Disney World’s Flight of Passage – What Should I Be Afraid Of?

Almost any Disney World regular will tell you that Flight of Passage is a must-do. But what exactly might make it a scary ride? We've ridden Flight of Passage countless times and understand the ins and outs of it like the back of our hands.

This is why we at MickeyVisit put together this comprehensive ride review of Avatar Flight of Passage so you have a clear idea of what to expect when riding it.

Flight of Passage Review

In an effort to clearly define just how scary a ride is, we developed an ultra-scientific backed-by-research rating system.

We call it the Mickey Visit Ride Rating System – MVRRS for short (pretty clever, huh?)

The MVRRS goes as follows:

• Wimp Proof: Not scary at all
• Wimp Proof-ish: Seems scary at first, but after, you feel it's nothing to worry about
• Scary but Survivable: Moderately scary
• Scary: Definitely scary, but you'll be able to sleep at night
• Bravest Riders Only: The scariest ride you'll find in a theme park

Flight of Passage Ride Overview

Flight of Passage gives you a chance to experience the crucial rite of passage all Na’vi hunters must go through: “Iknimaya,” or bonding with a banshee. 

If you’re familiar with Soarin’ Around the World at EPCOT or Disney’s California Adventure, you’ll notice that the ride technology is similar to Flight of Passage. A thrilling simulation ride with an IMAX screen, Flight of Passage gives you a realistic feel of what it’s like to ride on the back of a banshee over the moon of Pandora. With some modifications to enhance the ride experience, it’s truly a one-of-a-kind ride experience only seen at Walt Disney World.

There are 2 significant differences between Flight of Passage and Soarin’ Around the World.

First, instead of a bench for a ride vehicle, Flight of Passage has you in a motorcycle-like ride vehicle – similar to TRON Lightcycle / Run. Second, Flight of Passage utilizes 3D glasses (known as flight visors on the ride), giving you a more immersive experience.

Here’s some important information to review before riding Flight of Passage:

• Access: Individual Lightning Lane, Rider Switch
• Height Requirements: Guests must be at least 44″ (112cm)
• Highest Speed: Not Applicable (movement is felt through the IMAX screen)
• Length: 4 minutes
• Highest Ride Height: 50 feet
• Loops: 0
• Other Features: IMAX Screen

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Flight of Passage Ride Queue: What You Need to Know

Both the standby queue and Individual Lightning Lane queue for Flight of Passage start right at the ride’s signage.

The merge point for both queues happens right before being directed toward the pre-show room. Although it’s short, the initial section of both queues is outdoors and in the Florida heat. The majority of both queues however is indoors and air conditioned.

The entire queue for Flight of Passage takes you inside an RDA bunker that makes you feel like you’re walking through a former corporate military installation.

Despite the long waits seen on Flight of Passage, you’ll be kept busy with all of the immersive elements along the entire queue. The outdoor section of the queue gives you close-up views of the floating mountains and magnificent waterfalls. Once you make your way through the initial cave, you’ll find yourself in a much darker area full of beautiful bioluminescent flora.

Then comes the laboratory.

This well-lit section of the queue is bursting with detail, both from the Avatar movie and from the story of the ride. It also includes a capsule with a life-sized Avatar!

Flight of Passage Ride Pre-Show and Chicken Exits

Before your pre-show, a Cast Member will assign you and members of your party a number.

You’ll then go through the pre-show, which happens in 2 separate private rooms, where you’ll be linked to your own Avatar.

Lastly, it's important to note that there are 3 chicken available should you choose to skip the ride. The first is at the merge point of the Individual Lightning Lane and standby queues. The second is at the boarding area, where you can ask a Cast Member to walk straight through to the exit. The last isn't the most convenient: if you decide to sit this ride out while in the queue, you can simply turn around and walk back out the way you entered.

Flight of Passage Ride Vehicle Information

The ride vehicle for Flight of Passage creates a very different experience from Soarin’ Around the World – let’s review why.

After your ride pre-show, a Cast Member will direct you to your designated seating area. You’ll then take a seat on what looks and feels like a motorcycle, with your body leaning forward and holding onto handles in front of you. Once seated, a Cast Member will then position the back and leg restraint behind you.

Keep in mind that this ride is entirely indoors.

As a simulated hang gliding experience, each ride vehicle section features a row of 8 vehicles that swing forward and out toward a massive bowl-shaped IMAX screen. This means that during the ride, you’ll feel like you’re flying high above ground.

What makes this ride vehicle even more unique is its ability to lean side-to-side, tilt forwards and backwards, and expand and contract.

All these extra motions make you feel like you're really riding on a banshee!

Flight of Passage: Ride Experience

The ride experience for Flight of Passage is unlike anything you've ever experienced before.

Once you’ve linked with your Avatar, your ride vehicle swings forward and outward, lifting you off the ground and making you feel like the ground dropped away. In fact, you're suspended up to 50 feet in the air. It also puts you in a spot where the screen extends both above and below you, making you feel fully immersed into the ride.

Your banshee flight through Pandora starts with an initial swoop down to the trees. You then experience several small dips as you fly through bioluminescent forests, over oceans, and through valleys. Your action heightens as you encounter The Great Leonopteryx, who you narrowly escape with your life!

Note that if you're worried about any jerkiness, your entire flight experience is very smooth.

Your experience is even enhanced with wind gusts, light mists, and the scents of the Pandora landscape. As mentioned earlier, your ride vehicle even expands and contracts, simulating your banshee's breathing as you fly.

Keep in mind though that depending on where you sit on the ride, your view may be distorted due to the curved IMAX screen.

Let's review the aspects of the ride that that make Flight of Passage thrilling and add to its MVRRS rating:

• Banshee Riding Simulator: As described earlier, this flying simulator has you leaning forward and straddling the ride vehicle, as if you're riding your very own banshee
• Height: Depending on which row you sit in, you'll either be 30 feet, 40 feet, or 50 feet above the ground. Guests with a fear of heights should consider skipping this ride. Otherwise, you can request to sit in a lower row to accommodate for your fear of heights if you still want to ride this ride
• IMAX Domed Screen and 3D Glasses: The massive domed screen with speakers behind it make for an immersive experience. Combined with the ride vehicle and 3D glasses, you feel totally immersed in the ride. It's important to note again that depending on where you sit, your view may be distorted due to the curved screen. This may also make it unsuitable for guests that are sensitive to motion sickness.
• Startling Story Elements: There are a few elements of the ride that may startle guests. This includes your close encounter with The Great Leonopteryx and near misses with trees, cliffs, and massive ocean waves
• Length: At about 4 minutes, Flight of Passage is a little longer than Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, a little shorter than Soarin' Around the World, and about the same length as Test Track
• 4D Effects: Above you are devices that send small gusts of wind as you soar through Pandora, spritzes of mist as you encounter waterfalls and the waves of the ocean, and scents that make you feel like you're fully immersed in the world of the Na'vi

Every single effect adds up to a very fun ride.

Favorite Moment of Flight of Passage

Here's why you need to ride Flight of Passage.

The first time I rode Flight of Passage, I had no clue what I was walking into. But from the moment I was seated in my ride vehicle and I linked with my Avatar, I knew I was in for an exciting, thrilling ride experience.

Much like many rides at Walt Disney World, Flight of Passage does a fantastic job taking you away from our world and transporting you to the world of the Na'vi. Walt Disney Imagineers spared no detail when designing the ride experience, taking you on a thrilling flight through Pandora.

However, my favorite moment isn't any of the thrilling moments – quite the opposite, in fact.

My favorite moment of Flight of Passage is when you've narrowly escaped The Great Leonopteryx by diving into a dark cave. There, you and your banshee take a huge sigh of relief before hundreds of bright, beautiful woodsprites (seeds of the Tree of Souls) float into the air and illuminate the cave.

This moment of serenity for me provides a wonderful contrast to the thrilling flight you experience throughout the rest of the ride.

Flight of Passage: Scary Verdict

So, how does our ride review of Flight of Passage stack up against our MVRRS?

MVRRS VERDICT: Wimp Proof-ish: Seems scary at first, but after, you feel it's nothing to worry about

Flight of Passage certainly has elements that make it thrilling – its height, IMAX screen, and immersive ride vehicle are 3 major elements that add to its thrill. All of these elements immerse you into what feels like a thrilling flight over the moon of Pandora.

However, when considering these elements combined with its special effects and magnificent views, you're guaranteed to feel even more excited after the ride is over – and wanting more.

Besides, if you're concerned about any of the special effects or ride features on this ride, there is 1 thing you can do to make you feel more grounded. If you feel overwhelmed while riding, take a look to your left or right. You'll notice everyone else wearing their 3D glasses riding with you. While doing this takes you out of the immersion experience, it will give you a sense of feeling grounded.

Whether or not you're a fan of the Avatar movie franchise, you will absolutely love Flight of Passage.

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