Na'vi River Journey (what it is, history, & other important facts)

Na’vi River Journey is one of two attractions found in Pandora — World of Avatar.

It’s a relaxing boat ride that also features some of the most stunning and impressive scenery thanks to the bioluminescent forest and the unbelievable Na’vi shaman audio-animatronic.

In this article

Quick Facts

Location: Animal Kingdom, Pandora
Height Requirement: None
Description: A gentle boat ride through the bioluminescent rain forest complete with a spectacular encounter with a Na’vi shaman.
When to Visit: Typically at opening/within the first hour.
Recommended: Yes and try to ride first thing in the morning
Tip(s): Unlike Flight of Passage, this attraction is family-friendly and can be enjoyed by all.
Genie+, Individual Lightning Lane Selection, or Virtual Queue: Na’vi River Journey is available with Genie+.
Scheduled Refurbishments

Everything You Need To Know About Na’vi River Journey

Location

You can find Na’vi River Journey in Pandora. Here’s the location on the map.

Height Requirement

There isn’t a height requirement for Na’vi River Journey. If you’d like to check it out, we have a guide on height requirements for attractions at other theme parks and water parks.

Rider Switch & Single Rider

You can use Rider Switch for Na’vi River Journey. Rider Switch is Disney’s system that allows guests with small children to take turns riding bigger rides, while another person/people wait with the little one. There isn’t a Single Rider Line available.

History

On May 27, 2017, Na’vi River Journey officially debuted. This was also the same date the entire land of Pandora opened to the public.

The name of the river journey was first revealed during the 2015 D23 Expo. In 2011, the addition of Pandora to Animal Kingdom was first announced.

In April 2017, about a month before both the land and attraction opened (alongside Flight of Passage), Disney teased a first look at the massive Na’vi Shaman of Song audio-animatronic that is beyond impressive.

At the time, Disney even called it “the most complicated audio-animatronics figure ever created by Walt Disney Imagineering.”

There’s no denying that for a boat ride, Na’vi River Journey is stunning and captivating.

Queue

The queue for Na’vi River Journey isn’t as elaborate as say the line for Flight of Passage, but the theming is certainly on point. It’s also quite pretty in certain areas.

And despite as long as the wait times can be for the attraction, there isn’t an interactive queue for guests to enjoy.

Motion Sickness

Na’vi River Journey is a slow-moving boat ride in the dark. There aren’t any twists, turns, or rough moments. If you need it, we have a guide on motion sickness that’s filled with information and tips.

Ride Vehicles

You ride in a boat on the Na’vi River Journey. Each ride vehicle has two rows that can fit about two to three adults per row, depending.

Is It Kid-Friendly?

Na’vi River Journey is kid-friendly. After all, there isn’t even a height restriction. It’s not fast or scary, but keep in mind that the ride mostly takes place in the dark.

We have a full guide on several other things that might scare little ones at WDW.

PhotoPass/On-Ride Photos

Your photo isn’t taken on Na’vi River Journey.

If you want more information on this, be sure to check out our PhotoPass and how Memory Maker works guides.

Video

If you’d like to take a virtual boat ride on the Na’vi River Journey, here you go.

Other Fun Details

Easter Eggs: Pay attention before you enter the queue. To the right of the entrance, you’ll see large footprints on the ground. These are full-grown Na’vi footprints.
Play Disney Parks: N/A
Movie Connections: Na’vi River Journey (and the entire land of Pandora) was inspired by James Cameron’s 2009 film Avatar.

Na’vi River Journey (what it is, history, & other important facts)