Matt Mauney, Orlando SentinelThe first of the "floating mountains" of "Pandora - The World of Avatar" can be seen in this Jan. 7, 2016 photo. The new land, themed after James Cameron's 2009 blockbuster, is planned for opening in 2017 and is part of the largest expansion in the park's history.
Rich Pope / Orlando SentinelA first look at Pandora — The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The park's new addition that is based on the James Cameron film will officially open on May 27, 2017. April 29, 2017. (Rich Pope, Orlando Sentinel)
Rich Pope / Orlando SentinelA first look at Pandora — The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The park's new addition that is based on the James Cameron film will officially open on May 27, 2017. April 29, 2017. (Rich Pope, Orlando Sentinel)
Matt Mauney, Orlando SentinelA look at the "floating mountains" of "Pandora - The World of Avatar" in this May 27, 2016 photo. The new land, themed after James Cameron's 2009 blockbuster, is planned for opening in 2017 and is part of the largest expansion in the park's history.
Sandy Csizmar, Orlando SentinelThe "floating mountains" of Pandora -- the "Avatar"-themed land at Disney's Animal Kingdom -- are beginning to take shape.
Stephen M. Dowell / Orlando SentinelA pod emits smoke when visitors beat their hands against a lighted area during a sneak peak at Pandora: The World of Avatar at night on Saturday, April 29, 2017. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Matt Mauney, Orlando SentinelA look at the "floating mountains" of "Pandora - The World of Avatar" in this May 27, 2016 photo. The new land, themed after James Cameron's 2009 blockbuster, is planned for opening in 2017 and is part of the largest expansion in the park's history.
Orlando SentinelConstruction on the new Avatar-inspired land at Disney's Animal Kingdom began in January 2014. A large construction wall can be seen around a large area of the park. Also under construction is a renovation of the Festival of the Lion King show in Africa.
Rich Pope / Orlando SentinelA first look at Pandora — The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The park's new addition that is based on the James Cameron film will officially open on May 27, 2017. April 29, 2017. (Rich Pope, Orlando Sentinel)
Matt Mauney, Orlando SentinelA look at the "floating mountains" of "Pandora - The World of Avatar" in this May 27, 2016 photo. The new land, themed after James Cameron's 2009 blockbuster, is planned for opening in 2017 and is part of the largest expansion in the park's history.
Rich Pope / Staff photographerA first look at Pandora — The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The park's new addition that is based on the James Cameron film will officially open on May 27, 2017. April 29, 2017. (Rich Pope, Orlando Sentinel)
Sandy Csizmar / Orlando SentinelThe new land from the movie Avatar is progressing, with vertical construction and cranes visible from the parking lot and some areas around the park.
Rich Pope / Orlando SentinelA first look at Pandora — The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The park's new addition that is based on the James Cameron film will officially open on May 27, 2017. April 29, 2017. (Rich Pope, Orlando Sentinel)
Rich Pope / Staff photographerA first look at Pandora — The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The park's new addition that is based on the James Cameron film will officially open on May 27, 2017. April 29, 2017. (Rich Pope, Orlando Sentinel)
Rich Pope / Staff photographerA first look at Pandora — The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The park's new addition that is based on the James Cameron film brings will officially open on May 27, 2017. April 29, 2017. (Rich Pope, Orlando Sentinel)
Rich Pope / Orlando SentinelImagineer and Senior Creative Executive at WDI, Joe Rohde, gives a first look tour of Pandora —The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The park's new addition that is based on the James Cameron film will officially open on May 27, 2017. April 29, 2017. (Rich Pope, Orlando Sentinel)
Matt Mauney, Orlando SentinelA look at the "floating mountains" of "Pandora - The World of Avatar" in this May 27, 2016 photo. The new land, themed after James Cameron's 2009 blockbuster, is planned for opening in 2017 and is part of the largest expansion in the park's history.
Stephen M. Dowell / Orlando SentinelThe ground is covered in light during a sneak peak at Pandora: The World of Avatar at night on Saturday, April 29, 2017. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Matt Mauney, Orlando SentinelThe first of the "floating mountains" of "Pandora - The World of Avatar" can be seen in this Jan. 7, 2016 photo. The new land, themed after James Cameron's 2009 blockbuster, is planned for opening in 2017 and is part of the largest expansion in the park's history.
Stephen M. Dowell / Orlando SentinelColorful lighs bathe the scenery during a sneak peak at Pandora: The World of Avatar at night on Saturday, April 29, 2017. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Rich Pope / Orlando SentinelA first look at Pandora — The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The park's new addition that is based on the James Cameron film will officially open on May 27, 2017. April 29, 2017. (Rich Pope, Orlando Sentinel)
Stephen M. Dowell / Orlando SentinelA lighted Puffball is pictured during a sneak peak at Pandora: The World of Avatar at night on Saturday, April 29, 2017. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Rich Pope / Staff photographerThe interior of Satu'li Canteen at Pandora — The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The park's new addition that is based on the James Cameron film will officially open on May 27, 2017. April 29, 2017. (Rich Pope, Orlando Sentinel)
Rich Pope / Staff photographerImagineer and Senior Creative Executive at WDI, Joe Rhode, gives a first look tour of Pandora: The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The park's new addition that is based on the James Cameron film will officially open on May 27, 2017. April 29, 2017. (Rich Pope, Orlando Sentinel)
Rich Pope / Orlando SentinelA first look at Pandora — The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The park's new addition that is based on the James Cameron film will officially open on May 27, 2017. April 29, 2017. (Rich Pope, Orlando Sentinel)
Stephen M. Dowell / Orlando SentinelPlants are lighted during a sneak peak at Pandora: The World of Avatar at night on Saturday, April 29, 2017. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Matt Mauney, Orlando SentinelThe first of the "floating mountains" of "Pandora - The World of Avatar" can be seen in this Jan. 7, 2016 photo. The new land, themed after James Cameron's 2009 blockbuster, is planned for opening in 2017 and is part of the largest expansion in the park's history.
Rich Pope / Staff photographerA first look at Pandora — The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The park's new addition that is based on the James Cameron film will officially open on May 27, 2017. April 29, 2017. (Rich Pope, Orlando Sentinel)
Sandy Csizmar, Orlando SentinelThe "floating mountains" of Pandora -- the "Avatar"-themed land at Disney's Animal Kingdom -- are beginning to take shape.
Rich Pope / Staff photographerA first look at Pandora — The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The park's new addition that is based on the James Cameron film will officially open on May 27, 2017. April 29, 2017. (Rich Pope, Orlando Sentinel)
Stephen M. Dowell / Orlando SentinelA pod emits smoke when visitors beat their hands against a lighted area during a sneak peak at Pandora: The World of Avatar at night on Saturday, April 29, 2017. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Rich Pope / Orlando SentinelImagineer and Senior Creative Executive at WDI, Joe Rohde, gives a first look tour of Pandora" The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The park's new addition that is based on the James Cameron film will officially open on May 27, 2017. April 29, 2017. (Rich Pope, Orlando Sentinel)
Rich Pope / Orlando SentinelThe interior of Satu'li Canteen at Pandora — The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The park's new addition that is based on the James Cameron film will officially open on May 27, 2017. April 29, 2017. (Rich Pope, Orlando Sentinel)
Rich Pope / Orlando SentinelA first look at Pandora — The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The park's new addition that is based on the James Cameron film will officially open on May 27, 2017. April 29, 2017. (Rich Pope, Orlando Sentinel)
Rich Pope / Orlando SentinelThe interior of Satu'li Canteen at Pandora — The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The park's new addition that is based on the James Cameron film will officially open on May 27, 2017. April 29, 2017. (Rich Pope, Orlando Sentinel)
Rich Pope / Staff photographerThe interior of Satu'li Canteen at Pandora — The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The park's new addition that is based on the James Cameron film will officially open on May 27, 2017. April 29, 2017. (Rich Pope, Orlando Sentinel)
Rich Pope / Staff photographerA first look at Pandora — The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The park's new addition that is based on the James Cameron film will officially open on May 27, 2017. April 29, 2017. (Rich Pope, Orlando Sentinel)
Sandy Csizmar / Orlando SentinelThe new land from the movie Avatar is progressing, with vertical construction and cranes visible from the parking lot and some areas around the park.
Rich Pope / Staff photographerA first look at Pandora — The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The park's new addition that is based on the James Cameron film brings will officially open on May 27, 2017. April 29, 2017. (Rich Pope, Orlando Sentinel)
Rich Pope / Staff photographerSatu'li Canteen, a restaurant within Pandora, offers French toast on its breakfast menu.
Sandy Csizmar / Orlando SentinelThe new land from the movie Avatar is progressing, with vertical construction and cranes visible from the parking lot and some areas around the park.
Matt Mauney, Orlando SentinelThe first of the "floating mountains" of "Pandora - The World of Avatar" can be seen in this Jan. 7, 2016 photo. The new land, themed after James Cameron's 2009 blockbuster, is planned for opening in 2017 and is part of the largest expansion in the park's history.
Matt Mauney, Orlando SentinelThe first of the "floating mountains" of "Pandora - The World of Avatar" can be seen in this Jan. 7, 2016 photo. The new land, themed after James Cameron's 2009 blockbuster, is planned for opening in 2017 and is part of the largest expansion in the park's history.
Matt Mauney, Orlando SentinelA rendering of "Pandora - The World of Avatar" can be seen on a costruction wall with a partially completed structure behind it at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The new land, themed after James Cameron's 2009 blockbuster, is planned for opening in 2017 and is part of the largest expansion in the park's history.
Orlando SentinelConstruction on the new Avatar-inspired land at Disney's Animal Kingdom began in January 2014. A large construction wall can be seen around a large area of the park. Also under construction is a renovation of the Festival of the Lion King show in Africa.
Rich Pope / Staff photographerA first look at Pandora — The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The park's new addition that is based on the James Cameron film will officially open on May 27, 2017. April 29, 2017. (Rich Pope, Orlando Sentinel)
Rich Pope / Staff photographerImagineer and Senior Creative Executive at WDI, Joe Rohde with Avatar producer Jon Landau at a first look tour of Pandora — The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The park's new addition that is based on the James Cameron film will officially open on May 27, 2017. April 29, 2017. (Rich Pope, Orlando Sentinel)
Sandy Csizmar, Orlando SentinelThe "floating mountains" of Pandora -- the "Avatar"-themed land at Disney's Animal Kingdom -- are beginning to take shape.
Rich Pope / Orlando SentinelA first look at Pandora — The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The park's new addition that is based on the James Cameron film will officially open on May 27, 2017. April 29, 2017. (Rich Pope, Orlando Sentinel)
Stephen M. Dowell / Orlando SentinelColorful lighs bathe the scenery during a sneak peak at Pandora: The World of Avatar at night on Saturday, April 29, 2017. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Stephen M. Dowell / Orlando SentinelColorful lighs bathe the scenery during a sneak peak at Pandora: The World of Avatar at night on Saturday, April 29, 2017. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Matt Mauney, Orlando SentinelA rendering of "Pandora - The World of Avatar" can be seen on a costruction wall with a partially completed structure behind it at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The new land, themed after James Cameron's 2009 blockbuster, is planned for opening in 2017 and is part of the largest expansion in the park's history.
Rich Pope / Staff photographerImagineer and Senior Creative Executive at WDI, Joe Rhode, gives a first look tour of Pandora: The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The park's new addition that is based on the James Cameron film will officially open on May 27, 2017. April 29, 2017. (Rich Pope, Orlando Sentinel)
Stephen M. Dowell / Orlando SentinelColorful lighs bathe the scenery during a sneak peak at Pandora: The World of Avatar at night on Saturday, April 29, 2017. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Rich Pope / Staff photographerThe interior of Satu'li Canteen at Pandora — The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The park's new addition that is based on the James Cameron film will officially open on May 27, 2017. April 29, 2017. (Rich Pope, Orlando Sentinel)
Sandy Csizmar, Orlando Sentinel
Rich Pope / Staff photographerA first look at Pandora — The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The park's new addition that is based on the James Cameron film brings will officially open on May 27, 2017. April 29, 2017. (Rich Pope, Orlando Sentinel)
Stephen M. Dowell / Orlando SentinelColorful lighted plants are pictured during a sneak peak at Pandora: The World of Avatar at night on Saturday, April 29, 2017. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Rich Pope / Staff photographerThe interior of Satu'li Canteen at Pandora — The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The park's new addition that is based on the James Cameron film will officially open on May 27, 2017. April 29, 2017. (Rich Pope, Orlando Sentinel)
Sandy Csizmar, Orlando SentinelThe "floating mountains" of Pandora -- the "Avatar"-themed land at Disney's Animal Kingdom -- are beginning to take shape.
Rich Pope / Staff photographerA first look at Pandora — The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The park's new addition that is based on the James Cameron film will officially open on May 27, 2017. April 29, 2017. (Rich Pope, Orlando Sentinel)
Matt Mauney, Orlando SentinelA look at the "floating mountains" of "Pandora - The World of Avatar" in this May 27, 2016 photo. The new land, themed after James Cameron's 2009 blockbuster, is planned for opening in 2017 and is part of the largest expansion in the park's history.
Matt Mauney, Orlando SentinelA look at the "floating mountains" of "Pandora - The World of Avatar" in this May 27, 2016 photo. The new land, themed after James Cameron's 2009 blockbuster, is planned for opening in 2017 and is part of the largest expansion in the park's history.
Stephen M. Dowell / Orlando SentinelColorful lighs bathe the scenery during a sneak peak at Pandora: The World of Avatar at night on Saturday, April 29, 2017. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Stephen M. Dowell / Orlando SentinelColorful lighs bathe the scenery during a sneak peak at Pandora: The World of Avatar at night on Saturday, April 29, 2017. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Matt Mauney, Orlando SentinelCranes and construction equipment are seen from the parking lot of Disney's Animal Kingdom where the upcoming Avatar-inspired land is believed to located in the theme park.
Matt Mauney, Orlando SentinelConstruction on the new Avatar-inspired land at Disney's Animal Kingdom began in January 2014. A construction wall can be seen around a large area to the west side of the front of the park, stretching from just inside the gate to Africa near the newly-renovated Festival of the Lion King section.
Rich Pope / Staff photographerA first look at Pandora — The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The park's new addition that is based on the James Cameron film will officially open on May 27, 2017. April 29, 2017. (Rich Pope, Orlando Sentinel)
Rich Pope / Staff photographerA first look at Pandora — The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The park's new addition that is based on the James Cameron film will officially open on May 27, 2017. April 29, 2017. (Rich Pope, Orlando Sentinel)
Rich Pope / Orlando SentinelThe exterior of the Pongu Pongu quick-service beverage stand at Pandora — The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The park's new addition that is based on the James Cameron film will officially open on May 27, 2017. April 29, 2017. (Rich Pope, Orlando Sentinel)
Sandy Csizmar / Orlando SentinelThe new land from the movie Avatar is progressing, with vertical construction and cranes visible from the parking lot and some areas around the park.
Matt Mauney, Orlando SentinelA look at the "floating mountains" of "Pandora - The World of Avatar" in this May 27, 2016 photo. The new land, themed after James Cameron's 2009 blockbuster, is planned for opening in 2017 and is part of the largest expansion in the park's history.
Rich Pope / Staff photographerA first look at Pandora — The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The park's new addition that is based on the James Cameron film will officially open on May 27, 2017. April 29, 2017. (Rich Pope, Orlando Sentinel)
Stephen M. Dowell / Orlando SentinelA lighted Puffball is pictured during a sneak peak at Pandora: The World of Avatar at night on Saturday, April 29, 2017. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Rich Pope / Orlando SentinelA first look at Pandora — The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The park's new addition that is based on the James Cameron film will officially open on May 27, 2017. April 29, 2017. (Rich Pope, Orlando Sentinel)
Rich Pope / Staff photographerA first look at Pandora — The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The park's new addition that is based on the James Cameron film will officially open on May 27, 2017. April 29, 2017. (Rich Pope, Orlando Sentinel)
Paul Brinkmann, Orlando SentinelMatt Beiler shows off the uniforms of Pandora, The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom.
Rich Pope / Orlando SentinelSatu'li Canteen at Pandora — The World of Avatar offers "out of this world" breakfast, luncha and dinner options.
Rich Pope / Staff photographerImagineer and Senior Creative Executive at WDI, Joe Rohde with Avatar producer Jon Landau at a first look tour of Pandora — The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The park's new addition that is based on the James Cameron film will officially open on May 27, 2017. April 29, 2017. (Rich Pope, Orlando Sentinel)
Rich Pope / Staff photographerThe interior of Satu'li Canteen at Pandora — The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The park's new addition that is based on the James Cameron film will officially open on May 27, 2017. April 29, 2017. (Rich Pope, Orlando Sentinel)
Sandy Csizmar / Orlando SentinelFrom the Expedition Everest lift hill, the cranes building Avatar can be seen in the distance, and the construction around the water is visible, too.
Rich Pope / Orlando SentinelA first look at Pandora — The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The park's new addition that is based on the James Cameron film will officially open on May 27, 2017. April 29, 2017. (Rich Pope, Orlando Sentinel)
Stephen M. Dowell / Orlando SentinelPlants are lighted during a sneak peak at Pandora: The World of Avatar at night on Saturday, April 29, 2017. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Matt Mauney, Orlando SentinelThe first of the "floating mountains" of "Pandora - The World of Avatar" can be seen in this Jan. 7, 2016 photo. The new land, themed after James Cameron's 2009 blockbuster, is planned for opening in 2017 and is part of the largest expansion in the park's history.
Sandy Csizmar / Orlando SentinelFrom the Expedition Everest lift hill, the cranes building Avatar can be seen in the distance, and the construction around the water is visible, too.
Matt Mauney, Orlando SentinelThe first of the "floating mountains" of "Pandora - The World of Avatar" can be seen in this Jan. 7, 2016 photo. The new land, themed after James Cameron's 2009 blockbuster, is planned for opening in 2017 and is part of the largest expansion in the park's history.
Stephen M. Dowell / Orlando SentinelPlants are lighted during a sneak peak at Pandora: The World of Avatar at night on Saturday, April 29, 2017. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Orlando SentinelConstruction on the new Avatar-inspired land at Disney's Animal Kingdom began in January 2014. A large construction wall can be seen around a large area of the park. Also under construction is a renovation of the Festival of the Lion King show in Africa.
Matt Mauney, Orlando SentinelA look at the "floating mountains" of "Pandora - The World of Avatar" in this May 27, 2016 photo. The new land, themed after James Cameron's 2009 blockbuster, is planned for opening in 2017 and is part of the largest expansion in the park's history.
Matt Mauney, Orlando SentinelConstruction on the new Avatar-inspired land at Disney's Animal Kingdom began in January 2014. A construction wall can be seen around a large area to the west side of the front of the park, stretching from just inside the gate to Africa near the newly-renovated Festival of the Lion King section.
Matt Mauney, Orlando SentinelThe most noticeable construction on the new Avatar-inspired area at Disney's Animal Kingdom is seen from the parking lot, as cranes stretch high into the sky on the park's west side.
Matt Mauney, Orlando SentinelA look at the "floating mountains" of "Pandora - The World of Avatar" in this May 27, 2016 photo. The new land, themed after James Cameron's 2009 blockbuster, is planned for opening in 2017 and is part of the largest expansion in the park's history.
Rich Pope / Staff photographerA first look at Pandora — The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The park's new addition that is based on the James Cameron film will officially open on May 27, 2017. April 29, 2017. (Rich Pope, Orlando Sentinel)
Stephen M. Dowell / Orlando SentinelA pod emits smoke and light during a sneak peak at Pandora: The World of Avatar at night on Saturday, April 29, 2017. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Matt Mauney, Orlando SentinelConstruction on the new Avatar-inspired land at Disney's Animal Kingdom began in January 2014. A construction wall can be seen around a large area to the west side of the front of the park, stretching from just inside the gate to Africa near the newly-renovated Festival of the Lion King section.
Rich Pope / Orlando SentinelSatu'li Canteen at Pandora — The World of Avatar offers "out of this world" breakfast, luncha and dinner options.
Rich Pope / Orlando SentinelA first look at Pandora — The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The park's new addition that is based on the James Cameron film will officially open on May 27, 2017. April 29, 2017. (Rich Pope, Orlando Sentinel)
Matt Mauney, Orlando SentinelA look at the "floating mountains" of "Pandora - The World of Avatar" in this May 27, 2016 photo. The new land, themed after James Cameron's 2009 blockbuster, is planned for opening in 2017 and is part of the largest expansion in the park's history.
Rich Pope / Orlando SentinelAn Avatar character is showcase in the queue for the Avatar Flight of Passage ride that is part of Pandora — The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The park's new addition that is based on the James Cameron film will officially open on May 27, 2017. April 29, 2017. (Rich Pope, Orlando Sentinel)
Rich Pope / Staff photographerThe interior of Satu'li Canteen at Pandora — The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The park's new addition that is based on the James Cameron film will officially open on May 27, 2017. April 29, 2017. (Rich Pope, Orlando Sentinel)
Rich Pope / Staff photographerA first look at Pandora — The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The park's new addition that is based on the James Cameron film brings will officially open on May 27, 2017. April 29, 2017. (Rich Pope, Orlando Sentinel)
Stephen M. Dowell / Orlando SentinelPlants are lighted during a sneak peak at Pandora: The World of Avatar at night on Saturday, April 29, 2017. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Matt Mauney, Orlando SentinelThe first of the "floating mountains" of "Pandora - The World of Avatar" can be seen in this Jan. 7, 2016 photo. The new land, themed after James Cameron's 2009 blockbuster, is planned for opening in 2017 and is part of the largest expansion in the park's history.
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The Walt Disney Co. has finally unveiled new details about its proposed “Avatar”-themed land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, two years after striking a deal for the theme-park rights to the blockbuster film franchise.
Disney released its first artistic renderings for the project Friday night. They depict visitors immersed in the lush landscapes of “Pandora,” the fictional planet setting for the 2009 film, including walking among floating mountains with cascading waterfalls and floating down a jungle river with bioluminescent plants.
Disney said the land will also include a ride in which guests “discover what it feels like to soar into the sky riding a Banshee,” winged creatures that played a starring role in the James Cameron-directed movie.
Avatar is the highest-grossing movie of all time, with about $2.8 billion in worldwide ticket sales.
In addition to the Avatar land, Disney said it would make other additions to Animal Kingdom, the youngest of the four theme parks at Disney World.
They will include a new nighttime show with live music, floating lanterns, water screens and “swirling animal imagery” set along the Discovery River in the center of the theme park.
Disney said it will add further nighttime entertainment as well, including a nighttime version of its “Kilimanjaro Safaris” ride, the most popular attraction in the park.
By adding things to do in the evening, Disney hopes to get visitors to spend more time in Animal Kingdom, often criticized by guests as merely a “half-day” park.
Many visitors currently prefer to combine Animal Kingdom with something else, such as a second visit to the popular Magic Kingdom in the afternoon or evening, which has contributed to chronic overcrowding in the Magic Kingdom while leaving Animal Kingdom well under capacity.
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