Changes

During the planning of the Tiger Rapid Run, Imagineers decided that the screams of guests going to down the river rapids would frighten the animals showcased in the attraction, and also that guests would be moving too fast on the rapids to really observe the animals. Because of these problems, Imagineers decided to cut the live animal portion of the attraction. The Tiger Rapid Run was then renamed the Kali River Rapids (after the Hindu goddess Kali, who represents the destructive forces of nature), and the focus of the ride was shifted to showcase the dangers of deforestation. The Kali River Rapids opened with the rest of the Asia expansion on March 18, 1999.

The Kali River Rapids is set inside the fictional Anandapur Township which lies on the Chakranadi River. Signs throughout Anandapur warn that illegal loggers are damaging the environment with slash and burn logging techniques. Because of these environmental concerns, Manisha Gurung, a local woman started the Kali Rapids Expeditions. Manisha's goal by starting the attraction was to show that there were more ecofriendly ways of creating income for the village.

The entrance to the Kali River Rapids is located just next to the home of its owner Manisha Guring. After passing by the house, guests follow a path surrounded by bamboo. After strolling by many eroding religious artifacts, guests enter the Tiger Temple. Here, guests see a wall covered with ribbon, as well as bells hanging from the rafters. Each ribbon on the wall represents a prayer made, whereas each bell represents a prayer answered. As guests enter the temple, they may notice that there does not seem to be any particular religion evoked. Instead, Imagineers designed the temple to honor wildlife and animals instead of a particular deity. Throughout the temple, guests can see various religious artifacts and even a large tiger statue. Before venturing deeper into the temple; guests enter a room which holds statues of King Cobras. These are there to protect the Chakranadi River from being harmed by humanity.