Animal Kingdom’s Flight of Passage is already one of the most incredible rides in Disney World—but there are a few things you can do to make it even better.
Flight of Passage in Pandora
This is the kind of ride that’s worth the hype, but there are little details and tips that can take your experience from “That was cool” to “I swear I was actually flying a banshee.” Whether it’s your first ride or your 15th, a little prep can go a long way. Here are three easy ways to make your Flight of Passage experience way more immersive (and honestly, more fun).
Let Yourself Get Lost in It
Here’s the truth: The more you lean in, the better this ride gets.
“And, uhh… FLY!”
Flight of Passage isn’t just about stunning visuals and wild motion effects — it’s about fully stepping into the world of Pandora. The ride is basically asking you to suspend your disbelief and believe that you’re really linking up with an Avatar and soaring over floating mountains. And yes, it sounds cheesy when you say it out loud, but when you let yourself feel it, it’s shockingly realistic.
Sivako!
Try not to sit there thinking, “Wow, this screen technology is impressive” or “How are they doing this effect?” Save that analysis for later. While you’re riding, lean into the fantasy. You’ll feel wind in your face, mist from waterfalls, the banshee “breathing” beneath you — it all works together to sell the illusion. The more you mentally check in, the more incredible the whole thing feels.
Choose a Seat on the Side
Unlike some screen-based rides where being off-center messes with the view, Flight of Passage actually uses the wraparound screen to its advantage.
©Disney
If you get placed closer to the far right or left side of the theater, don’t panic. You’re not missing out. In fact, sitting on the edge can feel even more immersive. The curved screen goes all the way around you, so you can still see everything clearly—but now there’s a sense that the world extends past your peripheral vision. You feel surrounded in a way that’s tough to describe until you experience it.
Avatar: Flight of Passage in Disney World
While there’s no guarantee you’ll get a side seat, if you happen to land there, embrace it. It’s not a downgrade—it’s one of the sneaky best ways to feel like you’re in the ride instead of just watching it.
Pay Attention to the Details (Seriously)
Flight of Passage is full of subtle ride details that are easy to miss if you’re not looking for them—but they’re what make the whole experience feel so lifelike.
First up: your ride vehicle. It’s not just a fancy stationary bike. The banshee “breathes.” You’ll feel it subtly expand and contract between your legs during the flight. It’s not super obvious, but once you notice it, it adds a whole new level of realism. Disney didn’t have to include that, but they did—and it’s the kind of detail that turns a good ride into a great one.
Flight of Passage ride vehicles
Then there’s the scent game. Yes, the ride has smells. But unlike some other Disney rides where the scent hits you like a wall, Flight of Passage plays it much softer. The scents of forest, ocean, and cave come and go fast, and they’re easy to miss if you’re not paying attention. When you feel a change in the environment, like mist or wind, that’s your cue to take a quick sniff. Trust us, it’s there.
Flight of Passage queue
These little touches—the breathing, the scents, the soft changes in temperature and air—are what set Flight of Passage apart from pretty much everything else in the parks. If you stay alert to them, it makes the whole thing feel way more real.
Flight of Passage
Flight of Passage is one of Disney’s most ambitious rides, but it rewards the people who come in ready to experience it, not just ride it. Let yourself get swept up in the story, embrace whatever seat you’re given, and pay attention to all the small things happening around you. It’s the closest thing to flying on the back of a banshee you’re gonna get—and if you go in with the right mindset, it really can feel like you’ve left Earth for a few minutes.
Flight of Passage
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What are your must-dos when you ride Flight of Passage? Tell us in the comments!
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This will sound odd, but I nearly wept after getting off of Flight of Passage the first time. It was the most immersive, realistic simulation of flying that I have ever been on, and still is. The ride makes you feel completely free and untethered, and I was overcome with emotions that first time. Flight of Passage is still my favorite ride in all of WDW.
I LOVE this attraction!!! From start to finish I think it is the best experience in the parks and well worth the wait. I ride it multiple times every trip!
The first time I tried this ride I had to close my eyes on amd off cause it seemed intense to watch. The second time I was determined to watch the whole thing and Im glad I did. It was amazing and out of this world. I love this ride and will do it everytime I go to disney. What a feeling!!!!