By Guest Blogger Nicholas Janes
Avatar Flight of Passage is a 3D augmented reality flying simulator attraction in Animal Kingdom’s Pandora: The World of Avatar. Flight of Passage allows guests to “fly” on the back of a mountain Banshee through the Valley of Mo’ara.
This Disney Avatar attraction takes place in the fictional Alpha Centauri Expeditions (ACE), which has promoted the avatar program to allow guests to sync with an avatar and fly on a banshee to explore Pandora. The humans and Na’vi are attempting to restore the banshee population to a natural level. Also, this ride gives humans the experience of the Na’vi coming of age experience.
Flight of Pasage Review in Pandora
Flight of Passage is a unique and different kind of thrill ride. Walt Disney World put effort into total immersion, which is hard to pull off successfully for a 4D simulator. The scenery was top-notch for both the Pandora environment and the science labs leading up to the ride, plus those added nods to the movie were a delight to see.
I waited roughly one and a half hours in standby with a rider swap necklace while my wife and baby returned to the room. I was really anticipating this ride for a few months. Under the circumstances, I thought this was a reasonable wait time. From now on, though, I don’t see the point of committing to wait for more than an hour in the standby queue while we have the rest of the park to enjoy with the family.
Final Thoughts
By all means, this is the best simulator-type ride at Walt Disney World. Finally, if you have the financial means, I definitely recommend grabbing the Lightening Lane a la carte (additional price per person that varies by date). Does this make it the best ride at Animal Kingdom? That’s hard to answer, as it’s going against Expedition which has very different thrills. At this point, it’s apples and oranges. The real question is, does this make it the best ride at Walt Disney World? For me, no.
Don’t get me wrong, this is a incredibly fun ride and it’s obvious the Disney magic is there. For me, though, I’m more geared towards the Walt Disney World classics (Haunted Mansion 4lyf). You may think it’s the best ride ever- that’s cool too.
Is Flight of Passage a Good Attraction for Autistic Children?
Our goal is to provide a thorough Flight of Passage Review in Pandora for the entire family, including accessibility. From an autism standpoint, it is slow-moving and interactive. It is entirely in the dark. It requires supporting one’s body and straddling a large simulator.
If your loved one is physically able to right Flight of Passage, I fully believe this is worth using the Disability Access Service. However, it is important to first discuss expectations surrounding this ride and have an escape route.
Finally, check out our feature on the new Pandora: World of Avatar rides.
- Pongu Pongu: A Party, Party drink, and snack stand with delectable frozen drinks.
- Overview of the Land of Pandora: World of Avatar
- Watch the Na’Vi River Journey Ride if you’re interested in leaving the Disney Avatar land rides and boarding this water attraction.
Typically Twitterpated Guest Blogger Nicholas Janes
Guest blogger, thrill ride fanatic, and Disney obsessed. When I am not enjoying time around WDW with my wife and son, extended family, and friends, I work with youth and families in need as a targeted case manager. My hope is to combine my experiences in the field along with my interests in theme parks to give help and guidance to those who don’t know what to expect when planning their next visit to the happiest place on earth.
