Disney has finally confirmed that the Disneyland Resort “Avatar” experience Disney CEO Bob Iger announced over a year ago will be a land with a boat ride.
‘Avatar’ Experience
Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro announced the experience at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event with Imagineer Ali Rubinstein.
The experience will further explore the world of Pandora with a new destination. It takes inspiration from “Avatar: The Way of Water” and future “Avatar” films, setting it apart from Pandora – The World of Avatar in Florida.
Guests will experience majestic natural wonders that can only be found on Pandora, as well as the beauty and danger that come with such a journey. Disney described the ride as a “thrilling excursion” that takes guests to the open seas of Pandora.
“This is going to be a dynamic, intense, and emotional experience on a grand scale that we know our guests will love,” said Rubinstein.
The land will be in Disney California Adventure, reportedly utilizing some existing space in Hollywood Land and some space not currently in the park. It’s rumored to use the same ride system as Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure at Shanghai Disneyland, supported by the newly-released concept art. This further distinguishes it from the calm Na’vi River Journey at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Check out the land’s models revealed at D23.
Iger announced an “Avatar” experience for Disneyland Resort in early 2023. D23 said it would be “as amazing” as Pandora – The World of Avatar in Walt Disney World. Disney remained secretive about the exact nature of the “experience” and its location. At the November IAAPA Expo, a Disney representative said it would be located at Disney California Adventure but Disney later stated a location had not been announced. In an apparent slip of the tongue, Iger called the experience a “land” but Disney backtracked on that as well. D’Amaro still called it an “experience” at D23 but concept art indicates it is a larger area.
In February, “Avatar” producer Jon Landau shared a photo of himself at Walt Disney Imagineering headquarters, stating he was “talking about the future.” Landau sadly passed away a few months later but D’Amaro confirmed he worked on the development of the “Avatar” experience for Disney California Adventure.
Disney shared the first piece of concept art for the “Avatar” experience during the 2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
There have been two “Avatar” films and three more are in the works. The title and concept art for “Avatar 3” were just released. Pandora – The World of Avatar opened at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in 2017.
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