The incredible world of Pandora will be coming to life in Disney's Animal Kingdom in Orlando, Florida. The "Avatar" fantasy world is set to become the Florida amusement park's biggest attraction in the summer of 2017.
Although no specific opening dates have been set for the unveiling of the fantasy world park addition, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts chairman, Bob Chapek has declared that it will be open by next year's peak season. Along with the attraction's opening announcement, Chapek also revealed the first concept art pictures for the proposed project.
According to the Orlando Sentinel, Chapek announced the attraction at a gathering of Disney's official fan club on the morning of Saturday, November 26. The chairman declared it to be the most immersive land that Disney has ever built.
The Disney executive revealed the proposed park land's layout which is set to include themed dining areas, shopping areas and "Avatar"-themed rides. In addition, Chapek added much emphasis on the main Pandora attraction, the Na'vi River.
According to the official Disney Parks website, the river will feature a family-friendly ride that will send passengers on a stunning visual journey around the fictional world. Another ride announcement indicated plans for an aerial ride known as "Avatar Flight of Passage" featuring a ride on a Banshee over the world of Pandora.
The announcement of Pandora in Orlando's Disney Animal Kingdom is only one of several fantasy world projects being undertaken by Disney Theme Parks across the country. Other parks such as Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney California Adventure have begun construction of new lands as well.
Along with the confirmation of a new Star Wars-themed world and a Toy Story-based area to be built in Hollywood, Chapek also moved to dispel several rumors about upcoming Disney renovations and additions. He also hinted that the Epcot center is set to receive a "major transformation", but did not continue to give further details.
