Pandora Cast Members don’t work for Disney at Animal Kingdom, True?
Well, they do, but not in the way that cast members do in the rest of Walt Disney World. In Pandora, Cast Members are representing Alpha Centauri Expeditions. Here is how they are different from the rest of Walt Disney World.
In order to make 'Pandora – The World of Avatar' come alive, 700 cast members were selected to staff this epic new land. As part of their training for their new roles, they were immersed in the Na’vi culture, by learning about their language, environment and way of life.
One example is the way cast members welcome guests to this awe-inspiring land with the common Na’vi word for hello – Kaltxi (kahl-T’IH). In fact, each cast member on Pandora has received a handbook with some common Na’vi phrases, such as Oel ngati kameie [well NGAH-tee KAH-mey-yeh]. In the native language of Pandora, this means, “I see you.”
You will also notice their name badges. They aren’t like the badges the Cast Members at Disney wear. These are special nametags for cast members representing Alpha Centauri Expeditions (ACE), a futuristic travel company that prepares visitors from Earth for their exciting adventure to Pandora. (You might also notice that cast members who are “Earning their Ears” may be wearing a ribbon that features the Na’vi word for student: Numeyu.)
What else can you expect from these cast members as they help create unforgettable memories for guests as you visit Pandora? Well, there are 3 groups of them:
The first cast member group has the role of employees for Alpha Centauri Expeditions (ACE), which is a tourism company from Earth and the exclusive provider for trips to Pandora. They work at Wind Traders store, the Satu’li Canteen cafeteria and on the Na’vi River Journey ride.
The second group are part of the Pandora Conservation Initiative (PCI), which has a special role getting you to ride a banshee at the Flight of Passage ride, and also work at Wind Traders.
The third group is something Florida residents know very well — people who came to visit and ended up staying. Called the ex-pats (for expatriates), these Pandora cast members act like Earth tourists who loved Pandora so much they decided to move there permanently. They will work in two areas: Pongu Pongu, which means “Party Party” in Na’vi, and the face painters.
Be sure to explore Pandora on your next trip to Disney World and soar through the skies on the back of a banshee in the attraction Avatar Flight of Passage, sail through a bioluminescent rainforest in the family-friendly attraction Na’vi River Journey and walk beneath towering floating mountains….and say “Kaltxi” to one of these cast members!