Guests wandering through Pandora–The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom may notice something missing, as a portion of the land has been temporarily closed for refurbishment.
Since debuting in 2017, Pandora has served as a benchmark for modern Disney Imagineering, fully immersing visitors in the world of James Cameron’s Avatar. The franchise has continued to grow since the land’s opening, with Avatar: The Way of Water arriving in 2022 and Avatar: Fire and Ash released in 2025.
Set well after the events of the original film, the land places guests inside the Valley of Mo’ara, where towering mountains appear to float overhead and winding trails are lined with alien plants and ambient sounds designed to make Pandora feel alive.
During the day, the land’s scale and detail are on full display, but after dark, Pandora becomes a completely different experience. Bioluminescent pathways and glowing vegetation activate throughout the area, creating an atmosphere many guests rank among the most memorable nighttime offerings at Walt Disney World.
The centerpiece attraction, Avatar Flight of Passage, continues to dominate wait-time boards across the property. The attraction simulates a banshee flight across Pandora using advanced ride technology, combining massive projection screens with synchronized motion and sensory effects.
Because demand remains so high, Flight of Passage is offered through Disney’s Lightning Lane Single Pass program, giving guests the option to purchase quicker access. Across the path, Na’vi River Journey provides a slower-paced experience, floating riders through a luminous rainforest centered on Pandora’s natural harmony.
With Pandora consistently drawing heavy crowds, even a partial closure can have a noticeable impact. According to Kenny the Pirate, Disney has closed an entire guest walkway within the land, rerouting foot traffic through narrower areas.
The silver lining appears to be the reason behind the closure. Reports suggest Disney is refreshing the land’s bioluminescent paint, a feature that has been the subject of guest conversation for years. Many visitors feel they rarely see the effect in full due to Animal Kingdom’s earlier park hours.
Still, the walkway closures may lead to crowd backups, especially during weekends and peak travel periods.
Fortunately, Pandora offers more than just its attractions. Satu’li Canteen continues to be a guest favorite for quick-service dining, offering customizable meals with bold flavors, while Windtraders remains the go-to shop for Avatar-themed merchandise.
The future of Pandora also stretches beyond Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Disney has already announced plans for a Pandora-themed expansion at Disneyland Resort, further reinforcing Avatar as a long-term focus within Disney’s global parks strategy.
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