Disney's Animal Kingdom - Pandora
Pandora - The World of AVATAR
- Pandora Attractions
- Pandora Dining
- Pandora Shopping
- ARTICLE: A Defense of Na’vi River Journey
Na'vi River Journey
Get ready to set sail on a river journey unlike any other; on a moon that is light years from Earth. Aboard the reed boats of the family-friendly Na’vi River Journey, you'll float through an alien world beyond your wildest imagination.
The story will begin as you approach the iconic floating mountains and waterfalls on Pandora where a towering totem beckons. Paying homage to the mystical Shaman of Songs, the massive totem was delicately woven by the Na’vi, the indigenous people of Pandora, and celebrates the shaman’s deep connection to the life force of Pandora. The totem also invites guests to venture further into grottos that lead to the mystical river – and an eventual encounter with the shaman.
At the water’s edge, you'll board those reed boats that each seat eight guests. A Na’vi warrior appears almost immediately and with a nod, he grants passage to the human voyagers then a spectacular bioluminescent rainforest will surround you. By day or night, boats pass through this darkened world, pushing deep into a jungle alive with exotic glowing plants and traversed by Pandoran creatures. Keen observers will notice that the animals and Na’vi are moving in the same direction as they make their way to see the shaman. Music is heard, which means the shaman is not far off.
“Na’vi River Journey is a very sweet, lyrical adventure through a spectacular visual environment that just becomes more and more spectacular as you go on,” explains Joe Rohde, Walt Disney Imagineering portfolio creative executive. The bioluminescent activity of the plants around you unfolds in richer and richer scenes in really just a very uplifting, wonderful kind of journey.”
The journey builds to an encounter with the remarkable Shaman of Songs. Like most Na’vi, she is nearly 10 feet tall.
Music is central in Na’vi culture. Guests observe the shaman in the midst of a musical ceremony, playing an instrument and singing. Through her music, the shaman sends positive energy into the rainforest, telling of the sacred bond with nature that Na’vi and humans share.
