Review of Na’vi River Journey, the peaceful boat ride in Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
You don’t plan a trip to one of the world’s greatest theme parks to luxuriate in peace. You want a little speed, some thrills, and a dash of entertainment.
But then you find yourself there amidst a swirling kaleidoscope of Florida heat and humidity. The chaos intertwined with long waits standing on concrete testing the pliancy of your lower back, your hamstrings, and your poor, poor aching feet.
And the words of John Lennon come to mind — no, not those words. Not yet — “I’ll give you everything I’ve got for a little peace of mind,” which feels appropriate because you’ve probably already given Disney everything you’ve got. It’s only fair that Disney gives you a little peace in return.
And Disney does, actually.
Peace is there, if you want it. In the wilds of Animal Kingdom, sits one of the most peaceful, quiet, dark, and cool places in the entirety of Orlando. If you’re willing to give peace a chance, check out Na’vi River Journey.
What is Na’vi River Journey?
It’s one of two rides in Pandora, the Animal Kingdom land based on the first of James Cameron’s popular Avatar movies.
Pandora is a rich, lush alien world inhabited by creatures that are spiritually connected to the planet. It’s beautiful both in the movie and the theme park.
Unlike the massively popular Flight of Passage – a technological thrill ride that flies you over Pandora – the River Journey is a slow moving nighttime boat ride through the bioluminescent jungles of Pandora.
Not a lot happens. You see some of Pandora’s wildlife hidden within the forest – sometimes better than others. You hear some really chill space music., and the Na’vi marching and singing and occasionally see some.
At the end you see the Shaman of Songs, a massive and spectacular animatronic that singing and gesticulating as you exit the ride.
Is Na’vi River Journey popular?
In some ways, yes and others no.
It is generally publicly maligned.
Again, not a lot happens in this ride, and it’s also fairly short. It’s like the NASCAR short track version of a lazy river. You barely have time to relax and it’s over.
Some, especially those unfamiliar with the Avatar movie, find it boring.
However, given the fact that it almost always has a long line, it’s hard to say it’s not popular.
Despite the kvetching, it seems most people still try to ride. The average wait time sits around 45 minutes, it wouldn’t be that high if people weren’t trying it.
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If guests don’t like it, why are the lines so long?
The lines are long for a couple of reasons. First, the queue is shady at first and then well air conditioned. It’s a nice place to cool off which is needed in Disney World’s most humid park.
Secondly, a lot of guests are completists and want to ride everything. Third, it’s not a particularly quick load and off load.
And finally, Animal Kingdom has been struggling in terms of rides for quite some time.
Currently, there are only five rides in the park and one of them is less popular than Na’vi River Journey – Safari, Flight of Passage, Expedition Everest, and Kali River Rapids. Even the train to Rafiki’s Planet Watch is down until they make the Bluey changes.
But to some degree, the park had been limping for some time. Primeval Whirl never returned after COVID, and the Triceratops Spin was just exposed to the blistering sun. With Dinosaur extinct, expect longer Na’vi River wait times in the coming months.
Do you really like Na’vi River Journey?
I do.
It’s quiet, calm, and peaceful. It transports me to another world, one of which I am fond. It is also quite beautiful, a little like being inside an aquarium.
The Shaman of Songs remains an impressive animatronic.
I do wish it was twice as long with a couple more of those amazing animatronics sprinkled throughout.
I am always pleased and refreshed when I ride it.
In fact, I’m advocating for a dad and toddler’s version of the ride. Make it 25 minutes of just the same thing that it is, cool and dark and peaceful with soothing music.
Perfect for a mid-afternoon catnap to recharge after rope dropping, eating a hearty lunch, and gearing up for the rest of the afternoon and evening.
Na’vi River Nap would be a massive hit, though I understand that not everyone worries about in-park napping options.
And, for the record, the Monorail and Backlot Express are good catnap options for the other parks.
Do I need a Lightning Lane?
It would help, but I loathe to pay for the Multi Pass service that only covers four rides as Flight of Passage is an Individual Lightning Lane.
Still with increased wait times currently due to half the park being under construction, it might be worth biting the bullet.
Typically, my recommendation—if you have access to early morning hours—would be to get the ILL for Flight of Passage. Rope drop Na’vi River Journey, then head to Kilimanjaro Safaris, followed by Expedition Everest. Leave the rest of the day to see animals and shows, and to enjoy drinks, food, and Dole Whip.
What is your honest review of Na’vi River Journey?
An overly maligned ride that – quite frankly – should have been engineered with better load systems, a longer journey, and more animatronics. It’s not a top tier ride by any means, but it has it’s charms.
In 2027, when the Tropical Americas section opens with a carousel, a massive new Encanto ride, and Dinosaur re-themed to Indiana Jones, it should pull some of the pressure off this ride. That should lower the wait times and let it take its rightful place in the low-to-mid Animal Kingdom rankings, where it can be properly appreciated for what it is.
