Ride: Avatar Flight of Passage

Fly on the back of a mountain banshee during an exhilarating, 3D ride above this vast moon.

Ride Information

Composite Review (4.8 / 5)

Based on hundreds of guest and professional reviews from Google Maps and across the web, here is a composite review for Avatar Flight of Passage at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

Avatar Flight of Passage is widely considered a groundbreaking attraction that sets a new standard for immersive theme park experiences. Reviewers overwhelmingly describe it as a stunning, emotional, and unforgettable journey that transcends the typical simulator ride.

The Experience: Flying on a Banshee

The consensus is that this ride is "Soarin' on steroids," providing an unparalleled feeling of flight. Guests board individual, motorcycle-style "link chairs," lean forward, and are connected to their avatar for a soaring trip across the moon of Pandora.

The ride is a technological marvel that engages nearly all the senses:

• Visuals & Motion: The massive, ultra-high-definition 3D screen, combined with the motion of the vehicle, creates a highly realistic simulation of diving, turning, and free-falling. As one reviewer put it, "It makes you feel like your problems in life are so small."

• 4D Effects: These are frequently cited as key to the immersion. Riders feel their "Banshee breathing" beneath them via inflating air bladders, experience cool mist as they fly past water, and smell the fragrances of Pandora's forests and caves.

• Emotional Impact: Many guests reported being left "speechless" and even "brought to tears" by the beauty and realism of the experience. "The only word we could say when we first came off that ride was 'WOW.'"

The Queue: A World-Class Preshow

Even the typically long wait times are mitigated by one of the most highly-detailed queues in all of Walt Disney World. Guests frequently praise the queue as an immersive experience in itself:

• The Path to Pandora: The line takes you through a stunning path, starting with views of the Valley of Mo'ara's floating mountains, winding into air-conditioned caves, and eventually leading into the research lab of the Pandora Conservation Initiative.

• The Avatar Animatronic: The highlight for many is the glimpse of the massive, detailed Avatar animatronic floating in a scientific tube within the lab—a level of detail that "really gives a sense that there is a living, breathing world around you."

Critical Feedback & Rider Concerns

Despite the overwhelming praise, reviews consistently highlight a few points for caution:

• Motion Sickness: The swooping, sharp turns, and sudden drops can be intense. Several guests advised that if you are prone to motion sickness, "this might not be for you" or you may need to close your eyes during key barrel roll sequences.

• Queue Length: Wait times are notoriously long, often exceeding two hours. Many reviewers stressed the need to purchase an Individual Lightning Lane or "rope drop" the park to avoid the extensive standby queue.

• Vehicle Restraints: The motorcycle-style seating, with restraints securing the back and legs, has proven restrictive for guests of certain body types or mobility issues. A test seat is available outside the attraction, and guests are strongly advised to use it if they have any concerns about fitting comfortably.

In Summary

"Avatar Flight of Passage" delivers on its promise of an epic, immersive, and emotional journey. It is a masterpiece of theme park engineering that most highly recommend, provided you are prepared for the potentially intense motion and the very long queue.