Asia is a land located in Disney's Animal Kingdom.
History
Conception
Although not read for opening day, an Asia section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom had been on the drawing board since the genesis of the project [1]. To research the region, Imagineers visited: India, Singapore, Bhutan, Bali, Java and Nepal [1]. By the summer of 1997, Imagineers were already hard at work constructing Asia’s safari ride[1].. 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 [2].
History Since Opening Day
The Asia section of the park finally opened to guests in 1999 [3]. 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[3]. Also present was the short-lived Discovery River Boats dock [4]. Following the closure of the boats on August 21, 1999, the dock was briefly turned into the Upcountry Landing Bar [5], before being permanently used as a character meet and greet location [6].
The first major expansion to Asia came on April 7, 2006 when Expedition Everest opened [7]. 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 (which translates to "fortress of the chasm") [8]. Opening with Expedition Everest on April 7, 2006 was Serka Zong Bazaar, a gift shop [9].
In 2007, the Yak and Yeti restaurant opened to guests [10]. Built in the former location of the two quick service restaurants- Sunaulo Toren Fries and Chakranadi Chicken Shop, the Yak and Yeti was Disney's Animal Kingdom's first table service restaurant [10]
Backstory
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 [11]. In 1544 however, King Bhima Disampati decreed that the forest near Anandapur was to be home to a royal hunting preserve [11] . 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 [11].
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 [12].
With the addition of Expedition Everest in 2006, Disney expanded Asia to include the village of Serka Zong. According to the attraction's backstory, Serka Zong was originally a thriving tea plantation, equipped with steam trains used to transport the crops to Anandapur [13]. For unknown reasons however, the plantation was shut down and the trains ceased to run [13]. Due to rumors that the mythical yeti was responsible for the plantation's demise, a number of yeti shrines were constructed in order to appease the creature[13].
Many years later, Norbu and Bob came to the area and repurposed the plantation buildings and trains for use in their new business, "Himalayan Escapes- Tours and Expeditions[13]. This expedition service sets the stage for guest's adventure on Expedition Everest.
Attractions
Flight of Wonders- In this show, guests can see various tricks performed by 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- This short-lived bar sold various spirits while giving guests a great view of the Tree of Life [14] [6]
Chakranadi Chicken Shop- It closed for good on June 4, 2006 to make way for the Yak and Yeti.
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 [11].
- A portrait of the Royal Couple of Anandapur can be found in each shop within the township [11]
- The sarcophagus of Ananta (Anandapur's founder) can be found on the Maharajah Jungle Trek [11]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Malmberg, Melody. The Making of Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park. New York: Hyperion, 1998. Print.
- ↑ http://www.parkeology.com/2010/04/run-tiger-run.html
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 http://www.florida-project.com/images/guidemaps/dak/disneys-animal-kingdom-guidemap-1999-march-05.jpg
- ↑ http://waltdatedworld.com/id55.htm
- ↑ http://www.florida-project.com/images/guidemaps/dak/disneys-animal-kingdom-guidemap-1999-november-04.jpg
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 https://web.archive.org/web/20040603180109/http://www.wdwblues.com/ak/no.boats.html
- ↑ http://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/expedition-everest/news/07apr2006-expedition-everest-opening-day-press-release.htm
- ↑ http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2010/04/expedition_everest_legend_of_t_2.html
- ↑ https://d23.com/a-to-z/serka-zong-bazaar/
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 http://www.wdwradio.com/2013/09/disney-twenty-something-yak-yeti-restaurant/
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4 11.5 http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2010/10/does_this_couple_look_familiar_1.html
- ↑ http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2009/10/maharajah_jungle_trek_1.html
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2010/04/expedition_everest_legend_of_t.html
- ↑ http://www.florida-project.com/images/guidemaps/dak/disneys-animal-kingdom-guidemap-1999-november-04.jpg