Avatar: The Way of Water, a long-awaited, little-known sequel to a film you may have heard about, arrives in theaters in just a few days. After the extended wait for the film was further extended by pandemic-induced production delays, the film arrives just in time to potentially further revive the box office. Now that we are in the final days before its wide release, the marketing push is now a shove (which I’m not complaining about) and the Disney parks have joined the chorus.
Tree of Life Light Show. Specifically, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, where you can find the Valley of Mo’ara, is getting the sequel treatment. Starting December 12, the Tree of Life will feature a brand new experience themed to both Avatar: The World of Pandora (the existing land) and Avatar: The Way of Water. The new light show was produced by Lightstorm Entertainment (James Cameron’s production company) and Disney Live Entertainment. It is not clear when this experience concludes, but it’s safe to say that if the movie performs well it may enjoy a longer stay.
Calling all Avatar Foodies (is that a thing?): starting December 16, Satu’li Canteen, which is located in Avatar: The World of Pandora at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, will serve Avatar: The Way of Water.-inspired food. The options will be:
- Metkayina Mousse, a “flourless chocolate cake with chocolate mousse, decorated with raspberry gelee, mango coulis, boba pearls and finished off with a milk and white chocolate garnish.”
- Ocean Moon Bowl, which us “made with tuna, blue noodles, watermelon radish, pickled daikon, rainbow carrots, avocado, cucumbers and red cabbage with a miso and sweet soy drizzle.” (Blue noodles?!!)
- For those interested in libations, try the Ilu Splash Margarita, described as “a mix of kiwi Monin syrup with lime juice, sour mix, Corazon Tequila Blanco, and a floating slice of Kiwi.”
There is also a range of Avatar: The Way of Water-inspired clothing, toys, and other merchandise available either within the Disney parks or ShopDisney.
Perhaps most important is what has yet to be confirmed—whether Avatar: Flight of Passage (inarguably the best ride at Walt Disney World), will be updated to include new Avatar: The Way of Water-inspired experience. I’ve long speculated that this would happen; and what better way to breathe new life into a still-popular attraction? Well, Eywa—er, I mean, James Cameron—might have heard us after all. Apparently, Cameron recently emailed Bob Iger (after his return to the top post at as CEO of The Walt Disney Company) with ideas about new iterations for Flight of Passage.
In addition to the hype at the Disney parks, the cast of Avatar and film critics—fans of the original and detractors alike—are already endorsing the film as a masterpiece.
Sivako, indeed.
Avatar: The Way of Water hits theaters on December 16. Let me know if you plan on seeing it!
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