Pandora: The World of Avatar at Animal Kingdom

Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Orlando is home to one of the most immersive themed lands ever created: Pandora – The World of Avatar. Inspired by James Cameron’s groundbreaking Avatar films, this extraordinary land transports visitors to the lush, alien moon of Pandora, blending cutting-edge technology with breathtaking artistry.

From the moment guests enter the Valley of Mo’ara, the experience feels otherworldly. Towering floating mountains hover overhead, waterfalls cascade into crystal-clear rivers, and bioluminescent plants light up the pathways as night falls. Every detail, from the ambient sounds to the carefully designed vegetation, creates a fully immersive environment, making visitors feel as though they have stepped off Earth and onto a living, breathing alien world.

Pandora is anchored by two signature attractions. Avatar Flight of Passage is a thrilling 3D flight simulator where guests ride on the back of a banshee, soaring over the moon’s landscapes with synchronized motion, mist, and scents for a truly sensory experience. In contrast, Na’vi River Journey offers a serene boat ride through a bioluminescent rainforest, culminating in an encounter with the Shaman of Songs, a remarkable Audio-Animatronics figure.

Dining and retail add to the land’s authenticity. The Satu’li Canteen serves themed cuisine inspired by the Na’vi culture, while Pongu Pongu offers unique snacks and drinks. Windtraders provides an assortment of themed merchandise, allowing visitors to take a piece of Pandora home.

Perhaps most magical is Pandora at night. The glowing plants, illuminated pathways, and alien soundscapes create an enchanting atmosphere, highlighting the land’s environmental themes of conservation and respect for nature.

Pandora – The World of Avatar is more than a theme park land, it’s an immersive journey into imagination, art, and storytelling. It captivates both fans of the films and newcomers alike, offering a sensory experience that transports guests to a world beyond anything on Earth.

The Last Bookstore in Los Angeles, California

Located in downtown Los Angeles, California, the Last Bookstore is a giant new and used book store that banked on the idea that book shopping could be instagrammable. From inside a tunnel of vintage books to walls of book-inspired art installations, the Last Bookstore is unique in that it combines the thrill of thrifting with the curated aesthetic of a downtown gallery. Visiting this gem wasn't just fun - it was actually a great place to find some unique local resources.  

Exploring the Medicine Hat Stampede Midway

It's been years since I've filmed any content at the Medicine Hat Stampede, so this year I thought I'd make a quick edit. Here's a few visual highlights from a night on the midway. 

Last Blockbuster Video Store in Bend, Oregon

The last Blockbuster, located in Bend, Oregon, is more than just a video rental store, it’s a nostalgic time capsule and a cultural icon. As the final remaining store of what was once a global franchise with over 9,000 locations, the Bend Blockbuster has become a symbol of a bygone era, where browsing physical shelves for Friday night movies was a cherished ritual.

This location, still operational as of 2025, owes its survival to a loyal local community, a savvy business strategy, and a wave of pop culture interest. Owned by Sandi Harding, often referred to as the "Blockbuster Mom," the store retains much of its original charm; blue and yellow signage, shelves stacked with DVDs and Blu-rays, and a staff committed to keeping the experience alive. In a world dominated by streaming services, the Bend Blockbuster offers a rare tactile experience. Visitors can hold a movie case in their hands, chat with staff for recommendations, and revel in the simplicity of physical media.

The store has embraced its unique position in pop culture. It has become a tourist destination, selling exclusive Blockbuster-branded merchandise and memorabilia. In 2020, it even hosted a one-night-only Airbnb sleepover, allowing fans to camp out in the store surrounded by classic films and '90s nostalgia.

The story of the last Blockbuster has been captured in the 2020 documentary The Last Blockbuster, further boosting its fame and underscoring its emotional pull. For many, it represents more than a video store. It’s a symbol of community, connection, and the joy of simpler times. As long as people continue to visit, rent, and remember, the Bend Blockbuster stands as a living monument to the golden age of movie rentals.