As the countdown to the opening of Pandora – The World of Avatar, at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, grows closer, my excitement escalates. Yes, I actually really enjoyed the movie. I have watched it several times, but fan or not, I think everyone should be eagerly awaiting the new land. I’ve put together this list of 5 reasons you should be excited to visit Pandora and the sooner the better.

1. It’s New!

Remember the first time you walked down Main Street, U.S.A.? Or perhaps more recently, the first time you saw the sun glimmer off the fresh walkway leading into the new Fantasyland expansion? No matter when it was, that moment gives you all the Disney feels. Something new, something exciting and something unexplainable, yet truly magical. Fan of the film or not, this is a new and unexplored part of Walt Disney World Resort. No one has found all the hidden Mickeys yet, Guests haven’t noticed all of the intricate details. Planning sites haven’t charted the best way to move through this new section. Or which bench has the most shade and is best to relax on. It’s new! Brand new, and that’s reason alone to want to be one of the first to explore it.

2. The Attractions

Following the first reason, there are not one, but two new attractions and both look awesome! These attractions bring such an amazing addition to the experiences offered at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Where else in the world can I take an African Safari, travel back in time with dinosaurs, face a Yeti and now ride a Banshee all in one day? Talk about an adventure!

Avatar Flight of Passage and Na’vi River Journey are two different and totally unique attractions. The best news is that they are both available for FastPass+ selection, too. While I obviously don’t know all the details, they are definitely another reason to want to visit Pandora soon.

3. The Food

What is Disney without the Disney food? Talk about really being able to take the menu offerings “out of this world” well, there are no limits with Pandora! I’ve already been perusing the menu and Satu’li Canteen offers “wholesome grains, fresh vegetables and hearty proteins.” Pongu Pongu offers Na’vi inspired specialty libations and ales.

You can find out more about each restaurant and all the dining options offered in Pandora – The World of Avatar through these recent Disney Parks Blog posts:

Inspiration for Delectable Desserts at Satu’li Canteen in Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

First Look at Menu for Satu’li Canteen in Pandora—The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Cheeseburger Bao Bun and Blueberry Cream Cheese Mousse anyone? Disney Food is always a reason for a visit!

4. It’s Visually Stunning

If you haven’t had the opportunity or desire to see the movie, I really recommend taking the time to or at least looking up pictures from the movie to see just how beautiful Pandora is. Dense, luscious jungles filled with brightly colored unique flora and fauna, towering, floating mountains rising high above the mist and a bio-luminescent world that awakens with nightfall. The settings are stunning and only Disney Imagineers and magic could bring them to life.

Again, here are a couple of Disney Parks Blog posts sharing the details about bringing Pandora – The World of Avatar to life:

All in the Details: Imagineers Partner With AVATAR Filmmakers To Create Pandora – The World of Avatar

All in the Details: Populating Pandora – The World of Avatar With Plants & Animals

Even if the mere mention of the movie makes you yawn, I bet walking through the alien world will be more than enough to keep you awake. If the rest of the world of Avatar is anything like the glimpses we’ve seen of the Valley of Mo’ara it will be reason enough alone to visit Pandora.

5. A Whole New Park After Dark

Another thing to remember is that with the Tree of Life Awakenings, Rivers of Light and now Pandora – The World of Avatar, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park has almost been transformed to a whole new park.

I used to long for the park to stay open later and almost always plan resort time, another activity or even another park for the evenings following our time there. Now, you’ll get full advantage of your ticket price and be able to plan a full-day enjoying all the park has to offer. Also, for a limited time (proving once again you should get there soon,) Disney Resort Hotel Guests will have access to extra, extra magic hours. Pandora – The World of Avatar will be open from 11 PM until 1 AM, from May 27 through July 4.

So, what are you waiting for? The rest of the four Avatar sequels to come out? There is no denying that with future Avatar movie plans already in the works, this addition is going to be huge. Why wait for other Guests to chart the new undiscovered land? What’s holding you back from being the first to find new details and delights? Avatar fan or not, it’s still Disney! Yes, I liked the movie, but it’s these reasons that are calling me back “home” to visit Pandora – The World of Avatar.