Merry, Magical, and Bright: Late Fall Adventures of Cam & Luke Updated 3/12 - Page 21 - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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Pandora is simply amazing and Disney did such an unbelievable job on the theming! Just so much to see, take in and take photos of. As you said, everything looks so real.
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October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
Glad your early morning scare was easily overcome and you were able to get started visiting the animals. I always keep my camera at ready during the safari ride just in case I get a chance for rhino, lion and giraffe pix, oh and the elusive cheeta. Pandora is fantastic. I really like your eye to catch the scenery. I have been several times and did not see some of your views. I hope that you guys got to spend some time there after dark. It really comes alive with the glowing plants, animals and walkways.
Thanks! We were able to get back to Pandora two more times this day, seeing in full afternoon sun and then at dusk. Then we still had other days at AK to enjoy the new land.
Such great pictures of Pandora! I can’t wait to see it in real life.
Thanks! Disney upped their design here, which makes me anxious to see how Toy Story Land and Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge turn out.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tara O'Hara
Wasn't Pandora beautiful?! We, too, were bowled over by it and thought it was a perfect addition to an already practically perfect park!!!
Pandora is a great addtion to AK and FoP is a thrill ride that lots of folks can ride.
Quote:
Originally Posted by cubfancolleen
I’ve never seen the movie (and doubt I ever will) but I, too, was bowled over by how beautiful Pandora is. I’m still so mad at myself, though, that I forgot to walk back through after it got dark. I’m looking forward to your pictures when you get to that point in the TR.
I will definitely have dusk and nighttime photos, some on this day and some on another.
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You captured Pandora very well, can’t wait to see how you liked the rides in this area.
Thank you so much! We couldn't get a FP for Flight of Passage this day, but we'll be back to the land for our first ride on Nav'i River.
Quote:
Originally Posted by SuperDave
Pandora is simply amazing and Disney did such an unbelievable job on the theming! Just so much to see, take in and take photos of. As you said, everything looks so real.
Disney did an outstanding job with Pandora. I could really spend loads of time just wandering around, enjoying the scenery.
I'm with you absolutely loving the new Pandora land! Disney truly transports their guests to another world from the moment you enter the path. I found myself just taking it all in as if I was taking a panoramic shot with my camera! The Avatar ride was simply amazing too! Sorry you weren't able to watch the FOLK with Ginger and her family. Hopefully you'll meet up another time.
I'm with you absolutely loving the new Pandora land! Disney truly transports their guests to another world from the moment you enter the path. I found myself just taking it all in as if I was taking a panoramic shot with my camera! The Avatar ride was simply amazing too! Sorry you weren't able to watch the FOLK with Ginger and her family. Hopefully you'll meet up another time.
Feeling transported is the perfect way to describe entering Pandora. Unfortunately, it never worked out to meet up with Ginger on this trip, but we're sure they will be another time.
NEXT: Tumbling monkeys, a magical river ride, and further explorations
Day 4 Part 3 Wednesday, November 8 at the Animal Kingdom
Once we had made our way to Festival of the Lion Kingdom, we entered the FastPass queue. I turned to Luke and said, “Any time now the announcements to move forward and fill in every available space will begin.” We were strung out in a very long single file line, which was not going to work. And on cue, the announcements began. I will say this crowd did a decent job, once they heard the request to move forward, in doing just that. As we moved forward, we found ourselves next to grandmother, mother, and several kids from Canada. They were talking to an American family about how hot this trip had been since they were already accustomed to much colder weather where they were from. In contrast, we were finding this to be a pleasantly warm day with low humidity and a nice breeze. Perspective changes everything. Because Kentucky had been only a little cooler than Florida before we arrived, our perspective was much different.
Shortly, we were admitted to the theater and found seats in the lion section. Honestly, I wanted to enjoy the show without the camera stuck to my face, so below are the five photos I did take as reminders of my favorite live show at WDW. The first was a note for which section we were seated in, right beside Simba.
I also love the dance of the birds during “Can You Feel the Love Tonight.” In the dark and with motion they are difficult to easily capture from the bleachers. This time I waited until the finale when the lights are up, and I got the female bird with the rest of the cast.
With the show over, we joined the crowd in slowly exiting the theater. Then we were off, heading back to Pandora for our Na’vi River FastPass. Just as we entered Pandora, I got a text. I can’t remember now if it was from Ginger or from family. But I handed Luke the camera, so I could send a response. While he had control of the camera, he took the next few photos of the stunning scenery here. I’ve taught him well as he even got a photo of a light fixture.
I put my phone up, and we walked into the Na’vi River queue that was right behind us. I know some folks have mentioned being disappointed in this particular ride, comparing to Flight of Passage. Truthfully, I don’t understand comparing these two as one is a thrill ride and one is a classic dark ride. Comparing them to other Disney rides in their respective categories, they both illustrate how much Disney has grown in the creation of their attractions. Na’vi River is definitely a step up in classic dark rides category with its extreme visual and aural appeal. But it will not have the breathtaking thrill that Flight of Passage has, which is also extremely appealing to eye and ear. Both made us feel transported to another place and time, one in a leisurely fashion while the other was much more intense. Luke and I would give Na’vi River two thumbs up. I appreciate that Disney understands that not everyone needs or wants or can handle the big thrill rides. I’ll let the photos speak for the ride from here.
This first two photo are a couple of the light fixtures that adorn the ceiling and floor of the queue.
Because we were in the FastPass queue, we quickly found ourselves in the loading area for the ride, so thus in the queue photos. The next three photos are just a quick look at the area where guests load into the boats.
As I begin with the ride photos, I apologize in advance that quite a few of these are blurry. But I wanted to give you all an idea of what to expect. One of my favorite parts was the area where the leaves overhead had little frogs hopping around on them. These reminded me of something we saw on the Planet Earth series. When I saw the floating creatures in the fourth and fifth photos coming down from above, I realized that the object I had photographed earlier was a Na’vi made talisman depicting these. Cool!
Back out in the sunshine, we decided it was time for lunch. As we had planned this trip, we decided that lunch today would be at Satu’li Canteen, if it weren’t impossibly crowded. We’d been to the outdoor seating area, but we hadn’t walked inside yet. Once inside, we got into what appeared at first glance to be a short line. As we made our way along, we discovered that walls block enough of the few that guests don’t realize how long the line truly easy. It was long, but not extremely so. We also noticed as we progressed through the line that Disney has dealt with the issue of indoor seating here. A wall keeps folks from holding tables without food and Cast Members are stationed at the auxiliary entrances. Once you have your food, you exit into the seating area where soft drink machines, condiments, and utensils and napkins are set up at several stations along the back wall.
Eventually, we made our way to an ordering station, and ordering here is somewhat different to other Disney quick service restaurants. First, you select an entrée and then add a base and sauce to it. We chose the choice the Chopped Wood-grilled Chicken Bowl, adding rice as our base and the black bean sauce. Bowls are also available in beef, fish and tofu. I don’t remember all the other possible bases and sauces, but the ordering process was very organized and efficient. We loved our shared bowl. It truly hit the spot and filled us up. Immediately, we knew we’d be returning to this place again. We were starving as our breads for breakfast had long ago been digested, so sorry, there is no photo. By the way, the one bowl was plenty for the two of us for this meal.
Great time in the AK an especially with Na'vi River Journey. Looks amazing from your photos. Can't believe you got some good ones as a difficult one to get ones for. Especially, being such a dark ride! It will be coming up on my TR eventually!
I can't believe those comparing this ride to Flight of Passage as completely different! I hate to say this but there are some stupid people out there! We have an underground water ride that is basically very dark but enhanced with the lighting. The other (FOP) is a simulator ride and never has an attraction seen lines like this. I experienced both of these rides on my trip and will get my review in time. You can't compare the two attractions as so different!
Was hoping to get an update out today but the site was down since at least noon! Later in the week I hope!
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October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
Great time in the AK an especially with Na'vi River Journey. Looks amazing from your photos. Can't believe you got some good ones as a difficult one to get ones for. Especially, being such a dark ride! It will be coming up on my TR eventually!
I can't believe those comparing this ride to Flight of Passage as completely different! I hate to say this but there are some stupid people out there! We have an underground water ride that is basically very dark but enhanced with the lighting. The other (FOP) is a simulator ride and never has an attraction seen lines like this. I experienced both of these rides on my trip and will get my review in time. You can't compare the two attractions as so different!
Was hoping to get an update out today but the site was down since at least noon! Later in the week I hope!
Bummer that the site was down earlier in the day. I got flickr.com opened and had my update typed and copied ready to post when I realized I couldn't get on. Hopefully, you'll have some time later in the week.
Bummer that the site was down earlier in the day. I got flickr.com opened and had my update typed and copied ready to post when I realized I couldn't get on. Hopefully, you'll have some time later in the week.
I hope so too! Although a lot to do today taking down Xmas stuff etc. I will get into a better pattern later in the month.
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October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
We enjoyed the Na'vi River Journey Ride also! It truly is a totally different type of experience from the FOP so you couldn't possibly compare the two. I would say though that if you only had the chance to get one day of FP's for AK on your trip, and you enjoyed virtual rides, you must use that FP for FOP over the boat ride. We ate at the Canteen for lunch but weren't all that impressed. Our meal wasn't hot when we got it but I would probably give it another try on one of my upcoming trips. You're right about the portion sizes big enough to share!
Interesting comment about the Canadians in line, we also find it warmer in the winter in Florida, wearing shorts when the cast members are all bundled up, I guess when you live somewhere colder than Mars any other place is warmer.
We loved the food at the Canteen, its a nice change from burgers.
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Just so much to see, take in and take photos of. As you said, everything looks so real.
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We, too, were bowled over by it and thought it was a perfect addition to an already practically perfect park!!! 
The Avatar ride was simply amazing too! Sorry you weren't able to watch the FOLK with Ginger and her family. Hopefully you'll meet up another time.
It will be coming up on my TR eventually! 
We have an underground water ride that is basically very dark but enhanced with the lighting. The other (FOP) is a simulator ride and never has an attraction seen lines like this. 
I experienced both of these rides on my trip and will get my review in time.
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