Difference between revisions of "Asia"

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(Shopping)
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'''Serka Zong Bazaar-''' This shop sells Expedition Everest and other Animal Kingdom merchandise.
 
'''Serka Zong Bazaar-''' This shop sells Expedition Everest and other Animal Kingdom merchandise.
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==Fun Facts and Trivia==
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* Anandapur means "place of delight" in Sanskrit <ref name= "Jack"/>.
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* A portrait of the Royal Couple of Anandapur can be found in each shop within the township <ref name= "Jack"/>
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* The sarcophagus of Ananta (Anandapur's founder) can be found on the [[Maharajah Jungle Trek]] <ref name= "Jack"/>
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==References==
 
==References==

Revision as of 17:21, 28 September 2016

Asia
AnimalKingdomAsia.jpg
The Asia section of Disney's Animal Kingdom is home to the Township of Anandapur and the Forbidden Mountain. Photo by Rhys A.
Disney's Animal Kingdom
Theme Southeast Asia Village
Opening date 1999
Number of Attractions Four

Asia is a land located in Disney's Animal Kingdom.

History

Conception

Although not read for opening day, an Asia land for Disney’s Animal Kingdom had been on the drawing board since the genesis of the project. To research the region, Imagineers visited: India, Singapore, Bhutan, Bali, Java and Nepal. By the summer of 1997, Imagineers were already hard at work constructing Asia’s safari ride. Although initially viewed as a water based alternative to the Kilimanjaro Safaris, the attraction eventually evolved into a white water rafting thrill ride called Tiger River Run. The attraction continued to be tinkered with, eventually opening as Kali River Rapids.

History Since Opening Day

The Asia section of the park finally opened to guests in 1999. On the land’s opening day it featured three attractions: the bird show Flight of Wonder, the Maharajah Jungle Trek walking trail, and the Kali River Rapids. Also present on opening day was the short-lived Discovery River Boats dock. Following the closure of the boats August 21, 1999, the dock was briefly turned into the Upcountry Landing Bar, before being permanently used as a character meet and greet location [1].

The first major expansion to Asia came on April 7, 2006 when Expedition Everest opened [2]. The new attraction takes guests on a high speed adventure through the Forbidden Mountain, where they come face to face with the mythical Yeti. Besides adding a new attraction to Asia, the Expedition Everest expansion also allowed guests to enter the mountainside village of Serka Zong.

Backstory

A map of Anandapur. Photo by Jeremy Thompson

According to the land's backstory, Anandapur was founded ages ago by Anata, a wise ruler who knew the importance of living in harmony with animals [3]. In 1544 however, King Bhima Disampati decreed that the forest near Anandapur was to be home to a royal hunting preserve [3] . In order to make hunting easier, King Disampati built a hunting lodge, and enclosed much of the area in an attempt to trap his prey. Ironically, King Disampati was killed by a tiger, and his successors (remembering Anata's teachings) transformed the enclosure into a nature preserve [3].

For many years, Anandapur (and much of Southeast Asia) was under British colonial rule. In 1948 however Anandapur was granted their independence, and the forest preserve was given to the people [4].

Attractions

Flight of Wonders- In this show, guests can see various tricks performed by all kinds of exotic birds.

Maharajah Jungle Trek- This walking trail takes guests through the ruins of an ancient palace. Here, guests encounter giant fruit bats, Komodo dragons and even tigers!

Kali River Rapids- This raft ride takes guests down the Chakranadi River in true whitewater fashion. The Kali River Rapids also shows guests the danger of illegal logging and habitat destruction.

Expedition Everest- This high speed roller coaster takes guests on a frantic journey through the Forbidden Mountain as they search for the mythical Yeti.

Restaurants

Yak and Yeti- This table service restaurant features a Pan-Asian menu.

Yak and Yeti Local Foods Café- This counter service restaurant offers guests a variety of Pan-Asian entrees.

Mr. Kamals- This quick service stand originally sold burgers; however it now features an entirely vegetarian menu. Located on the pathway between Asia and Africa.

Bradley Falls- Located across from Mr. Kamals, Bradley Falls is a quick service stand that specializes in vegetarian food.

Royal Anandapur Tea Company- This Joffery's stand specializes in pastries, coffee and (obviously) tea.

The Anandapur Ice Cream Truck- This quick service stand offers gusts frozen drinks and ice cream.

Former Restaurants

Upcountry Landing Bar

Shopping

Mandala Gifts- This stand sells authentic Asian crafts and souvenirs.

Serka Zong Bazaar- This shop sells Expedition Everest and other Animal Kingdom merchandise.

Fun Facts and Trivia

  • Anandapur means "place of delight" in Sanskrit [3].
  • A portrait of the Royal Couple of Anandapur can be found in each shop within the township [3]

References

  1. https://web.archive.org/web/20040603180109/http://www.wdwblues.com/ak/no.boats.html
  2. http://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/expedition-everest/news/07apr2006-expedition-everest-opening-day-press-release.htm
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2010/10/does_this_couple_look_familiar_1.html
  4. http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2009/10/maharajah_jungle_trek_1.html