There’s nothing quite like the feeling of walking into the worlds from our favorite stories, and soon, there will be even more ways to immerse yourself in the world of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park when four all-new interactive shoulder banshees land at Pandora – The World of Avatar on November 21.
After seeing just how much you all loved the previous version of this popular toy, our merchandise teams were inspired to think about how we can add even more details and ways to connect with this otherworldly environment.
“The banshee is such a huge part of the Avatar story,” said Amanda Rubinos Luna, a merchandising manager for toys for Disney Parks. “The Na’vi have a lifelong bond to this animal, and being able to visit a banshee rookery and choose one to bond with yourself is a one-of-a-kind experience that you can only get at Walt Disney World.”
We got our first look at the new Banshees at the D23 Ultimate Fan Event 2024
Once you’ve taken a thrilling ride on the back of a winged mountain banshee on Avatar Flight of Passage or trekked through the Mo’ara Valley, make your way to the banshee rookery inside Windtraders, where a Naturalist from Alpha Centauri Expeditions will help you connect with your very own interactive shoulder banshee.
New Shoulder Banshee Features and Color Patterns
Bonding with a banshee is a crucial step in the life of a Na’vi hunter on Pandora, and it’s important to pick the right one. These four new companions each come with unique colors and patterns (including glow-in-the-dark bioluminescence), so take a close look and choose with your heart.
Each new interactive banshee is controlled by a wireless remote, allowing you to conveniently customize your banshee’s personality by directing their mouth, head and wing movements, as well as their authentic banshee sounds provided by Lightstorm Entertainment.
Be warned: banshees can have a mind of their own, too! While traveling through Pandora and beyond, your banshee will notice and communicate with other interactive shoulder and wrist banshees that cross its path, making them more lifelike than ever. Your banshee will also react to being pet, so be sure to give them lots of attention.
As you continue to bond with your banshee, you can personalize them even more with three new accessory packs inspired by clans from the world of Avatar. Dress them up in your favorite set or mix and match different head, neck and tail accessories to create a unique look!
“I hope our guests enjoy the different variations and the ability to make their banshee their own with the new features and accessories,” said Amanda. “That interaction really extends the play and allows you to have fun with the product in new and exciting ways.”
Speaking of accessories: You never know what your adventures will bring, and the new sling-style carry case makes transporting your banshee easy while you explore Pandora and neighboring worlds at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and beyond.
Between travels, the new banshee display perch provides the perfect place for your companion to rest. The display’s mossy, rock-like details and native plant decorations take inspiration directly from the natural flora of this beautiful land, bringing a touch of Pandora to your home.
Designing innovative merchandise that transports us into fan-favorite stories is no small feat. In Pandora, we say “sivako” (or “rise to the challenge”), and the talented cast members behind these new interactive shoulder banshees did just that.
“I love making tangible memories for our guests,” said Amanda. “When you go on Avatar Flight of Passage, there’s something so magical about the connection you have with that banshee, and this is your way of taking that home.”
Ready to form your own bond? Visit Windtraders at Pandora – The World of Avatar beginning November 21 to choose your banshee companion.
