Pack Your 3-D Glasses: Pandora on the Coast

A rainforest tree at Lake Quinault Lodge. Photo care of Aramark Parks and Destinations.

If James Cameron wants to lick his wounds and soothe his bruised ego after losing a whole bunch of Oscars to his smoking hot ex-wife, apparently he'd feel right at home on the Washington Coast. 

Trying to take a bite of that sweet Avatar pie, two of Aramark Parks and Destinations' four Washington properties are advertising themselves as Pandora on Earth.  It makes sense that both Lake Quinault Lodge and Kalaloch Lodge are taking advantage of the film's success to promote the resorts' picturesque rainforest locales--Lord knows sci-fi fanboys will pony up the money (see New Zealand and LOTR tourism, or Forks' active courting of Twi-hards).

So head to the coast to get in touch with your Na'vi side.  Commune with nature, search for precious unobtanium, and/or try to plug your braid into anything that moves (TWSS).  Full press release after the jump.

In the box-office hit Avatar, the unique ecosystem of the Earth-like moon Pandora sets the stage for the Na'vi species to roam. Inhabited by a wide range of hexapodal wildlife and bioluminescent fauna and flora, Pandora boasts a vibrant and exotic landscape. The lush scenery, with giant trees and a luxurious waterfall, no doubt whets the appetite for travelers that thrive on being outdoors and becoming one with nature. 

Pandora may be the mere figment of James Cameron's imagination brought to life with the help of a talented team and revolutionary visual effects technology, but the Olympic Peninsula in the Pacific Northwest offers a comparable panorama with its emerald green rainforests, sparkling bodies of water and unique wildlife. For Avatar fanatics that are looking to escape to their own "Pandora," Lake Quinault Lodge and Kalaloch Lodge are offering exciting new packages. 

At Lake Quinault Lodge, guests can explore the luscious rainforest and lake with the "Pandora" package*, available through May 1, 2010. Starting at $109, with a savings of at least 27 percent, this package offers a one-night stay and a rainforest tour for two. Additional nights are only $50. During the rainforest tour, guests can see the Quinault Rainforest's "secret tree" located on the North Shore of the lake. It is a gorgeous large tree with several different types of mosses hanging from its gigantic branches—similar to the trees seen in Avatar. Promo code: LQPANDORA 

Available now through June 15, 2010, Kalaloch Lodge's "Oceanside Pandora" package features a one-night stay in a Bluff Cabin or Kalaloch Suite and breakfast for two. Starting at $169 for double occupancy, representing more than 30 percent in savings, this package lets visitors connect with nature and soak in all its beauty. Promo code: KLPAND

The lush surroundings and unique wildlife in the Quinault Rainforest and Kalaloch beaches are reminiscent of Pandora.

For more information or to make a reservation, please visit www.visitlakequinault.com and www.visitkalaloch.com or call 866-297-7367.