Overview
- Walt Disney Imagineering presented a detailed physical model and concept art at D23 showing a Pandora reimagined as an oceanic, coastal environment centered on a dynamic boat attraction.
- The centerpiece ride is depicted as a sweeping, ocean-themed boat excursion and a ride-vehicle maquette in the model suggests a multi-row boat with six rows seating roughly four to five guests per row.
- The model highlights specific scenic elements including towering curved coastal rockwork, cascading waterfalls that blend forest and water biomes, and bioluminescent plant details meant to glow after dark.
- Disney plans to place the new land on the Hollywood Backlot footprint currently used by Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!, and the ride will remain open into early 2027 while site preparation and behind-the-scenes work continue.
- The D23 reveal on Friday clarifies Imagineering’s creative direction for the California project but leaves key timeline questions unanswered and signals that Disney will finalize construction scheduling before announcing an opening window.