Think you know everything there is to know about the new Pandora — The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom? I certainly thought I knew more than most after writing about this new land for years. Somehow, though, I missed the announcement of a new mobile interaction that allows each guest visiting Pandora to help determine how Disney will donate money to protect or restore animal habitats.
Here’s how it works: when you step into Pandora, you must have the My Disney Experience app open on your mobile device to participate in the new Connect to Protect adventure. One of Pandora’s ecological specialists, Fitsimti “Fits” Buckley, then will send you an instant message via Facebook Messenger. If you agree to an invitation to take on a mission in Pandora, Fits will direct you around Pandora, helping you find exotic flora and fauna and sharing messages about conservation.
There are several different missions, and guests do not choose which ones they will be offered. One of the missions leads guests to the beautiful Flaska reclinata at the entrance to Pandora. This large plant can “re-seed” itself on Pandora through guests’ touch.
The idea is that these missions lead guests to make a personal connection with the natural world and then they are inspired to take action in their own lives to make a difference when they leave the theme park. That call to action and message of stewardship are hallmarks of Disney’s Animal Kingdom and the movie AVATAR, as well.
Plus, “After completing one or more missions, you will unlock a $10 contribution from Disney Parks, through the Disney Conservation Fund, or a $5 contribution just for discussing conservation. You will then get to choose how that contribution will help protect or restore habitats important to one of 10 threatened categories of animals: apes, elephants, butterflies, coral reefs, cranes, monkeys, rhinos, sea turtles, sharks & rays, and tigers,” according to the Disney Parks Blog.
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts and the Disney Conservation Fund have made a commitment to donate up to $1 million with this initiative.
Trending Now
Who's ready to check out new Disney Loungeflys? Meeeeeee!
Disney World just made a quiet change that could seriously improve how you book your...
There's a new Tinker Bell Loungefly online, and we LOVE it!
We're obsessed with this new, Target-exclusive, boho Owala collection!
Orlando International Airport has new nonstop flights this month.
If you are visiting Universal Orlando this May, pay attention to these FIVE ride closures!
We're showing off some new souvenirs coming to the Disney Store in May!
You can't miss this new HOKA drop!
You can have the best park strategy in the world, but if your shoes are...
Disney World Cast Members can ride two new big-ticket attractions early!
How many days does Universal's newest park actually require?
Here are this year's dates for the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival.
If you’re planning a trip in the current wave of construction and changes, it’s time...
Three new drinks have dropped at GEO-82 in EPCOT!
There's a NEW snack in the Wizarding World in Universal Orlando.
Sleepy Hollow Refreshments doesn’t get nearly enough attention, and that’s honestly a shame. Tucked right...
These attractions were once planned for Universal Studios Florida.
Here's a full rundown on Disney World popcorn buckets in 2026!
If you're on the fence about buying a party ticket this year, fear not! We're...
Here's everything we wish we knew before riding Harry Potter and the Battle at the...