Pandora – The World of Avatar will open in summer 2017 at Disney World with new rides and restaurants

Disney publicity photo A photo of the new bridge which will connect the main part of the Animal  Kingdom to the new Pandora-The World of Avatar Land.

Bob Chapek, chairman of the Disney Parks and Resorts, made the announcements and gave look at what is to come during the the “Destination D: Amazing Adventures” conference for D23, the official fan club for The Walt Disney Company.

No specific date has been given for the opening of one of the largest expansions at Disney World.

Chapek did announce that scaffolding has been removed from the entryway bridge to the new land. The bridge, near Tiffins restaurant , will connects the rest of the park to Pandora. 

The bridge will soon serve as an entry into the base camp of Alpha Centauri Expeditions, the eco-tour group that will host explorers on their Pandora adventure, according to the storyline developed by Walt Disney Imagineering and Lightstorm Entertainment. “The bridge was built during a time when a destructive company called the RDA – Resources Development Administration came to Pandora. Now that they are long gone, nature is breaking down evidence of their presence,” according to the storyline.

Chapek talked in general about the two new attractions, which have previously been announced – Avatar Flight of Passage, where guests will fly over the jungles of Pandora on a Mountain Banshee and Na’vi River Journey, a family-friendly boat ride through the bioluminescent forests.

He also gave a first look at the two restaurants and shopping area, including: Satu’li Canteen, which is the main dining establishment for Pandora, he Pongu Pongu, a drink location with a design that is as eclectic as its Expat owner and Windtraders, where travelers can purchase Na’vi cultural items, toys, science kits, and other items.

Opening in summer 2017 at Animal Kingdom, Pandora-The World of Avatar will bring a variety  of new experiences to the park, including a new food & beverage and merchandise locations.  Pongu Pongu will be a special drink location with a design that is as eclectic as its Expat owner.

Opening in summer 2017 at the Animal Kingdom, Pandora-The World of Avatar will bring a variety of new experiences to the park, including Windtraders, where travelers can find Na’vi cultural items,  toys, science kits, and more.