Changes

The original plans for the Asia expansion in Animal Kingdom called for an Asian safari ride to counterbalance the [[Kilimanjaro Safaris]] in Africa. In order to differentiate the attraction however, Imagineers decided to make the ride a rafting safari. The attraction, which was called the Tiger Rapid Run, would have been similar to Walt Disney's original concept for the [[Jungle Cruise]]. Guests would have boarded large yellow rafts which would be held together in groups. As guests floated through the Asian jungles, they would observe animals such as the Indian Rhinoceros, the Asian Elephant, the Asian Antelope and various other creatures. Other scenes on the attraction were to include an Indian palace, a scene depicting vicious deforestation, and the finale which called for the rafts to separate from each other before sending guests down thrilling white water rapids.

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.

===Backstory and Queue===

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.