Pandora Drummers and Rangers Review at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
The Pandora Drummers and Rangers Opened On: May 27th, 2017, and April 22nd, 2018, respectively.
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You’ll find two primary entertainment acts in Pandora – The World of Avatar, other than people balking at the long wait time for Flight of Passage. The first is the Pandora Ranger. He or she will be “operating the Exo-Carrier Utility Suit, an awe-inspiring piece of mobile research equipment.” The various Rangers appear right outside the Pongu Pongu takeaway bar, which is convenient, as a margarita always helps. This is also just outside Windtraders, Pandora’s major store, that also serves as the exit down from Flight of Passage. As we look at the Pandora Conservation Initiative scientist in a 10-foot tall suit, Satu’li Canteen is off to his right.
The show lasts about ten minutes. It’s largely made up of the Ranger walking around in their suit with guests asking questions. The showtimes are typically printed on the Times Guide and they should be available at DisneyWorld.com. You can typically expect the Ranger to appear at 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:30pm, 2:30pm, and 4:30pm.
The show is pretty far away from a “must-see.” If you’re in the area during one of the shows, you may want to at least take a picture. Most people will have other attraction priorities at 9:30am. The afternoon shows, all of which will be outdoors in the sun/elements, would be fine from a touring perspective.
The second scheduled piece of entertainment is a musical act of sorts, officially named Swotu Wayä. According to Disney, the drummers represent:
“A Joyous Musical Celebration. This captivating showcase celebrates the spirit of Pandora—with unique rhythms emanating from massive drums, hanging orbs, colorful shells and other organic elements, native to the Na’vi.”
Disney cut the original show length from about 17 minutes to less than 12. This may be a good thing, though none of us are real sure who is paying these hippies to bang on drums intermittently throughout the day. You wouldn’t expect the Na’vi Ri enjoy it. And i wouldn’t expect that the scientists enjoy the ruckus. Perhaps they serve some other essential job when they are not out there trying to get you to clap along with them. You can pull up the show schedule at DisneyWorld.com here. Show times are typically 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm, and 5pm. There is the potential that Disney will schedule shows earlier or later given heavier crowds. 9am, 10am, 6pm, 7pm and 8pm shows aren’t all that uncommon.
If you’d like to see both acts, then it makes sense to visit the Drummers out in front of the entrance to Na’vi River Journey first. Then mosey over to Pongu Pongu for a refreshing drink or beverage. Then, wait a few minutes for the Ranger to come out. For example, you could see the 2pm Drummers, which will take you to about 2:15pm. Then get in line at Pongu Pongu from 2:17pm to 2:25pm. Then see the Ranger from 2:30pm to 2:45pm. Double check the Times Guide to make sure the times line up.
In the afternoon, Pandora – The World of Avatar is not nearly as crowded as you might expect. I’d arrive just a minute or two before the Drummers begin their set. The Ranger show is really easy to see too.
This is what the the drummer stage looks like just outside the entrance to River Journey. You can watch a video of the production, but I would warn you that it probably won’t cause you to make a point of seeing it.
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