney World throughout every phase of a guest’s vacation. From being able to check-in online and access resort stay information to finding transportation and using the app’s Wayfinding turn-by-turn directions feature, to reserving Disney FastPass+ attractions and entertainment experiences to even making dining reservations and paying for meals at select restaurants with Mobile Order, guests can plan and then enjoy their entire vacation through the app while still making itinerary changes on the go.
An additional perk for Guests who stay at Walt Disney World Resort hotels is Extra Magic Hours. This experience offers a rare and unique opportunity to enjoy additional time in our four parks—above and beyond the standard operating schedule – to see and do everything on the entire family’s wish list.
To create your own Walt Disney World magical memories, check out the special offer below:
4 night/4-day room and ticket package at select Disney’s All-Star Resorts starting at $1,942 for a family of 4.
Booking: July 17, 2017 – October 7, 2017
Travel: October 8, 2017 – December 24, 2017
Visit Disneyworld.com/mydisneyvacation.
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