How Scary is Na’vi River Journey? 11 Things You Need to Know

  • Animal Kingdom
  • October 14, 2022
  • 2 Comments

At a Glance

Duration: 6 minutes, 30 seconds

Look Out For: one highly advanced animatronic and some alien surroundings

Jump to:

Opening on May 27, 2017, Na’vi River Journey is a gentle boat ride that takes you through the enchanting world of Pandora. But how scary is Na’vi River Journey? Let’s take a look at the ratings:

Na'vi River Journey

1. Ride Length

Na’vi River Journey has a ride duration of 6 minutes and 30 seconds. The meandering pace of this ride can certainly make it feel longer, but it is a pleasant and relaxing experience all around.

2. Height Requirement and Warnings

Na’vi River Journey has no height requirement or warnings – making it a great choice for most younger riders.

3. Ride Vehicles and Restraints

The Na’vi River Journey ride vehicles consist of rustic “boats” seating approximately 6 passengers in 2 rows of 3. There is no lap bar and families with small children will most likely be able to fit 4 to a row.

4. How Does Na’vi River Journey Work?

Na’vi River Journey works like a standard water-based dark ride in which the boats travel along a track through the show scenes.

5. Is Na’vi River Journey Scary?

Na’vi River Journey is not intentionally scary whatsoever. Largely considered a family-friendly ride, it’s gentle pace, magical theming, and pleasant sound design make it a great choice for even the most sensitive of riders. That being said, it is technically a dark ride and takes place in a “nighttime” setting – making it fairly dark. In addition, the land of Pandora is brimming with strange and unfamiliar creatures, sounds, and surroundings that could make some riders uneasy. However, none of these set pieces are purposefully scary or in-your-face – making this an attraction that most guests can enjoy. Be sure to check out the video below for a full visual!

6. How High is Na’vi River Journey?

Na’vi River Journey does not involve heights. As an indoor, water-based dark ride, the track remains very low to the ground.

7. How Fast is Na’vi River Journey?

Na’vi River Journey does not go fast. Floating along at a very slow, meandering pace, this attraction gives you all the time you need to look around at its beautifully-themed show scenes.

8. Does Na’vi River Journey Have Drops?

Na’vi River Journey does not have drops. Much like It’s a Small World, this attraction remains slow and steady for the entire duration.

9. Does Na’vi River Journey Cause Motion Sickness?

Na’vi River Journey should not cause motion sickness for most riders.

10. Is Na’vi River Journey Claustrophobic?

Na’vi River Journey should not feel claustrophobic to most riders. Due to its “outdoor” theming and lack of a lap bar, this attraction makes the most of its 6 and a half minute run time. In this way, I would consider it fairly similar to Frozen Ever After in Epcot (sans the drops and backwards part, of course) – so if you had no problem there, this ride might be a great one to try.

It should be noted that this attraction truly moves very slowly, which could be uncomfortable to some riders who might feel like they’re barely moving at all through the ride.

11. Are There Animatronics on Na’vi River Journey?

There is one highly-advanced animatronic on Na’vi River Journey. The Shaman of Songs has been wowing guests since the ride’s opening with her fluid movement and lifelike mannerisms. However, those sensitive or averse to animatronics might find her massive size (would be 10 feet tall if she was standing) and alien appearance unsettling. She is certainly a friendly character, though, and sagely chants and sings as your boat floats gently by.

Na’vi River Journey Queue Walkthrough

The queue entrance is located outside in the Pandora section and takes you through a winding outdoor covered area. The theming in this section is absolutely exquisite, so be sure to take it in as you wait. Most of the queue is in this outdoor area, and once you make your way into the cave, you’ll find yourself directly on the loading platform.

Na’vi River Journey Ride Walkthrough

Once you board the ride vehicle, you’ll set off through a dimly lit cave surrounded by waterfalls. You’ll briefly pass a Na’vi warrior (via screen projection) before your surroundings open up to reveal a gorgeous bioluminescent landscape. The sets are filled with beautifully strange plants and terrain and the sound design really immerses you in the nighttime scene.

You’ll encounter a dog-like creature and her pup (again, on a screen) before floating under some frogs “bouncing” on leaves overhead. From there, the boats will take you further into the lush scenery as you’ll pass sparkling plants hanging above you and some hoofed creatures on another screen. You’ll see more projections of the Na’vi people making their way through the forest before encountering the Shaman of Songs as she sings you back into the loading station.

It should also be noted that while the Shaman is certainly the climax of the ride, you may have a few more minutes on the boat as it tends to be a bit slow to unload. The theming in this last part of the ride is still gorgeous, however, and there is a lot to look at while you wait.

That’s it! Remember, everyone’s riding experience is a little bit different and only you can decide whether to hop on that ride vehicle or not. I just hope this guide helps you be prepared and enjoy every second of your Disney experience!

So what do you think? How scary is Na’vi River Journey? Leave a comment to help keep this guide up to date!

For a full visual of the ride and queue, be sure to check out this video from 4K WDW:

About me:

Hi, there! I’m Ginny – a wife, mom, and lover of all things Disney. As a lifelong anxious girl, I’m here to get down to the nitty gritty of every attraction and make sure you’re ready for that next ride!

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