Most Popular Ride at Disney World May Soon Shut Down

A major construction permit filed for the most popular ride in Walt Disney World Resort has raised questions about the potential temporary closure of the beloved attraction.

The permit, aimed at providing “labor, material, and/or electrical for construction,” hints at potential enhancements or updates within the show building where the iconic ride, Avatar Flight of Passage, is staged at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. However, it remains unclear whether the construction will necessitate a temporary closure of the attraction.

Construction permits are a routine occurrence at Walt Disney World Resort, with numerous filings each week as the park continually evolves and improves its offerings. In some cases, construction can be seamlessly integrated without disrupting the operation of rides, or the closure might be minimal, lasting only a few days.

What sets this particular permit apart is the potential impact it could have on Avatar Flight of Passage, the most popular ride within Walt Disney World Resort’s attractions lineup, especially as it could relate to the wait times of other attractions around the Disney World park. Statistically, it reigns supreme based on average wait times. According to Laughing Place, for the year 2024, Avatar Flight of Passage has maintained an average wait time of 102.3 minutes. This impressive figure surpasses other fan-favorite attractions like Slinky Dog Dash (97.6), Rise of the Resistance (82.5), Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure (81.2), and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (76.1), which round out the top five.

The popularity of Avatar Flight of Passage underscores its status as a must-visit experience for guests of all ages. Since its debut, the attraction has captivated Disney World guests with its groundbreaking technology, immersive storytelling, and breathtaking visuals inspired by James Cameron’s Avatar film series. It’s no surprise that guests are willing to endure lengthy wait times for the chance to embark on an exhilarating journey through the mystical world of Pandora.

Disney’s official description of the attraction can be read below:

“Board your own mountain banshee and embark on a thrilling expedition, where interstellar explorers like you get an up-close look at this moon’s incredible landscape.

Bonding with a banshee is a crucial step in the life of a Na’vi hunter on Pandora—and flying on the back of one of these powerful creatures is an important rite of passage.

Now, as a visitor to Pandora, you finally have the chance to test yourself like a Na’vi!”

With the filing of this major construction permit, speculation abounds regarding the nature of the enhancements planned for Avatar Flight of Passage. Disney enthusiasts eagerly await official announcements from the theme park giant regarding any updates or improvements to the beloved attraction. While the possibility of a temporary closure looms, guests can rest assured that any modifications will likely serve to enhance the overall experience, further cementing Avatar Flight of Passage‘s status as a cornerstone of the Walt Disney World Resort.

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