***UPDATE 05/25/17*** A new video has been added to the end of this article with our interview with Sara from Disney Marketing who discusses the attraction vehicles in more depth.
One week to go until Pandora – The World of Avatar opens! As excited as we are to experience this new land dreamed up by James Cameron and the Disney Imagineers, we are starting to hear some concerning reports from guests during the preview. It appears that there are some body and physical requirements that guests need to be aware of for both Flight of Passage and Na’vi River Journey.
Larger Body Types
One of these reports is concerning the new attraction Flight of Passage’s ride vehicle. Several guests have stated that they were not able to meet the restrictions to ride due to their body type. The ride vehicle is a “link chair” and looks similar to the middle part of a motorcycle with a seat you will straddle. There are restraints that secure your back and legs and will need to “lock” in place before the ride can begin. Many guests are reporting no issues but some have been turned away because of the seat not being able to fully engage. Currently there is no modified seating option for larger guests who may need a little extra room.
Here is the Flight of Passage boarding instruction video taken by Theme Park Review. It gives a good visual on what to expect with the ride vehicle.
Unlike other attractions at Walt Disney World, there is no test seat for guests to try out before entering the attraction’s queue. Disney did make a statement that there are plans to have one installed so guests can check to see if they fit. Until then there might be some disappointed people who wait through the line only to be turned away.
Guests with Disabilities
Inside the world of Pandora, guests utilizing wheelchairs while at the theme park will need to be able move from the wheelchair to a seat in the ride vehicle. This might be an issue with Flight of Passage as it has a seat that you must straddle your legs across.
The Na’vi River Journey, a slow moving boat ride, does have tiered transfer benches available for guests with disabilities to help them descend from their wheelchairs. Many are questioning Disney’s decision on not creating one or two boats that could accommodate wheelchairs, like those used for the Jungle Cruise.
Planning a trip to Disney? There are still fantastic 2017 Summer and Fall packages to be had. Fill out our form below to receive your FREE quote.
Want more help planning your next Disney trip? As an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, my goal is to help you plan the Magic your way. I create customized itineraries, book advanced dining and FastPass+ reservations, monitor for discounts for your vacation and much much more! And did I mention my services are always FREE? Get in touch at 1.800.454.4501, via email at sphillips@mickeytravels.com or follow along on Facebook.
Source Credit : Theme Park Review and Orlando Sentinel
Let our friends at Destinations to Travel help you book your next Disney Vacation. They are the preferred Travel Agency of Chip and Company and Disney Addicts, and who we use ourselves.
Get started below for your FREE No Obligation Quote.
Book With our friends at Destinations to Travel
For the BEST in Disney, Universal, Dollywood, and SeaWorld Theme Park News, Entertainment, Merchandise & More follow us on, Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube. Don't forget to check out the Chip and Company Radio Network too!
