This project, based off the global phenomenon television show “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” is a fully designed and immersive theme park featuring five lands with several attractions including rides, shows, restaurants, and more. The Park will bring you right into the story of Avatar Ang and where the television show had left off, engulfing you in a world filled with unique cultures inspired by many different Asian and South Pacific societies. Within the architecture, fashion, and cuisine throughout the park you will find hints of Inuit, Yupik, Chinese, Polynesian, Tibetan and more. Rich and vibrant colors such as reds and blues mixed with prolific elemental tints like gold and bronze help set the tone when traveling from nation to nation, giving us a sense of awareness as to where exactly we are. This project is aimed for guests of all ages, with a particular focus on young adults who grew up with the television series as well as introducing new generations to the world of the Avatar.
Southern Water Tribe
A peaceful tribe at a time of growth and prosperity, learning to heal from a past filled with hardship and slowly regaining a prominent status within the Four Nations. An ever-growing nation bids us welcome as we enter the park. The tribe’s beautiful icy architecture envelope us in a never-ending winter utopia. Wooden huts just off the beaten path take us to the tribal family homes located just outside the city. The Southern Water tribe’s capital hosts two attractions – a family friendly race to the finish and the a faster thrill-seeking boat ride- a few restaurants offering up traditional cuisine such as hot seaweed noodles, freshly rolled sushi and kale cookies, plus various shops and vendors within the marketplace giving us the chance to take a piece of the cold local home with us. Of course, a prominent feature of this land is Chief Sokka’s newly built watch tower inviting us to celebrate its grand opening. As the tower looms just over the harbor, its icy design can be seen from all parts of the capital.
Otter Penguin Sledding: The exhilarating experience of a downhill race mixed with the play with one of the cuddliest animals in the south pole, Otter Penguin sledding is a venture the whole family can enjoy. Not just a local favorite but one of the first things Avatar And did the moment he had come out of his icy slumber. The rules are simple: Hop on an Otter Penguin and slide down a snowy hill! Whoever reaches the bottom first wins! Don't worry though, the Otter Penguins love it!
Ice Dodging: A rite of passage for young members of the Southern Water Tribe, we are lucky enough to be welcomed on this ceremonial test of wisdom, bravery, and trust. Just past the watch tower within the harbor we join a father, Unaq’le, and his two children of fourteen, Vetsu and Makr’a, as they head out to sea. The children are entrusted to maneuver us safely through dangerous, rapid, and iceberg-filled waters. When we make our way back to land fall, we earn recognition as honorary tribe members.
Narooks Seaweed Noodlery: With authentic water tribe cuisine at affordable prices, Narooks Seaweed Noodlery is just the spot for a great family meal. Opening shop just west of the harbor, the open space of the restaurant gives off the feeling of a communal place where locals and visitors come for a warm bite. Narook, a local who has taken himself and his noodles from small street vendor to full-fledged restaurant, offers his five best noodle recipes, warm buns, and hot drinks. Best part is, we can create our own noodle bowl. As we do, we take in the smell of the balmy spices in the air as it envelopes us, wafting from the open windowed kitchen.
Chief Sokka’s Watch Tower: The Southern Tribe isn’t just celebrating the 10th anniversary of the end of the war, but as well as the opening of its newest and bravest city icon, The Watch Tower. Backed by Councilman Chief Sokka, the icon boasts a wonderful view of the south pole as well as the surrounding waters. If we look closely enough, we can even see a neighboring nation or two. Leading up to the top we learn the history of the Southern Water tribe from its beginning. Its relationship with the Northern tribe, the almost eradication of southern water benders, as well as its most famous inhabitants Katara, Chief Sokka, and past Avatars from the Southern Water Tribe.
Southern Sushi Hut: Nestled beside the Watch Tower a little slice of local heaven, the Southern Sushi Hut, offers a variety of wonderful freshly made rolls. With a view of the sea, we can take in the view of large ships to small local boats coming into port. Makeshift polls with streaming water, which seem to surround us from all around, gives us a chance to “play with our food” as we try to catch some noodles sliding down to us, but if we miss them the lucky group beside us may just get to enjoy them!
The Marketplace: With a variety of small shops throughout the Southern Water Tribe’s capital, we find the marketplace brings together vendors from throughout the south pole. Here handmade items, clothing, kites, wooden boats, icy toys, and polar puppies can be purchased. We can smell the hot milk tea, fresh steamed dumplings, and fried food on sticks which are being sold by family carts with recipes passed down from generation to generation. Right in the heart of the city, the marketplace is the perfect spot to take a relaxing stroll taking in the sounds of the tribe’s people whether it be a deal being made, children laughing as they run around with their new games, or the reaction of someone who seems to like the fur boots they are trying on. Plus, we can’t miss the drum skills of the “coldest” band south of the pole, the Arctic Camel Cradles.
The Secret of the White Lotus: Hidden within the winding paths of the ice city buildings stands a singular wooden door with a small sign nailed to the side of it. Its painted letters look weathered and faded showcasing its age, reading: “Seek Philosophy, Beauty and Truth.” Intrigued by the saying, we decide to see what lies behind, with the door shutting the room goes dark instantly. We hear the wooden floors creak as we continue to move forward, the only sound is that of our breathing. A voice speaks within the darkness stating, “Across national and political divides we are devoted in sharing ancient knowledge,” a second voice speaks as soon as the first pauses “formally secret we aid the Avatar within this time of peace.” Instantly the room lights up as flames burst to life from all around us. Surrounding us stand a group of men and women dressed in intricately detailed blue and white robes as the say in unison “we are The Order of the White Lotus.” This ancient society welcomes us to their ranks handing us a piece of a popular game throughout the nations known as Pai Sho, this singular game piece depicts a white lotus on its front. From the group a member of the order reaches for a letter left behind by Iroh, uncle to the current Fire Lord Zuko, and grand Lotus, the head of the order. In the letter it is explained that a member, known as Xai Bau has gone rogue and is now on a mission to “liberate the world from the nations influences” and disturb the balance between the spirit and physical world. Xai Bau has gained a following of likeminded individuals who call themselves The Red Lotus. We are tasked in infiltrating the new rogue order as we travel among the nations, finding any trace of them, collecting all form of clues, and at times coming face to face with members. As well as stopping in secret check points of the White Lotus to bring in information found and gain further insight on the progress of the mission to keep order to the nations.
Southern Air Temple
Home to Avatar Ang, the Southern Air Temple has been newly restored thanks to the contributions of the Avatar and the Air Acolytes. The Acolytes being a group of people from all around the 4 nations who have come together to preserve and honor the culture of the unfortunately extinct Air Nomads, passing down their history to future generations. During our time within the Temple, we take in the calming feeling which surrounds us from the stillness in the incent filled air, the subtle tones of the chanting Acolytes, and a chamber made for wind to flow through, causing sacred wooden windchimes to chime from above. The playfulness of the last few Winged Lemurs swing and fly above us reminding us of the fun which is also held here. Following them along we find the Airball Arena, with its wooden pillars for us to stand so we can get to learn the game young Air Nomads used to play. Near the arena we find The Sanctuary, a stoned room where statues of past Avatars have been erected in their honor and we can even take a glimpse into the next incarnate.
The Sanctuary: From Wan the first Avatar to Ang the Last Airbender, a long line of Avatar’s have come between and we are able to discover just who they are within the Sanctuary. A temple filled with statues of all past Avatars, we walk through as a show filled with bright lights, projections, and wonderful effects takes place. In the Sanctuary we discover just how the story of the Avatar began, from the spirit Ravaa which lives within each Avatar to what the future of the Avatar lineage may hold. The story moves around us as we take in every moment of feeling as though we ourselves are part of the Avatar journey.
Airball Arena: We take a deep breath as we strap on our goggles, to protect us from the wind, and our gloves, to help us catch the air ball better. We strap on to our safety harness provided by the Acolytes, take the first step onto the wooden pillars which make up the arena, and the game begins. Air Ball is a classic and long-lost game of the Air Nomads. The Object: Score points by shooting an air ball to your opponent’s goal, you can toss or use “air bending” to hit the goal. Flips, kicks, and any other air defying tricks are just some of the ways you can get across the arena without falling off the pillars.
Fruit Pie Cart: A delicacy passed down from the ancient Air Nomads are fruit pies. Delicious fluffy little mousse like pies with an ooey gooey center and topped with a colorful dollop of air bended whipped cream. Air Acolytes offer us a few pies from a cart found toward the center of the temple. Selling them for a single silver piece as the Air Nomads once had which Avatar Ang recalled from his youth at the temple.
Earth Kingdom
We come to immerse ourselves with the beauty of the Earth Kingdom and its vast variety of landscapes-from the water filled foggy swamp, to the heat inducing Si Wong Deseret where Wan Shi Tong’s Hidden Library lies. Bah Sing Sei’s urban setting gives us a chance to try some tea from its various shops and a quick ride on their enhanced monorail system pushed by earth benders from behind. Of course, there is Kyoshi Island, protected by the Sea Serpent Unagi, the island is home to an ancient band of female fighters who follow the fan-fighting traditions of Avatar Kyoshi, welcoming us to join their ranks.
BA SING SEI:
Ba Sing Sei Monorail: Encircling the city stands the Wall of Ba Sing Sei, built as the cities indestructible first line of defense. The wall is split in two: the outer and inner walls. Between the two is the Agrarian Zone, an underdeveloped area made up of large land used for agricultural purposes as well as where the Ba Sing Se zoo can be found. Behind the Inner wall are the Three Rings of the City: The Lower, Middle, and Upper Ring. Once a separation of class and wealth within the city the rings-the lower being the poorest of Earth Kingdom families to the upper being home to the rich, royals, and aristocrats- are connected by the city’s monorail system as well as the Agrarian zone. It is an immense mass transit network serving as the primary mode of transportation within. Once our tickets are punched, we sit down comfortably in the beautifully decorated carts showcasing the history of the city within maps along the walls, and we get pushed from behind by a group of Earthbenders. Taking in magnificent views of the city’s farms, agricultural life, and the animals within the zoo before making our way past the inner wall and really getting a feel for what makes each ring their own: merchants on the streets within the lower ring, families taking strolls in the middle, and women of the upper ring gossiping under cherry blossom trees. Without the monorail it would take almost two days to get from one end of the city to the other!
Dai Li Take Down: To protect the cultural heritage of Ba Sing Se are what the Dai Li have been tasked to do since the era of Avatar Kyoshi. The Dai Li are a secret elite group of police force within the city who pledge their oath to the Earth Kingdom Royalty. During the Hundred Year war though, they had become corrupt and even pledged themselves to the Fire Nation. Since then, the Dai Li have returned to serving the Earth Kingdom, but not all. We stand within the Ba Sing Sei royal walls as the Earth kingdom King tasks us in hunting down those who wish to overthrow the peace within the city. Leading us on this mission is Toph, one of the best Earth Benders within the four nations and friend of Avatar Ang. Using her metal bending Toph gets us started on our mission under neath the city. Slow and stealthy we move through the crystal caverns beneath, we hear whispers from a distance, as we move closer, we discover a secret gathering of Dai Li as they prepare a siege of Ba Sing Sei. Quickly our stealthy mission turns into an earth bending battle as the Dai Li discover our presence and attack, quickly Toph fights back and shoots us out of the way to safety, just as it may seem we are out numbered a group of metal benders in training from Toph’s own class come to help. All around earth, crystal, metal, and even lava is bended while we get sent off on a quick chase after a few Dai Li who have escaped and, on their way, to execute their plan. We finally catch up with them back in the palace where the corrupt Dai LI members have captured the King with the use of their rock gloves. But in one quick motion Toph jumps in, and metal bends the King free just as the rest of the Official Dai Li have come in and overpowered those corrupt and prevent them from going on with their plans. Once the dust clears and the corrupt are taken into custody, we are awarded with honorary medals of honor by the Earth Kingdom Royalty.
The Jasmine Dragon: Green Tea, White Tea, Oolong Tea, Boba Tea, just a few of the offerings that can be found at the Upper Ring famous Jasmine Dragon Tea Shop. The name is dramatic, poetic, and has a nice ring to it and it is a spot not to miss. Two large separate stone steps take you to a tiled terrace with a rectangular fountain in the center which lead you up to the large, exquisite building. Inside, the main dining area is made up of brown round and square tables large enough to sit friends and families of four or more. A large dark green woven carpet depicting two dragons surrounded by a golden border lies in the center of the room. Most of the slight is provided by natural sunlight during the day which flows in form wide windows at the front, while at night yellow-green wooden cloth lanterns hung from above illuminate the establishment. Adorned at the entrance is a framed work of calligraphy which states “it is better to go three days without food than one day without tea.” Words that could not have any bigger meaning than within the Jasmine Dragon. Whose founder is none other than Grand Lotus, and Uncle to the Fire Lord, Iroh.
Cabbage Karts: Walking through the city our stomachs begin to grumble, but not enough for a full meal. Instead, we stop at the Earth kingdom Famous cabbage cart known for their Cabbage Noodles, Candied Cabbage, Cabbage Cookies, Cabbage Chips, and steamed Cabbage Pods.
Lower Ring Food Market: For those wanting something heavier than a light snack but still want to eat on the go then the Lower Ring Food Market is for you. Here some of the best meals can be found. Locals have taken their time to get the best ingredients and recipes passed down from generation to generation to serve up some of the best Earth Kingdom comfort meals for us to enjoy.
Middle Ring Eatery: Now if you find yourself still hungry and wanting a more traditional style service; then heading out from the lower ring and more towards the center and to the beautiful emerald structure of the Middle Ring Eatery is just the place. Here a more family style restaurant serving up some of the best Dim Sum in all the Nations. This Family style meals show just how much family means to those from the middle ring of Ba Sing Sei.
Omashu:
Omashu Delivery System: South of Ba Sing Se lies the second largest city within the Earth Kingdom: Omashu. Located in the mountain ranges of the Kolau Mountains the city sits atop a mountain peak rising high out of a deep chatham. Visiting the city, we are recruited to help with some late invitation deliveries to let the people of the city know of a great firework spectacular at night in celebration of the anniversary of the end of the war. Of course, the only way to be able to get these invites out is through the Omashu Delivery System otherwise known as “the world’s greatest super slide.” The delivery system is simple: we get into our delivery carts, shoot up with the help of earth bending, locking in place with the “rockslide” and through gravity are sent down, invitations flying out of the carts and landing within the city streets below. As we slide down other carts are shot up around us with others on the same mission turning this job now into a race to the bottom where we are met with King Bumi, the 112-year-old King of Omashu as well as White Lotus member and founder, who asks us to let him join us next time we decide to make a delivery in the city.
Kyoshi Island
Kyoshi Warrior Training Academy: We sail off the southern coast of mainland Earth Kingdom to Kyoshi Island. Along the way we maneuver around the Unagi, a carnivorous predator who protects the island and will consume anything that it encounters in the waters, intimidating us as he slithers around our vessel. Once we reach shore of the lush environment, we are greeted by locals with open arm, handing traditional welcoming gifts like the elephant koi pendant, and are take us to Kyoshi temple where a statue of Avatar Kyoshi, the last Avatar before Ang, looms over the fishing port we have landed on. By the statue stand the Kyoshi Warriors, an order of female fighters named after the Avatar who protect her homeland using the traditional form of fan fighting. Here we are welcomed to sign up and join their ranks, train with them, and fight as we come face to face with those wishing to bring down Avatar Kyoshi’s legacy.
Si Wong Desert
The Wan Shi Tong Library: “This Library is more valuable than gold. It is said to contain a vast collection of knowledge, and knowledge is priceless,” writings left behind by professor Zei, the head of the anthropology department at Ba Sing Sei University, which we find amongst his notes and journals inside his abandoned encampment within the sands of the Si Wong Dessert. Within the notes we also discover a map with the possible location of the Wan Shi Ton Library and what may be the last location of the professor, so with the help of a local Sand Bender we are off on our journey across the desert. Reaching what seems to be just the very tip of roof from what may have been a towering beam, our Sand Bender friend stops and bends the sand revealing the rest of the tower and with it an entrance. Once inside we are greeted by the Professor himself who is delighted we were able to decipher his notes and begins to give us a tour of the library with the help of a Knowledge Seeker, a fox-like spirit assistant to the knowledge spirit Wan Shi Tong. Just as our peaceful tour begins it quickly turns into a thrilling escape as we try to evade Wan Shi Tong itself, who takes the apperanc e of a larger than life owl, who upon its discovery of us has threatened us for trespassing within the library. Just as we maneuver throughout and narrowly escaping, Professor Zei volunteers to stay behind, reminding us he could “spend an eternity here.”
Cactus Juice Carts: Walking through the hot desert we quickly become parched. No water nearby, no tea shops, but what seems to be that in the distance? A vendor’s cart selling… Cactus Juice? It must be a mirage. Except, it isn’t! Cactus juice, a hidden delicacy of the desert is just what we need to quench our thirst, because after all it is “The Quenchiest!” With each gulp of this sweet and slightly tangy drink we cool relief rushes through our body. No need to worry though thanks to some research and testing its hallucinogenic properties have been removed making it safe to consume.
The Foggy Swamp
The Banyan-Grove Tree: The Foggy Swamp is an immeasurable and peculiar wetland found within the southwest coastline of the Earth Kingdom. Densely made up of wildlife such as Fauna and Catgator, you can also find a tribe of waterbenders who had migrated to this region from the Southern Water Tribe long before the war. The tribe hold a strong relationship with nature and with the use of their skiffs, canoe like vessels, they propel us through the swamp waters, following the thick moss-covered vines which seem to surround us all the way to The Banyan-Grove Tree an immense natural structure sitting within the heart of the swamp. The ancient tree’s roots spread out over miles and miles, the entire swamp comes from the foundation of the roots becoming, over time, one living super organism. Members of the fogy swamp tribe climb from behind the greenery and through a grand speech mixed with a show of light and images on the tree and its roots, explain their belief: like The Grand Banyan-Tree itself all the people within the nations, no matter how different they may seem to be, come from the same roots and branches of the same tree. We continue along the waters as we feel a seismic force beneath us, the images on the roots change showing visions of the past, present, and possible future. At the end of our voyage, we are greeted by Huu, a tribe member who at one point reached spiritual enlightenment at the heart of the tree and now sits within a mix of vines from the swamp resembling a “swamp monster.” Huu welcomes us back and reminds us to stay connected to the roots of the Banyan-Grove Tree and listen to what it has to say.
Ba Sing Sei
Omashu, Kyoshi Island
Si Wong Desert, Foggy Swamp
Eastern Air Temple
Home to where Sky Bison and Air Nomads once connected the Eastern Air Temple welcomes us as it begins its long-awaited restoration, the final of the four air temples within the Nations. Here we join Air Acolytes who are herding a new family of Sky Bison after being discovered by Avatar Ang on one of his adventures after the end of the war. We are then offered to get on the back of a Bison and go on an electrifying flight. Back on land the Eastern Air temple is also known to be the most spiritual of the temples. We feel a slight shift in the spirit realm as we hear a humming through the halls, following its low tone our stomachs rumble with hunger we make our way to a newly restored Air Nomad food hall where cuisine such as egg custards, mochi donuts and vegetarian plates are served.
Appa’s Flying Adventure: Regarded to be as the original Air Benders, Sky Bison have been the companions to Air Nomads for centuries up until the Air Nomad Genocide at the beginning of the 100-year war. Avatar Ang’s Sky Bison, Appa, was believed to have been the last of the species up until a few years after the end of the war. Avatar Ang discovered a heard in hiding and led them back the Eastern Air Temple to be raised properly by acolytes and let shown to us, who have an interest on going on a flight. And so we are offered to ride through the skies as we settle in the harness on the back of our Bison. Led by Avatar Ang and Appa we are taken on a wonderful journey in the skies, over the waters of the Nations, through fishing villages and farming towns within the Earth Kingdom, to the Western Air Temple hidden underneath a mountain cliff, past crashed and abandoned Fire Nation air war ships, and passing Northern Water tribe children as then run over to the coast to wave hello to us. We get to see the people, culture, and history of the Four Nations from a different perspective and with the Avatar as our guide we get to truly understand what the nations are meant to be: a peaceful world unified through its differences.
Air Nomad Food Hall: Adventures through the air leave us with quite an appetite. Wondering through the temple we are suggested by a few acolytes to follow the uneven stone path to the food hall. The hall stands alone at the edge of the temple, with large open spaces to let air flow freely within, above tubular wooden chimes play melodic music as we sit amongst large communal tables. Placed in front of us a feast of vegetarian delights, as Air Nomads were known to be plant-based eaters. Options such as dumplings, steamed tofu, and sweet buns fill us up and get us energized and ready for our next adventure.
Fire Nation
Within the western volcanic mountain ranges sits the Fire Nation. A nation healing from a past of tyranny and war now under the ruling of Fire Lord Zuko who has brought harmony, peace, and unification to the country, all of which are reflected in the nations people and what they have to offer. Plus, it just so happens the Fire Days Festival has coincided with the anniversary of the end of the war, everyone from the fire nation has come to enjoy street foods such as flaming fire flakes, purchase handmade masks, and watch fire benders showcase their skills on the streets. Just as the festival occurs the famous Ember Island players have made it to their destination of their tour, the capital, showcasing the story of Fire Lord Zuko and his journey to the throne. Stepping out of the capital we find ourselves being wrongly accused of being apart of a regime who want to return the Fire Nation to the power-hungry version they had been during the war. We get sent north to the famously inescapable Boiling Rock Prison situated on a volcanic island in the middle of a boiling lake. Here our skills are tested as we try to break free. All while to the east at the Sun Warrior ruins, where the people of whose lineage comes from those who were the precursors to modern day fire bending invite us to join in the ancient and secretive Dragon Dance.
Ember Island Players: Never to have been known for putting on a good show, the Ember Island Players have finally got a hit and have taken it on the road. With their final stop at the capitol theater the Ember Island Players showcase their first ever award-winning play “Honor: The Story of Fire Lord Zuko.” A tale of epic proportions filled with plenty of heart. We take our seats and watch as we see how Zuko went from a young, exiled prince tasked on finding the Avatar to befriending the Avatar, ending his father’s regime at the end of the war, and restoring the Fire Nation as a peaceful country within the 4 Nations. We hang at the edge of our seats, jaws dropped, as we watch an explosive ending filled with plenty of heart, the Final Act, the Last Agni Kai: A duel between two fire benders, this one being between Fire Lord Zuko and his sister, Princess Azula. A beautiful yet dramatic symphony envelops us deepening the power within the duel between siblings occurring right before our eyes.
Yiu’s Flaming Hot Pot: A little famished and our taste buds tired of bland food, we decide to make a stop at a famous capital spot, Yiu’s Flaming Hot Pot. Unknown from the outside as the signage is hung by a half ripped brown and red tapestry right above the entrance which is made up of hung wooden beads this spot is one of the most popular family-owned restaurants within the Fire Nation. Serving up some of the hottest broths and ingredients, we challenge ourselves to what they have to offer. Willing to up the challenge we take up on the Flaming Hot Fire Red Noodle Challenge, barely beat by the many who try, this challenge tasks us to eat a spicy broth made up of spicy dumplings, leafy veggies, and the hottest noodles made up of Spirit Ghost Peppers. The catch? Eat it all and for three minutes go without any form of cooling down. Options too spicy for us? Not to worry, Yiu has some of the best sweat creams around ready to cool down our heat induced mouths.
Fire Days Festival: People of all ages are welcomed to a small colonial village just outside the capital as they host the annual Fire Days Festivals. The festival celebrates the Fire Nation, its culture, people, and history. Stands with foods such as flaming fire flakes surround us, children run and play with sparklers in hand as we are given masks to wear as it is traditionally done during the festival. We can partake in several activities and entertainment such as magic acts rooted in ancient fire nation traditions, dragon dancing performed by locals underneath a beautifully designed dragon costume, and for the children juggling and puppetry of past Fire Nation Avatars. Small carnival like attractions such as a carousel adorned with animals such as Buffalo-Yak, Vulture Griffin, and Komodo Rhino, as well as a chair swing ride which gives great views of the village. Just as we think we have seen all there is to see, ride, and taste, a show is conducted from the center stage, here fire benders show off their skills as flames dance around them, we feel the heat on our skin and smell the smoke in the air as our eyes take in the performance.
Boiling Rock Prison Attraction: Situated on a volcanic island in the middle of a boiling lake resides the Fire Nations inescapable maximum-security prison. The steam which rises form the lake makes it nearly impossible for aircraft to fly near and the boiling lake even more so impossible to make across by ship nor swim. The only way on and off the prison island are through the gondola system which is exactly how we were brought on. Boiling Rock Prison has held some of the worst criminals including thieves, traitors, prisoners of war and now we have been added to its list of residents. How we ended up imprisoned here starts just a few moments earlier: it was just off the shores of the capital when we were accused of sympathizing with a group of rebel fire benders who are trying to take back the nation in honor of ex-fire lord Ozai and bring down the current fire lord Zuko. Once on the island we were welcomed by the prisons cruel prison guard Azai and his fire bender guards who lead us through the prison halls and to our very own cells. Instead of accepting our false accusations we decide we need to escape. Using our wits and skills we begin to find ways to first break free from the cell, into the prison halls, past the guards in the cafeteria and outer courtyard. We use clues, tools, and connect dots to maneuver through and find the way out. Just as we make for the end, we get caught by the warden who laughs at us for thinking we ever had a chance of escaping, but just as he begins to call for the guards a surprise ally breaks in, Sokka new chief of the Southern Water tribe and one of the few who actually escaped the prison during the war. Sokka leads us to ex-fire nation war machines to make our final escape with, driving along the edge of the prison as guards begin to use fire bending to get us to stop up until we reach the edge of the Island. Losing hope by just looking over the boiling lake Sokka swings in and hooks on the gondola line with a big push having us speedily fly over the lake and to freedom.
The Dancing Dragon: North of the capital we make our way to the Sun Warrior Ruins. This stone metropolis sits covered in vines and for years unused, up until ten years ago when Fire Lord Zuko and Avatar Aang discovered what was left of the once large and ancient tribe. It is this same tribe who welcomes us and leads us to the Lair of the Fire Bending Masters, Ran and Shaw. Two caves which sit atop large rocks overlooking the coastline rising above the city with a grand stone staircase leading us to the top. Surrounding us at the bottom, to help us in mastering fire bending, the tribe begins to perform a ceremony which will have the masters come out to judge our skills. We make our way to the top of the staircase and in between the mouths of the caves fog slowly begins to trickle out, just as the tribe’s drum playing begins to grow louder and louder, from the fog come out the two last known remaining dragons, the masters of fire bending, Ran and Shaw. Beneath each dragon rows of seats are made available to us to join them in Dragon Dance, an ancient fire bending form, we retreat into the caves and begin. We move swiftly through the air as rays of fire light up around us radiating heat not from around us but from within us as the fire moves with us while a beautiful stringed symphony orchestrates our every move. Returning to the entrance of the caves, a ring of colors appears around us as the chief of the tribe congratulates us for truly mastering fire bending and remind us to give praise to Ran and Shaw for their positive pass of judgment.
Northern Water Tribe:
The Northern Water tribe is an icy fortress within a frozen tundra located in the North Pole. Its capital city which is primarily made of Ice and connected by a system of canals is built right into giant ice cliffs. The city sits on the shores of the Northern Sea which is how we make our entrance over an icy bridge formed by water benders. Gondolas powered by these same benders take us through the city providing transportation to some of the most notable locations it has to offer. The Royal palace at the north, the spirit Oasis home to Tui and La the Moon and Ocean Spirits, the warrior training grounds, healing huts and even the newly ceremonial sanctuary of Princess Yue whom at the start to the end of the war sacrificed herself when the moon spirit was attacked on the night of the Fire Nation’s attempted siege of the Northern Water Tribe.
Northern Water Tribe Boat Attraction: The Northern Water Tribe capital is connected though an expansive system of canals. These interconnecting water ways play a major part in the way the tribe members get around the city. Through the power of water bending gondolas and other boats travel along these water ways. Taking notice and getting tired of walking we decide to take a tour of the capital by gondola. A water bending tour guide marks key locations such as the royal palace, healing huts, homes of past Northern Water Tribe Avatars. The history of the Northern Water Tribe is brought to life by ancient markings on the walls of the icy caves hidden beneath the city as we continue through the water ways bringing us back out and to the heart of the city where a great fountain of the Koizilla, a monstrous like spirit form Avatar Ang had taken to protect the capital during the war bringing our tour to a grand end.
Princess Yue Sanctuary: Hidden within an icy cave to the right of the royal palace a secret waterfall marks the location of the Princess Yue Sanctuary and Temple. Candles align the ground where a statue of the late Princess has been erected. Here the music from a Guzheng is gracefully played giving the sense of peace and tranquility. A plaque explains of Princess Yue’s sacrifice during the fire nations attempted siege of the Northern Water Tribe as she gave her life once that of the moon spirit had been taken. Beside the sanctuary a path leads us into the Spirit Oasis where a bonsai tree sits on a small island surrounded by a pool of water where two Koi Fish swim in circles around or pushing and pulling one another. We pay our respects to these “fish” as they are the Moon and Ocean spirts, the first spirits to have come to the mortal world resembling Yin and Yang, where they are in an eternal dance of push and pull.
Water Bending Water Attraction: Interested to learn more into water bending we decide to stop by the bending training grounds where Master Pako leads a class of both Northern and Southern tribe members in the mastering of water bending. As part of their final training the students are put in charge of taking us on a journey though water. As we take our seats in traditional tribal rafts the journey begins, water rushes beneath us as we are taken within the wintery tundra. Paku instructs his students to perform a series of water bending forms from the water bending scroll they have been taught from. Water takes shape and flies all around us in a breathtaking, and slightly wet, show as Master Paku narrates the importance of water and oceans and its connection to all four nations and the spirit realm.
Northern Royal Palace Theater: Located to the far North of the capital stands the beautiful Northern Royal Palace, here we are welcomed to visit and walk through its beautiful icy halls. We take in the breath-taking water bended architecture, the history of the Northern Water Tribe Royal Family line and end up on our next adventure with the Avatar and his Gang. Seated in the royal palace theater we eagerly await an audience with Avatar Ang but just as he Is introduced the theater gets infiltrated as members from the secret order of the Red Lotus rush in and hold us captive, followed by the entrance of their leader Xai Bau who explains that he has come to the Northern Water Tribe in pursuit of opening a spirit portal into the spirit realm. With the help of Katara, Sokka, Toph, and Zuko, Ang fights back making sure we are protected along the way. Our seats beneath us move around the theater as the action occurs all around us. We root for Avatar as he goes face to face with Xai Bau and stops him before he gets too far with his plans, once the action has ceased and the Red Lotus defeated Uncle Iroh, Grand Lotus of the White Lotus, enters to take Xai into custody and thanking Ang and the Gang for their help but just as he is about to leave with Xai we are hit by a flash of light and burst of smoke, once clear we see that the Order of the Red Lotus has escaped showing that our fight against them is far from over.
The theme park welcomes guest into the next chapter of the Four Nations. The journey sets off from where the story of Avatar Ang originally ended and expands on the people of the nations beyond those focused within the television series. The theme park goes above just the fictional story but the real-life cultural influences from Eastern societies. With this blend of story and traditional customs which is found within its food that provides a sense of comfort, architecture that overly express the societal setting, and themes which have us feeling as though we have stepped into an entirely different world, it differentiates itself from other theme parks as a sense of representation. Words alone cannot express the senses which you will endure within the Four Nations, but it is you who must embark on your own adventure within to truly grasp what the Nations and its people have to offer.
