On January 4, 2017 I pointed out that I felt that a new Florida Resident ticket deal seems to hint at a possible opening date for Pandora: The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Now we have a bit more evidence for the opening timeframe.
Walt Disney World is currently arranging a major media event that begins May 21, 2017 and will run for an entire week. Most media events are 1 to 3 days, so this is a bit unusual, but they are hoping to attract “media” from around the world and want to show off Avatar, Rivers of Light and discuss other upcoming projects with those guests.
I mentioned in the article mentioned above that I believed that the Grand Opening will be Memorial Weekend and that seems right in line with this event.
Typically, guests are allowed “test and adjust” periods (locals call this Soft Openings) for new attractions like this one that take place prior to “media” events and the Grand Opening. The Frozen Ever After ride didn’t experience any “test and adjust” periods, but most rides do take part in that procedure. That means it’s possible that some points prior to May 21 MIGHT be able to take part in the new rides before the Memorial Weekend Grand Opening.
I’ve also been told that Disney Vacation Club members should receive the opportunity to preview the new attractions before the Grand Opening. No word yet on Annual Passholders, but it’s my opinion that Annual Passholders should not be left out of the opportunity!
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Kelly
Tuesday 21st of February 2017
Any updates for DVC access? We just book last minute for 5/19-5/21.
kennythepirate
Thursday 23rd of February 2017
Not a peep
LAT
Sunday 29th of January 2017
Kenny, what are your thoughts about AK moving to a tiered fast pass system like Epcot and HS following the opening of this and river of light? We are going in November and are excited to experience both but hopefully without crazy lines. Also, what do you think it will mean for AK park hours overall? Thanks!
kennythepirate
Sunday 29th of January 2017
It seems plausible that they could move the park to Tiers to keep all the best fp from being consumed quickly, but we will wait and see what happens
Susan
Saturday 28th of January 2017
Guardians of the Galaxy is not one of the Marvel franchises included in the deal with Universal. WDW could use them like they did with Dr. Strange.
Toni Menkel
Friday 27th of January 2017
I'm so glad that I pushed my trip back to this November! It was originally supposed to be this past November, but now there is going to be so much more to see!! I'm excited Thanks for all you do, Kenny!
The Pumpkin King
Thursday 26th of January 2017
May is going to be huge for Disney, apparently! Besides Pandora, Any rumors of Guardians of the Galaxy or new Pirates of the Caribbean character meet and greets at any of the Disney World parks in May?
kennythepirate
Thursday 26th of January 2017
We will not receive Guardians of the Galaxy meets. They would go to California