Pandora Through the Years

Originally published at Disney Parks News

As “Avatar: The Way of Water” extends its box office domination, the film continues to take us deeper into exploring the mysterious and beautiful planet of Pandora. Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park is the only place you can experience this visually stunning world for yourself – from flying on the back of a banshee in the Avatar Flight of Passage attraction to floating through a bioluminescent rainforest on the Na’vi River Journey attraction.

When the ambitious project of bringing Pandora to life was first announced on September 20, 2011, it promised to be like nothing ever seen on Earth. On May 27, 2017, when Pandora – The World of Avatar opened, it was the culmination of that ambition. And nearly six years later, I can assure you, Pandora – The World of Avatar still delivers.

Today, we’re looking back at milestones in the land’s history, even as we look forward to what the future holds for both Pandora and the Avatar world.

From Concept to Reality

An early rendering of Pandora – The World of Avatar shows lush flora and floating mountains.

Director James Cameron and producer Jon Landau worked closely with Walt Disney Imagineering to bring the Pandora vision to life. Beginning with early renderings and models.

Walt Disney Imagineers pose in front of Pandora’s famed floating mountains as they start to take shape.

Construction on Pandora – The World of Avatar began in January 2014. Soon, distinctive features of the land began to take place under the watchful eyes of Walt Disney Imagineering.

Debuting the Vision to the World

Bob Iger and James Cameron, flanked by performers, dedicate Pandora – The World of Avatar.

After years of anticipation, Pandora – The World of Avatar opened to great fanfare on May 27, 2017.

“Avatar” cast join Jon Landeau, James Cameron and Disney CEO Bob Iger for a photo.

One of the most stirring aspects of the opening was watching the original cast of “Avatar” see the land for the first time. While the striking land is immersive in the films, the actors still lived their adventure virtually. When given the opportunity to walk the land they knew so well, they were visibly moved.

A time to celebrate a major achievement.

Shortly after its debut, Pandora – The World of Avatar is named one of “The World’s Greatest Places” by Time magazine.

Actors Jamie Flatters, Trinity Bliss, Jack Champion and Bailey Bass immersed themselves in the sights and sounds of Pandora. The young actors shared that visiting the land shaped their performances in the latest film, “Avatar: The Way of Water.”

Recently, to celebrate the debut of “Avatar: The Way of Water,” the young cast of the films revisited Pandora. And were once again struck by the authenticity of the land.

Even for the actors and filmmakers who bring this world to life, a visit to Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park continues to inspire.

Walt Disney World Resort