Avatar: Flight of Passage is one of the most incredible rides at Disney World. Designed by Imagineering and James Cameron’s Lightstorm Entertainment, this 3D flying simulator takes guests on a jaw-dropping ride above Pandora. But how intense is Flight of Passage? And do you need to worry about motion sickness while riding Animal Kingdom’s most popular ride?

In this guide, I will share exactly what you can expect from Flight of Passage. If you have any worries about going on this ride on your upcoming Disney World trip, this will give you the information that you need.

Will Flight of Passage give me motion sickness?Avatar Flight of Passage on Pandora Ð The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom

It’s hard to give a definitive answer, as everyone’s threshold for motion sickness is different. However, Flight of Passage can make you sick if you are sensitive to motion simulator or 3D attractions. Here are a few of the things that could cause motion sickness on the ride:

  • Motion Simulation: The ride simulates flying on top of a Banshee, which is Avatar’s version of a dragon. The ride vehicle is almost akin to a motorcycle, where you spend the ride leaning forward. This gives a very immersive feeling, as your body is literally pointed toward the screen. While the physical motion of the ride vehicle is limited, the screen is massive, so the sense of motion is very convincing.
  • 3D: The entire ride is in 3D. For some people, this alone will make them feel motion sickness. The 3D effect is very good, but this might be a nonstarter for you.
  • Intense Flying Maneuvers in the Film: Let’s look at another flying motion simulator. The chance of getting motion sickness on Soarin’ is less than Flight of Passage, mainly because it’s not in 3D and the movement of the flying in the film is much more gentle. Flight of Passage delivers more thrill in the flight, with the aerial maneuvers being much more acrobatic. There are fast drops and intense turns in the film — it really feels like you’re flying on a wild mythical beast.
  • Heights: Another effect of Flight of Passage’s immersive screen is a convincing sense of height. This can be dizzying for some people.

If you have issues with motion simulation, 3D, or heights, you might have a problem with going on Avatar: Flight of Passage.

How intense is Avatar: Flight of Passage?

Flight of Passage Queue - Pandora - The World of Avatar Preview - Disney's Animal Kingdom

All of the intensity of the ride comes from the content of the ride film. Like I mentioned earlier, the sense of speed and movement is much higher than Soarin’. This sense of speed and the feeling of flying makes Avatar: Flight of Passage feel intense at moments. It isn’t on the level of a roller coaster like Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster or Expedition Everest, but it still a big step up from Soarin’. I would say it’s about as intense as Star Tours, but with one major difference.

The actual movement of the ride vehicle is mild. It does not shake you up or rattle you around like Star Tours. It will move in sync with the film to make the sense of movement more convincing. Also, you don’t have the giant lift that Soarin’ does, even though these two rides are very similar in terms of their ride systems. When I’ve gone on Flight of Passage, I haven’t noticed the movement of the ride vehicle as much as I’ve noticed the feeling of flying.

If you’re fine with 3D movies and motion simulation, but you’re more worried about getting knocked around, you will most likely be fine going on Avatar: Flight of Passage.

Disney’s Flight of Passage Disclaimer

According to Wikipedia, after a few health incidents on the ride, Disney started handing out disclaimer cards about the intensity of Flight of Passage. The disclaimer specifically mentions motion sickness and fear of heights.

Here is the text from that card, per WDWNT.

  • You will be restrained on a moving vehicle at a significant height above ground.

  • Your flight is a highly immersive 3D experience with sudden drops and acrobatic aerial maneuvers.

  • Those who have a fear of heights or are prone to motion sickness should not fly.

WARNING!
For your safety, you should be in good health and free from high blood pressure, heart, back or neck problems, motion sickness, or other conditions that could be aggravated by this adventure. Expectant mothers should not ride. The seating and restraints may prohibit guests of certain body shapes or sizes from riding. A practice vehicle is available at the attraction entrance.

As Disney states, this ride may be too intense for guests with certain health conditions. Always consult your doctor if you are concerned about going on a ride will aggravate any health conditions you may have.

Disney World Motion Sickness Guides

If you’re curious how intense other Disney World rides are and if they can cause motion sickness, check out our in-depth guides:

We want to hear your thoughts!

Has Flight of Passage given you any issues with motion sickness? What advice would you give to fellow riders? Let me know in the comments below!

Flight of Passage