New interactive shoulder banshees are now available for purchase in Windtraders, the main gift shop in Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The upgraded banshees were first announced at D23 Expo in August, and new details about the award-winning interactive toys were shared by Disney last week. We made it out to Disney’s Animal Kingdom today to take a detailed look at the new interactive banshees, and some all-new accessories for the toys.
New Interactive Banshees in Pandora – The World of Avatar
There are four styles of interactive banshees available for purchase. The shoulder banshee has been a popular toy since Pandora – The World of Avatar opened more than 7 years ago. Since then, new colors of interactive banshees have been released, but this update marks the first significant change for the award-winning toy.
Each new interactive shoulder banshee contains the following updates:
- New unique colors
- Bioluminescence (glowing under black light, but not glow-in-the-dark)
- New wireless remote (previously wired)
- Banshee-to-banshee communication
- Interaction with wrist banshees
- Reaction to being pet on the back or chest
- Same movements of the head, wings, and mouth
- New accessories
- All-new packaging
Because of the launch of the new interactive shoulder banshees, and the anticipated demand for the new version of the toy, Cast Members have restricted access to the Rookery area, similar to how it was operated when the land first opened. If there is a line, guests will be asked to wait until the current guest has finished purchasing. It looks like there will be a limit of two groups in the Rookery area at a time.
Banshees remain perched in the Rookery, awaiting a connection with a guest before purchase. Because the banshees interact with each other now, and the movements are wireless, some of the banshees flap their wings and turn their heads from time to time, providing some energy to the shopping experience.
As has been the case since opening, the purchasing experience is driven by a Naturalist from Alpha Centauri Expeditions (Cast Members), who will help you connect with your very own interactive shoulder banshee. 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, so take a close look and choose with your heart.
Here’s a closer look at each of the four new banshee types, along with a look at the new accessories now available! The packaging is all-new and it looks great. The name of the banshee style can be found on the front of the box, with more details and a photo of the banshee available on the back of the box.
Next to the photo on the back of the box, more details about the banshee are available. It reads:
The Mountain Banshee (or Ikran in the Na’vi language), can grow up to a 39 ft (12 m) wingspan with 4 patterned, leathery wings and razor-sharp claws.
They notably roost high in the floating Hallelujah Mountains where young Na’vi climb to perform their rite of passage, the Iknimaya. The connection between Na’vi and Banshees is deeply personal and is a bond for life.
The underside of the box contains more details, such as the battery types required to power the banshee and remote controller. Batteries are included with your purchase, so you can enjoy the banshee right away.
“Sky” Interactive Shoulder Banshee | $90
The first two banshees that we’ll take a look at are shades of blue. We’ll start with the darker shade of blue for the banshee style of “Sky”. In the display case, Sky is sporting the “Windtraders Clan” banshee gear pack, which is sold separately and we’ll take a look at in a bit.
“Aqua” Interactive Shoulder Banshee | $90
The second of two banshees, featuring a lighter shade of blue, is named “Aqua”. In the display case, Aqua is sporting the “Tayrangi Clan” banshee gear pack.
“Flame” Interactive Shoulder Banshee | $90
The next banshee that we’ll take a look at is “Flame”, with a striking red color. In the display case, Flame is wearing the “Omatikaya Clan” banshee gear pack.
“Thistle” Interactive Shoulder Banshee | $90
The only banshee not in a display case is “Thistle”. This is likely because while there are four banshee styles, there are only three banshee pack styles. Here’s a look at “Thistle”, who is primarily purple.
New Interactive Banshee Accessories
In addition to the new banshees, there are also some new accessories. While we’ve already seen some of the accessories on the banshees in the display cases already, here’s a closer look!
Banshee Gear Packs | $20 each
Windtraders Clan Banshee Gear Pack
The Windtraders are a nomadic clan who travel across Pandora trading their wares and news. Their routes take them through a myriad of biomes, from the reef to the rainforest and beyond. This banshee gear consists of durable leather and natural fibers to last them through the varying days and nights along their journey.
Omatikaya Clan Banshee Gear Pack
The Omatikaya are a rainforest clan, utilizing many natural materials of their home to masterfully weave their Banshee’s gear for riding and hunting. Their woven goods are renowned for lasting many generations. This gear is best suited to nimbly traverse the intricate canopy of the Pandoran rainforest.
Tayrangi Clan Banshee Gear Pack
The Tayrangi Clan reside on the edge of a rocky cliffside, overlooking the vast Eastern Sea. These Na’vi banshee riders have mastered banshee-diving as a form of fishing, plunging from the perilous cliffs at amazing speeds into the waves. This banshee gear uses tight, waterproof cording and bone to help give support and protection on these dangerous dives.
Banshee Perch | $35
Banshee Carrying Bag | $35
The final new item is the Banshee Carrying Bag, which features a hole in the side for your banshee’s tail to stick out of.
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!