Just a few months ago, the massive Disneyland Forward project was officially approved.
This project is a “multiyear public planning effort with the City of Anaheim to update existing development approvals that will allow Disney to meaningfully invest in Anaheim for years to come and meet the future demands in entertainment.” Yes, that means we could be seeing some massive expansions coming to Disneyland Resort soon. One of the potential new lands teased was an Avatar-themed land, similar to Pandora in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and now we finally have an update on that blue-sky project!
At D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event this weekend we’ve been getting tons of news about what we can expect to see coming to Disney parks, Disney Cruise Line, and beyond in the coming years.
The last we heard about this Avatar-themed update was back in April when Disney revealed potential concept art for this new offering. During Disney’s 2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, Bob Iger (Disney CEO) briefly mentioned this “possible new Pandora” we could see come to Disneyland. While the design of the land looks similar to Pandora in Animal Kingdom, it does seem to have more water and therefore take more after the most recent film, Avatar: The Way of Water.
But now, during the Disney Experiences panel at the event, we learned more about what’s coming to Disneyland Resort in the future. Disney California Adventure will be getting a NEW Avatar-themed area that’s inspired by Avatar: The Way of Water and upcoming films from the franchise.
Along with this new area, we’ll be getting a brand-new Avatar ride! The attraction will take you on “An excursion in search of majestic natural wonders that can only be found on Pandora.” It’s a boat ride that travels through valleys to open seas to creepy caves. Disney shared concept art of the ride vehicle, which seats four people across with what looks to be six rows of seats.
Even though it’s a boat ride, it seems that this experience will vary significantly from the Na’vi River Journey ride currently at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. We can’t wait to see more!
Journey further in the world of Pandora at Disney California Adventure! 🌿 This destination will draw inspiration from "Avatar: The Way of Water” and future Avatar films bringing Pandora to life in a brand-new way. https://t.co/BscqQ59TMM 🌊 #D23 #Horizons pic.twitter.com/mdVc7iWhTE
— Disney Parks (@DisneyParks) August 11, 2024
We can’t wait to hear more about this project in the future. We’ll be sure to share it immediately with you, so stay tuned to AllEars!
Click Here to See Every Major Announcement from the D23 Entertainment Showcase!
What are you most looking forward to seeing in this new land? Tell us in the comments!
We will be in Anaheim at Disney for thanksgiving this year. Do you know of any after hours or Disney after dark events around then? Thanks!