Wednesday, May 31, 2017

Disney Parks Blog Time Capsule: May 2013

Four years ago this month, we were sharing some of the gems from our archives – showing some of our favorite Disney Parks classics through the years.

Walt Disney World Resort's 25th Anniversary Parade, Remember the Magic, on Main Street, U.S.A., at Magic Kingdom Park

Vintage Walt Disney World: A Look Back at Magic Kingdom Park Parades
Nate shared this fun look back at Magic Kingdom Park parades of the past, including one of my favorites, Remember the Magic parade!

The Carolwood-Pacific Railroad, Inspiration for the Disneyland Railroad
We took a look back at the Carolwood-Pacific Railroad, Walt Disney's own, personal ⅛-scale model railroad, which would go on to inspire the Disneyland Railroad.

Fantasyland Theatre Through the Years at Disneyland Park
As we prepared to celebrate the opening of "Mickey and the Magical Map," we revisited some of the shows that have called Fantasyland Theatre home throughout the years at Disneyland park.

This Week in Disney History: 'The New Fantasyland' Opens at Disneyland Park, 1983
We celebrated the anniversary of "The New Fantasyland" at Disneyland park with this look back at the opening day in 1983.



#DisneyFamilia: Best Vacation Tips from Telemundo’s Andrea Minski

This week in the #DisneyFamilia trip video series we are featuring Andrea Minski from Mujer Balance and host of the home improvement show "SOS: Salva Mi Casa" that airs on Telemundo.

The mother of two, and a Disney fanatic, shares with us her favorite tips to enjoy your vacación at Walt Disney World Resort.

  1. Download the My Disney Experience app. This will help you plan ahead!
  2. Bring comfy shoes for all in the family. Also, bring a stroller or rent one at the parks for the little ones!
  3. Be sure to visit all four parks! Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom all have different and great options for all in the familia.
  4. Visit Disney Springs! The only place where you can eat, shop and even dance! It's fun for all in the family!
  5. Have fun!

Let's take a look at Andrea's visit to Walt Disney World Resort!



Wildlife Wednesday: Guests Are Helping Make Enrichment for Animals

Have you ever made or purchased a toy for your pet – perhaps a chew toy that hides a dog treat or a set of perches for your cat to climb? We do the same with the animals at the Walt Disney World Resort! Enrichment is a significantly important part of our day-to-day animal care, and it helps ensure that all of the animals at Disney's Animal Kingdom are happy and healthy.

Disney's Animal Kingdom guests are learning more about designing enrichment for animals on their way to Rafiki's Planet Watch.

Wildlife Wednesday: Guests Are Helping Make Enrichment for Animals Wildlife Wednesday: Guests Are Helping Make Enrichment for Animals Wildlife Wednesday: Guests Are Helping Make Enrichment for Animals

Enrichment encourages animals to do what comes naturally and use their behavioral and physical adaptations. For example, the red river hogs at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and the rhinos on Kilimanjaro Safaris love to wallow in mud pools. For our small mammal and bird friends at Rafiki's Planet Watch, natural behaviors include digging, foraging, shredding and climbing.

Wildlife Wednesday: Guests Are Helping Make Enrichment for Animals

The Science Operations Team is inviting our Guests at the Wildlife Express station to create their own enrichment items from recycled and repurposed materials that will be given to a variety of small mammals and birds.

Using recycled plastic cards, paper and cardboard tubes, you might create a puzzle square that keepers can hide seeds in, a colorful hanging decoration for birds and mammals to shred or a small paper-stuffed tube for animals like rabbits to enjoy.



Disney Parks Best Bites: May 2017

Falafel Burger from Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant

New out-of-this-world menu items have premiered at at Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant at Disney's Hollywood Studios, including new burgers featuring a signature blend of beef. The Drive-In BBQ Burger has house-made barbecue sauce, bacon, cheddar, crispy-fried jalapeño and onion straws on a brioche bun. Vegetarians will love the new Falafel Burger with a crispy chickpea falafel patty, arugula, tomato, Tatziki sauce and red pepper aioli on a brioche bun.

Fylt Pasta from Akershus Royal Banquet Hall at Epcot

Hear ye, hear ye! A new pasta dish is on the menu at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall at Epcot! You'll feel like royalty enjoying the Fylt Pasta; wha four-cheese stuffed pasta with white wine-cream sauce, roasted vegetables, chive oil and balsamic glaze.

Surf and Turf from Narcoossee's at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

After a year-long hiatus, Surf and Turf has returned to the menu at Narcoossee's at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa! The dish pairs a six-ounce lobster tail with a six-ounce sirloin served with Yukon gold rustic mashed potatoes and roasted spring vegetables.

New specialty candy-inspired beverages are now available at Chef Mickey's at Disney's Contemporary Resort! Relax with the Gummy Oasis, which features gummy bears lounging in a delicious frozen pool of frozen cotton candy lemonade. The Watermelon Crush features Nerds® candy mixed into frozen watermelon and cherry lemonade. These drinks are also available in alcoholic versions for adults.

A new Specialty Hot Dog will debut June 4 at Casey's Corner in Magic Kingdom Park! The Buffalo Chicken Dog features an all-beef hot dog loaded with shredded buffalo chicken, garlic-ranch dressing and celery.

Pizza lovers, rejoice – Frusta has landed at Cool Ship in Magic Kingdom Park. Pizza Frusta is a folded pizza-like snack that is easy to eat on-the-go! Choose from tomato and cheese or pepperoni and sausage.

Open-Faced BLT Sandwiches from The Smiling Crocodile at Disney's Animal Kingdom

Have you tried the new open-faced BLT Sandwiches at The Smiling Crocodile at Disney's Animal Kingdom? Each sandwich is one snack entitlement on the Disney Dining Plan. Choose from turkey, salmon or pimento-cheese on toasted ciabatta with lettuce, tomato, and thick-cut smoked, house-roasted bacon.



Copper Creek Villas & Cabins: A Disney Vacation Club Resort That Offers Something for Everyone

Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney's Wilderness Lodge, the newest Disney Vacation Club Resort, opens on July 17. Offering five accommodation options, including Deluxe Studios, 1- and 2-Bedroom Villas, 3-Bedroom Grand Villas and even unique waterfront Cascade Cabins, this Resort will be a great place to call your "home base" during a Walt Disney World Resort vacation.

The breadth of accommodations isn't the only thing that makes this rustically elegant resort unique. Learn more about what Copper Creek Villas & Cabins will offer guests when it opens this summer in this video featuring Ken Potrock, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Disney Vacation Club.

Be sure to round up your loved ones (up to 12 if you're booking a Grand Villa) and come experience this beautiful new resort later this year!



Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Recipe: Tuna Poke with Avocado Mousse at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa

Our chefs at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, in Hawai'i are always creating delicious island-inspired dishes. Always a menu favorite, poke, which means "cut piece" or "small piece" in Hawaiian, is the perfect seafood starter to share.

To bring a bit of the Hawaiian Islands into your kitchen, check out the fun video and full recipe below for Tuna Poke with Avocado Mousse!

Tuna Poke with Avocado Mousse
Serves 6 as an appetizer

TUNA POKE

  • 1 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons freshly grated ginger
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons yuzu juice
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 tablespoon finely minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds, plus additional for garnish
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon wasabi powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 pounds fresh sushi-grade tuna, cubed
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste

AVOCADO MOUSSE

  • 2 ripe avocados, peeled and seeded
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • Lime juice
  • Salt, to taste
  • White pepper, to taste

Garnish

  • Rice chips

FOR TUNA POKE:
1. Whisk together soy sauce, ginger, sesame oil, yuzu juice, lime juice, garlic, sesame seeds, vinegar, wasabi powder, and sugar in a large bowl.
2. Add tuna to mixture and toss to coat. Season with pepper, to taste. Refrigerate 5 to 10 minutes.

FOR AVOCADO MOUSSE:
1. Chop avocados into large pieces and place in a blender. Add heavy cream and blend until smooth.
2. Season with lime juice, salt, and white pepper, to taste.

TO SERVE:
1. Place avocado mousse in a piping bag. Pipe 3 parallel lines of avocado mousse in the center of each plate.
2. Divide tuna poke evenly among six 2.5-inch square molds. Place on top of the avocado mousse.
3. Serve with rice chips.

Cook's Note: Poke (pronounced POH-kay) means "cut piece" or "small piece" in Hawaiian. Be sure to use sushi-grade tuna because the fish is raw. Yuzu is a sour Japanese citrus fruit, and you can purchase in some supermarkets and in Asian grocery stores. If you can't find it, substitute 1 tablespoon lime juice and 1 tablespoon orange juice.

Enjoy!



Adventures by Disney and Turner Classic Movies Team Up to Offer a Special Italian Movie Vacation

Are you a classic movie buff? Have you ever dreamed of living la dolce vita in Italy? This summer, Adventures by Disney is offering a special departure of its Italy vacation, visiting Rome, Florence, Tuscany and Venice, that highlights many of your favorite classic films shot in this remarkable country. Built in conjunction with Turner Classic Movies (TCM), this unique adult-exclusive 8-day, 7-night trip will run Aug. 11-18, 2017.

Join fellow movie lovers for a unique and unforgettable journey through one of the most cinematic locations on earth. Here you'll explore Italy in unique ways, such as enjoying an exclusive after-hours tour of the Sistine Chapel, and of the Sistine Chapel, and savoring pasta during a private cooking workshop in the Chianti wine-growing region.

Fattoria Poggio Alloro – Pasta-making activity on Adventures by Disney Italy vacation

Exclusive to this TCM departure are several activities, including a private tour of Cinecittà studios, where you'll stroll through several Ancient Rome movie sets featured in famous films like Ben-Hur, Roman Holiday and The Godfather: Part III, to name a few. You'll also delight in a private screening at the Palazzina Fellini.

In Florence, visit the Ferragamo Museum and explore the Italian designer's 90-year history. You'll soon discover why this fashion icon is still a favorite among Hollywood royalty!

Wine tasting on an Adventures by Disney Italy vacation

Check out everything this trip has to offer by visiting http://ift.tt/2qDepDy.



Meet ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ Super Heroes on Marvel Day at Sea with Disney Cruise Line

Anyone else been listening nonstop to Star-Lord's Awesome Mixtape after seeing "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2?" I must say, it's worthy of the name!

Today we're revealing that Star-Lord, Gamora and Groot will be joining the fun during this day-long celebration aboard the Disney Magic. Meeting this group of spacefaring misfits is just one of the many reasons I'm so excited about our Marvel Day at Sea cruises kicking off this fall.

What's more, I'm thrilled to unveil an adult-exclusive Marvel Day at Sea experience inspired by the Guardian's interstellar adventures. After a full day of family events, what should you do next? Something good, something bad? Bit of both? Well, we're giving adults time to kick back in Fathoms nightclub, now a Ravager hideout.

While you mingle with the interstellar outlaws, an electrifying alien dance performance gets the fun started, amping up the energy before a few of your favorite Guardians join the party. As the night continues, you may even get to see the dance-loving Star-Lord get his groove on. As Drax says, "There are two types of beings in the universe: those who dance and those who do not." Which type are you?

Any idea what tunes will be on the playlist throughout the night? You guessed it! Like I said, Star-Lord has awesome taste in music!

Throughout the summer, I'll be giving you more details about our Marvel Day at Sea voyages, including the Super Heroes and Villains you'll meet, plus the activities that will transport you in the Marvel Universe. This epic event premieres on select 7- and 8-night Bahamian and Canada cruises from New York this fall, and returns on select 5-night Western Caribbean cruises from Miami in early 2018. Keep following along on the Disney Parks Blog as we reveal more of the fun in store for your family.



More New Dining Spots for Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort

Three new dining concepts are expected to open by year's end at Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort, with two more on tap for 2018.

This fall, Chicago-based Levy Restaurants is introducing a new Italian concept at Disney Springs, with James Beard award winner and "Top Chef Master" Chef Tony Mantuano leading development. The new restaurant replaces Levy's Portobello Country Italian Trattoria and will feature dishes inspired by Mantuano's adventures in Italy.

Also opening in late 2017 is Wine Bar George, with Master Sommelier George Miliotes bringing his expertise to Disney Springs with an unparalleled wine list including more than 100 selections by the bottle and glass in a range of varietals, vintages and prices. Shareable plates, cheese and charcuterie will complement the wine list, featuring local artisans and seasonally relevant dishes. Look for some fun wine education, including special events and visits from winemakers. Miliotes is widely regarded as one of the industry's foremost wine experts, and is one of only 236 professionals certified by the Court of Master Sommeliers.

The Edison Coming to Disney Springs

And The Edison, a lavish "Industrial Gothic" restaurant, bar and nighttime, is expected to open by year's end. A collaboration of Patina Restaurant Group and Kinetescape's Andrew Meieran, The Edison is noted for classic American food, craft cocktails and live entertainment including cabaret. (The Disney Springs location is inspired by its sister location in Los Angeles.) With Old World sophistication and romance, The Edison will be themed to a 1920s-era electric company, recalling an exuberant era of invention and imagination with entertainment that includes contortionists, aerialists, DJs and more.

Looking ahead to 2018:Jaleo Coming to Disney Springs

  • Jaleo, a concept by world-renowned Chef José Andrés' ThinkFoodGroup, will open on the West Side, bringing the spirit and flavors of Spain, with an extensive menu of tapas that reflect the rich regional diversity of traditional and contemporary Spanish cuisine. Think paella cooked over a wood fire, hand-carved Jamon Iberico de Bellota and wood-grilled Iberico pork. With five locations in the United States and Mexico City, this will be the first location in Florida. The first floor of the multi-level restaurant will feature a "grab-n-go" storefront with Spanish-style sandwiches.

Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill Coming to Disney Springs

  • And a new Wolfgang Puck concept will open in a new location in Town Center. Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill, will modernize the traditional "bar and grill" concept in a setting inspired by traditional farmhouses with a touch of elegance. The restaurant will capture the essence of laid-back California dining made popular by Puck at Spago, his flagship restaurant in Los Angeles. The menu will highlight the best of Puck's signature dishes with Mediterranean influences, innovative takes on comfort food classics and handcrafted specialty cocktails, beer and wine.


Quiz: How Well Do You Know Pirates of the Caribbean?

"Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales" opened in theaters this past weekend, and to celebrate we're devoting this week's quiz to the attraction that inspired the film franchise – Pirates of the Caribbean.

How well do you know the attraction at Walt Disney World Resort? Test your knowledge below.


Pirates of the Caribbean at Magic Kingdom Park

What area of Magic Kingdom Park can Pirates of the Caribbean be found in?
Pirates of the Caribbean
When did Pirates of the Caribbean open at Magic Kingdom Park?
Pirates of the Caribbean
Who is at the helm of the ship in The Fort scene of the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction?
Pirates of the Caribbean
How many Audio-Animatronics figures will you find inside Pirates of the Caribbean?
Pirates of the Caribbean
How many gallons of water are used in Pirates of the Caribbean?
Pirates of the Caribbean


Create Your Own Avatar Action Figure at ACE Avatar Maker in Pandora – The World of Avatar

In recent months, I have shared details about many of the innovative and creative merchandise products that will immerse guests and connect them like never before to Pandora – The World of Avatar. Today, I'm happy to announce a new way guests can create a truly unique memento at ACE Avatar Maker inside Windtraders. I caught up with Cody Hampton, merchandise product developer, who shared how this experience is connected to this exciting new land.

Create Your Own Avatar Action Figure at ACE Avatar Maker in Pandora – The World of Avatar

"We were inspired by the breathtaking Avatar Flight of Passage attraction when designing ACE Avatar Maker," explained Cody. "During the attraction, guests are connected with an avatar for first-person flight on a banshee over the moon's incredible landscape. We thought guests would love to see what they actually look like as a human/Na'vi hybrid. Using a digital process, guests can now create and personalize their own 10-inch avatar action figure."

Create Your Own Avatar Action Figure at ACE Avatar Maker in Pandora – The World of Avatar

At ACE Avatar Maker, the natural feel of Windtraders gives way as guests step into a futuristic transformation booth. Guests are greeted by an Alpha Centauri Expedition Scan Technician who uses a state-of-the-art, facial capture scanner to enter data into the Hybrid Digitizing System.

After an image is captured, guests select their avatar's body style from four different choices. Both youth and adult sizes are offered. They also choose eye color, facial striping pattern, and hairstyle.

Throughout the experience, the technician shares interesting details about the Na'vi. For example, Na'vi naturally have yellow eyes; or the Na'vi gene for dark hair is so strong that it is always dominant in the creation of an avatar.

Create Your Own Avatar Action Figure at ACE Avatar Maker in Pandora – The World of Avatar

Once the customization process is completed, guests receive an ACE identification tag. This keepsake card is used about 30 minutes later at the ACE Avatar Maker Fabricator inside Windtraders where guests receive their completed action figures. Cody told me the packaging was inspired by the Amnio tank that is seen in the Avatar Flight of Passage queue.

Create Your Own Avatar Action Figure at ACE Avatar Maker in Pandora – The World of Avatar

We also offer four accessory sets that can be used with the poseable action figures.

Reservations are required for this experience, and can be made on a first-come, first-serve basis inside Windtraders.



Monday, May 29, 2017

Moms Panel Monday: Reasons to visit this Summer!

There is always a lot to do during the Summer at Disney Parks, but this year the moms, dads, and grandparents of the Disney Parks Moms Panel are especially excited about all the new sights and sounds around the Walt Disney World Resort. Here are just a few reasons why they are eager to visit this Summer:

Don't forget…the Disney Parks Moms Panelists always recommend packing sunscreen and a water bottle to help keep you cool and protected in the Florida Summer sun.

For more tips or to ask questions about planning your upcoming Summer Disney vacation, be sure to visit DisneyParksMomsPanel.com for a personalized response from our knowledgeable panel.



Forty Years of Space Mountain at Disneyland Park

This weekend marked forty years since Disneyland park guests first cleared for launch aboard Space Mountain. This Disney Parks classic first opened at Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort in 1975, and construction on Space Mountain at Disneyland park began soon after. To mark its fortieth anniversary, I'd like to share some of my favorite photos of Space Mountain – which also happens to be my favorite Disneyland park attraction!

Construction on Space Mountain at Disneyland Park in 1976

George Savvas first shared this photo, showing the 1976 construction of Space Mountain, here on the Disney Parks Blog five years ago to commemorate the attraction's 35th anniversary.

Space Mountain

And here we see guests preparing to blast off not long after it opened.

Forty Years of Space Mountain at Disneyland Park

This photo was shot by former Disneyland Resort Chief Photographer Paul Hiffmeyer, who always had a knack for finding unique perspectives. And if you look closely, you may just see a bit of Paul in the photo!

Forty Years of Space Mountain at Disneyland Park

And finally, I love this enchanting photo of Space Mountain looming above Tomorrowland in the starlight.

Experience this Disneyland park classic again when Space Mountain reopens June 1!



Appetizing Occasions at Walt Disney Parks & Resorts

Experience these upcoming culinary events from the creative Food & Beverage team at Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, and be sure to book these extra-special events in advance.

Delicious Disney Dining Series
Classic Disney storytelling with food continues with the next dinner in the Delicious Disney dining series on May 31 at Markham's at Golden Oak, celebrating the anniversary of the 1932 Silly Symphonies "Flowers and Trees" cartoon produced by Walt Disney. Park Events Operations' Chef John Clark and his team will create be in the Markham's kitchen, along with Golden Oak Chef Phillip Ponticelli.

Upcoming dinners in the series include a culinary tribute to the 10th anniversary of the Disney•Pixar film "Ratatouille" with Chef Dominique Filoni and his team from Cítricos at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa at 6:30 p.m. June 28. And the exotic and exquisite tastes of a journey under the sea with Chef Timothy Majoras and team from Flying Fish at Disney's BoardWalk is 6:30 p.m. July 19. Seating is limited for all of the Delicious Disney Dining Series events. For more information or to make reservations, call 407-939-5773.

Napa Rose Food and Wine Pairing Experience
The popular weekly series continues at Napa Rose at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa at the Disneyland Resort. The one-hour afternoon seminar is each Saturday between 2 and 3 p.m. in the award-winning restaurant and includes three cheeses, two charcuterie-style tastes and five wines. $95. To book, call 714-781-3463.

July 4 at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Celebrate the red, white and blue at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa at Walt Disney World Resort with a cookout at the resort's Summerhouse from 7-8:30 p.m. After dinner, head to the Grand Floridian Marina for sweets and a view of the Magic Kingdom Park's July 4 fireworks. (If it rains, the event will move to the Grand Floridian Convention Center.)

The sumptuous cookout includes grilled steak and shrimp with plenty of sides, but you also can enjoy a classic hot dog and baked beans with specialty drinks, beer and wine. There's a live DJ and crafts for kids throughout the evening.

Cost is $120 plus tax, gratuity is included; $59 ages 3 to 11. For reservations, 407-WDW-DINE.



Summer is Here at Disney Parks

Summer has finally arrived! Whether you want to unleash your inner Super Hero, explore new worlds or enjoy spectacular entertainment, we have something for everyone at all of our Disney parks. Here's a look at what we've got in store for a truly blockbuster summer.

Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! is now open at Disney California Adventure park, kicking off our Summer of Heroes with daring missions, heroic encounters, and even a dance-off to Star-Lord's old-school rock 'n' roll mixtape. Starting June 14, you can also suit up for Super Hero Summer at Hong Kong Disneyland park and step into a new walk-through Avengers Agent mission set in Hong Kong.

Pandora – The World of Avatar is now open at Disney's Animal Kingdom, where you can journey 4.4 light years away from Earth for the chance to take in the awe-inspiring beauty of the Valley of Mo'ara. Learn key phrases in the Na'vi language, ride on the back of a banshee and bask in the beautiful bioluminescent glow of the land after sundown.

Summer is Here at Disney Parks

You can also treat yourself to dazzling nighttime entertainment at all of our Disney parks this summer. Enjoy live orchestra performances of "The Music of Pixar Live!" at Disney's Hollywood Studios, and take in the new "Happily Ever After" nighttime fireworks spectacular at Magic Kingdom with stunning projections capturing the heart, humor and heroism of many favorite Disney animated films. At Disneyland park, "Fantasmic!", the Rivers of America attractions and the Disneyland Railroad will return this summer, and don't forget the Main Street Electrical Parade has been extended through August 20 – so catch it before it glows away!

If you love nighttime parades, you might remember that Tokyo Disneyland's Electrical Parade Dreamlights is making a sparkling return, now featuring Anna and Elsa from "Frozen." Tokyo Disney Resort has plenty to offer this summer, including the daytime "Disney Natsu Matsuri" – a colorful Japanese summer festival sprinkled with Disney magic – and "Disney Pirates Summer" for all you scallywags and buccaneers at Tokyo DisneySea.

Summer is Here at Disney Parks

Disneyland Paris continues to sparkle and shine with its 25th anniversary celebration. The festivities include two new daytime shows, a dazzling new parade and a stunning new nighttime finale. Plus, you won't want to miss traveling at light speed on Hyperspace Mountain and Star Tours: The Adventures Continue.

And in just a few weeks, Shanghai Disney Resort – which recently welcomed its 10 millionth guest – will be celebrating its first anniversary with a month of festivities and a magical moment at Enchanted Storybook Castle on June 16. Adventure is out there, and it all begins with you this summer. Let us know what you're looking forward to most in the comments below!



Seven Ways To Have Fun In Pandora – The World of Avatar (Aside From Attractions)

Pandora – The World of Avatar is now open to guests at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

The land itself serves as an amazing attraction for guests to explore and interact with, and the area's two experiences – the thrilling Avatar Flight of Passage and the family friendly Na'vi River Journey – are already wowing guests. But did you know there are actually many other ways you can have fun throughout Pandora – The World of Avatar?

Here are seven must-do suggestions on how you can have the most immersive experience possible during your next expedition to Pandora – The World of Avatar.

Seven Ways To Have Fun In Pandora - The World of Avatar (Aside From Attractions)

1. Match With A Banshee – Already a guest-favorite experience, the land's Windtraders merchandise shop is home to the Rookery, a nook where banshees reside, waiting to be "matched" with guests.

Visit at Swotu Wayä

2. Visit at Swotu Wayä ("Sacred Place of Song") – Located in the heart of Mo'ara Valley, guests can interact with a collection of instruments fashioned by the Na'vi. They are connected into the moon's root system and as guests play the instruments, the area just may respond with music and light.

3. Test Out A Na'vi Translator – Also found in Windtraders, this fun device helps you learn Na'vi words.

Seven Ways To Have Fun In Pandora - The World of Avatar (Aside From Attractions)

4. Dine at Satu'li Canteen – Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Satu'li Canteen offers one of the most interesting menus at the Walt Disney World Resort. Featuring international-inspired cuisine, vegetarian options and specialty libations, it's the ideal place to refuel on your expedition through the Valley of Mo'ara.

Seven Ways To Have Fun In Pandora - The World of Avatar (Aside From Attractions)

5. Help Regrow the Flaska Reclinata – One of the largest and most fascinating plants on Pandora, guests can help this rare plant "re-seed" itself on Pandora simply through touch.

6. Channel Your Inner Na'vi – Windtraders offers a selection of Na'vi inspired merchandise. Here, you can buy your own set of Na'vi ears or a Na'vi tail. You can also get a Na'vi inspired look over at Colors of Mo'ara.

7. Get Camera Ready – Pandora – The World of Avatar is chock-full of unbelievable photo opportunities – from towering floating mountains, to surprising water falls and much more. Want professional pics? Disney PhotoPass guides are on-hand at multiple locations throughout the land.