Difference between pages "Discovery River Boats" and "Asia"

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The Discovery River Boats was an attraction located in [[Safari Village]] in [[Disney's Animal Kingdom]].
 
 
{{Template:Infobox Disney ride |
 
{{Template:Infobox Disney ride |
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| land=Safari Village and Asia.
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| image= AnimalKingdomAsia.jpg
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| image=DiscoveryRiverBoats.jpg
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| caption='''The Asia section of Disney's Animal Kingdom is home to the Township of Anandapur, as well as the Forbidden Mountain. Photo by Rhys A.'''  
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| caption='''A Discovery River Boat Pulling Into the Dock.'''  
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| theme= Southeast Asia Village
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| park=Animal Kingdom
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| park= Disney's Animal Kingdom
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| duration=18
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| opened=1999
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| audio-animatronics= 1
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| custom_label_1    = Number of Attractions
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| opened= April 22, 1998
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| custom_value_1    = Four}}
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| closed= August 21, 1999
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Asia is a land located in [[Disney's Animal Kingdom]].
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| type= Slow boat ride
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==History==
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| custom_label_1      = Also Known As
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===Conception===
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| custom_value_1      = Discovery River Taxi (November-December 1998) <br> Radio Disney River Cruise (March-August 1999)
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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 <ref name= "book"> Malmberg, Melody. The Making of Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park. New York: Hyperion, 1998. Print. </ref>. To research the region, Imagineers visited: India, Singapore, Bhutan, Bali, Java and Nepal <ref name= "book"/>. By the summer of 1997, Imagineers were already hard at work constructing Asia’s safari ride<ref name= "book"/>.. 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 <ref> http://www.parkeology.com/2010/04/run-tiger-run.html <ref/>.
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}}
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===History Since Opening Day===
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The Asia section of the park finally opened to guests in 1999 <ref name= "map"> http://www.florida-project.com/images/guidemaps/dak/disneys-animal-kingdom-guidemap-1999-march-05.jpg </ref>. 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]]<ref name= "map"/>. Also present was the short-lived [[Discovery River Boats]] dock <ref> http://waltdatedworld.com/id55.htm </ref>. Following the closure of the boats on August 21, 1999, the dock was briefly turned into the Upcountry Landing Bar, before being permanently used as a character meet and greet location <ref> https://web.archive.org/web/20040603180109/http://www.wdwblues.com/ak/no.boats.html </ref>.
  
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==Attraction History==
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The first major expansion to Asia came on April 7, 2006 when Expedition Everest opened <ref> http://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/expedition-everest/news/07apr2006-expedition-everest-opening-day-press-release.htm </ref>. 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") <ref> http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2010/04/expedition_everest_legend_of_t_2.html </ref>. Opening with Expedition Everest on April 7, 2006 was  Serka Zong Bazaar, a gift shop <ref> https://d23.com/a-to-z/serka-zong-bazaar/ </ref>.
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The attraction that would eventually become the Discovery River Boats was originally intended to be an exciting boat ride. On this attraction guests would come face to face with a fire breathing dragon, spot a unicorn, get attacked by a kraken, and spot a live dinosaur <Ref name= "google book"> https://books.google.com/books?id=fi9o1LXtkKsC&pg=PT182&lpg=PT182&dq=Discovery+River+Boats+Unicorn&source=bl&ots=qzAsPIm6Kb&sig=trRObEJP3qQdTtX5kcBiIM6BQag&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0CFAQ6AEwCmoVChMI662NwYzkyAIVyOAmCh1ZlQO9#v=onepage&q=Discovery%20River%20Boats%20Unicorn&f=false</ref>. Due to budget constraints however, the scale of the attraction was greatly reduced <Ref> http://jimhillmedia.com/editor_in_chief1/b/jim_hill/archive/2004/10/19/479.aspx </ref> . Instead of being a full on attraction, the River Boats would instead preview Animal Kingdom’s various lands and provide transportation to the other side of the park. In the parks preopening literature, the attraction was described:
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==Backstory==
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[[Image:Anandapur.jpg|400px|thumb|A map of Anandapur. Photo by Jeremy Thompson]]
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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 <ref name= "Jack"> http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2010/10/does_this_couple_look_familiar_1.html </ref>. In 1544 however, King Bhima Disampati decreed that the forest near Anandapur was to be home to a royal hunting preserve <ref name= "Jack"/> . 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 <ref name= "Jack"/>. 
  
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{{Quotation| "...a preview of the fascinating lands of Disney's Animal Kingdom. You'll depart from Safari Village and cruise past the foreboding Dragon Rocks, where fearsome bellows and gusts of real fire emanate from a rocky lair. Farther upriver, as steaming geysers erupt right beside your boat, you'll get a waterside view of Harambe just before you exit at Upcountry Landing near Africa. You may also depart from Upcountry Landing to complete your tour of Discovery River. You'll pass the shores of Asia, an exciting new land opening in early 1999. Then sail around giant animal sculptures that rise from the depths to spout water through the air. Be careful when you cruise by DinoLand, U.S.A. - you just may startle a 35-foot dinosaur feeding in the river!"<Ref> http://jimhillmedia.com/editor_in_chief1/b/jim_hill/archive/2004/10/19/479.aspx </ref>}}
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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 <ref> http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2009/10/maharajah_jungle_trek_1.html </ref>.
  
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The Discovery River Boats opened with the rest of Disney’s Animal Kingdom on April 22, 1998. The attraction featured two docks where guests could board the vessels. The first was in the park's front hub "Safari Village" (later called Discovery Island), and the second in the park's Asia section <ref name= "Tripod"> http://saitonews.tripod.com/DiscRivBoat.html </ref>. Although initially Disney had hoped the boat ride would serve as an attraction (in a park that desperately needed them) as well as transportation, they quickly found that guests were not thrilled with the boats. Due to the slow loading time, the lines for the Discovery River Boats were long <ref> http://allears.net/tp/ak/akdrb.htm </ref>.This combined with the fact that there was not much to see once guests boarded the boats, led to a series of complaints. In an attempt to add more action to the boat ride, Disney had cast members walk around the boat and showcase various wildlife (such as spiders, lizards or snakes) <ref name= "Tripod"/>.
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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 <ref name= "everst"> http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2010/04/expedition_everest_legend_of_t.html </ref>. For unknown reasons however, the plantation was shut down and the trains ceased to run <ref name= "everst"/>. 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<ref name= "everst"/>.  
  
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By November 1998 Disney changed the name of the attraction to the Discovery River Taxi in an attempt to emphasize the transportation aspect of the boats. Furthermore, at this time the large Iguanodon that was located on the shores of DinoLand USA was removed from attraction <ref name= "Tripod"/>. Despite its name change, guest dissatisfaction continued and the River Boats were closed by the end of 1998.
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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<ref name= "everst"/>. This expedition service sets the stage for guest's adventure on [[Expedition Everest]].
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[[Image:RiverConcept.jpg|thumb|350px|Concept art for the Discovery River Boats. Note the dragon was a physical presence, not just implied.]]
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In March of 1999 the Discovery River Boats reopened as Radio Disney River Cruise. Now instead of having guests focus on live animals or shore side scenes, guests would hear a "broadcast" by Radio Disney DJs Just Plain Mark and Zippy who were supposedly broadcasting from atop the Tree of Life.  At this time the boats were also repainted brighter colors <ref> http://waltdatedworld.com/id55.htm</ref>. The Radio Disney River Cruise also no longer stopped to let guests disembark at the second dock. Instead, guests took a non-stop ride from whatever dock they loaded on. The new attraction was short lived however, as the Radio Disney River Cruise closed on August 21, 1999.
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==Attraction Description==
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==Attractions==
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The Discovery River Boats began with guests boarding one of seven boats: the Manatee Maiden, Leaping Lizard, Scarlet Flamingo, Otter Nonsense, Hasty Hippo, Crocodile Belle, or Darting Dragonfly<ref> http://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/discovery-river-cruise.htm </ref>. Guests could board the Discovery River Boats from two docks. The first, was located in “Safari Village” (eventually renamed Discovery Island) while the second dock was located in Asia and known as Upcountry Landing. While on the Discovery River Boats guests would go on an 18 minute round trip tour around the Tree of Life. Along the way they would see various scenes on the shores of Camp Minnie-Mickey, DinoLand USA, Africa and Asia. In an attempt to make the boat ride more exciting, cast members who showed guests various small creatures were eventually added to the boats.
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'''Flight of Wonders'''- In this show, guests can see various tricks performed by exotic birds.  
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===Points of Interest===
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Although the Discovery River Boats were primarily designed for transportation, the attraction did feature a few scenes.
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====Unicorn====
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In the initial plans for the Discovery River Boats, guests would have passed by a unicorn standing majestically on the river bank<ref> http://www.bestoforlando.com/articles/dragons-sea-monsters-and-unicorns-in-animal-kingdoms-past/ </ref>. In order to add to the unicorn effect, a mist would have been present to make it seem as if the animal was moving <ref name= "google book"/>. Although a unicorn statue was created for the attraction, it is unclear if guests ever saw the animal after the attraction actually opened.
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====Countdown to Extinction Iguanodon====
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'''[[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.
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When the Discovery River Boats opened in 1998, as the boats passed by DinoLand USA they would come face to face with the Iguanodon that guests had rescued and brought back to the present time on [[Countdown to Extinction]]. As the boats passed by the Iguanodon would sway its arms in the water as if it was going to splash the boat.  
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The Iguanodon was part of the original plans for the Discovery River Boat, as it was initially intended to be one of the many creatures that guest would see on the attraction. The Animatronic dinosaur also helped tie the attraction in to [[Countdown to Extinction]] (later renamed DINOSAUR). By November of 1998 the Iguanodon would be removed. The Animatronic (stripped of most of its skin and parts) would later turn up in the Studio Tram Tour: Behind the Magic at Walt Disney Studios Park in Disneyland Paris <ref> http://www.parkeology.com/2010/03/where-great-rides-go-to-die-part-2.html </ref>
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Below is a clip of the Iguanodon in 1998:
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'''[[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.
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{{#ev:youtube|QiRaMMDX8XU|420}}
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====Dragon Rocks====  
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'''[[Expedition Everest]]'''- This high speed roller coaster takes guests on a frantic journey through the Forbidden Mountain as they search for the mythical Yeti.
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Main Page: [[Dragon Rocks]]
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==Restaurants==
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'''Yak and Yeti-''' This table service restaurant features a Pan-Asian menu.
  
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Perhaps the biggest draw of the Discovery River Boats was to be the Dragon Rocks area. Here, Imagineers initially hoped to create a preview of the planned Beastly Kingdom area as guests passed by Camp Minnie-Mickey. To do this, Imagineers wanted to have guests to sail past a rocky cave which had various deceased knights outside. As the boats passed by the mouth of the cave guests would have heard a loud growl. As the guests finally got past the cave and focused their attention elsewhere, the dragon's head and neck would have lunged out. After the boats were at a safe distance the dragon would have unleashed its fire breath on the water<ref> http://jimhillmedia.com/editor_in_chief1/b/jim_hill/archive/2001/01/01/283.aspx </ref>.
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'''Yak and Yeti Local Foods Café-''' This counter service restaurant offers guests a variety of Pan-Asian entrees.
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Unfortunately, when Disney’s Animal Kingdom went over budget the scale of the Discovery River Boats was reduced. As guests rode the attraction they would pass by the dragon’s cave. Instead of seeing the beast however, guests would only hear menacing growling. After the boats passed by, a large ball of fire would come flying out of the cave <ref> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46PMcB0Sj8E </ref>. Following the closure of the Discovery River Boats, this effect was turned off, although the cave itself could still be seen from Camp Minnie Mickey.
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Below is a video of the Dragon's fire breath effect
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'''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.
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{{#ev:youtube|BIk310tE3_g|420}}
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====Hot Spring Geysers====
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'''Bradley Falls-''' Located across from Mr. Kamals, Bradley Falls is a quick service stand that specializes in vegetarian food.  
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As guests passed the shore of Africa, hot spring geysers would go off <ref name= "Tripod"/>.
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==Fun Facts and Trivia==
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'''Royal Anandapur Tea Company-''' This Joffery's stand specializes in pastries, coffee and (obviously) tea.  
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* The Discovery River Boat "Otter Nonsense" has been repurposed and is occasionally used to transport guests to and from the Magic Kingdom <ref> https://twitter.com/DallasORL/status/433293480883130368 </ref>.
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* From time to time one of the old Discovery River Boats will transport characters along the river <ref> http://extinctdisney.com/AK/dr.htm </ref>.
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'''The Anandapur Ice Cream Truck-''' This quick service stand offers gusts frozen drinks and ice cream.
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==Former Restaurants==
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'''Upcountry Landing Bar'''
  
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* The former Safari Village Dock is now sometimes used for character meet and greets <ref> http://allears.net/ae/issue449.htm </ref>.
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==Shopping==
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'''Mandala Gifts-''' This stand sells authentic Asian crafts and souvenirs.  
  
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* The Upcountry Landing Dock is now a shaded area where guests can relax <ref> http://disneyshawn.blogspot.com/2009/07/flashback-discovery-river-boats.html </ref>.
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'''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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* The Discovery River Boats were made to look aged by Imagineer Jack Plettinck and his crew. Plettinck added fake bug splats, textured mud, bid doo, rusts and dents in order to make the boats seem older than they were <ref name= "book"> Malmberg, Melody. The Making of Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park. New York: Hyperion, 1998. Print. </ref>.
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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 Discovery River Boats were originally made by a manufacturer in Seattle <ref name= "book"/>.
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* The sarcophagus of Ananta (Anandapur's founder) can be found on the [[Maharajah Jungle Trek]] <ref name= "Jack"/>
  
 
==References==
 
==References==

Revision as of 16:27, 29 September 2016

Asia
AnimalKingdomAsia.jpg
The Asia section of Disney's Animal Kingdom is home to the Township of Anandapur, as well as 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 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 Cite error: Closing </ref> missing for <ref> tag. 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[2]. Also present was the short-lived Discovery River Boats dock [3]. Following the closure of the boats on August 21, 1999, the dock was briefly turned into the Upcountry Landing Bar, before being permanently used as a character meet and greet location [4].

The first major expansion to Asia came on April 7, 2006 when Expedition Everest opened [5]. 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") [6]. Opening with Expedition Everest on April 7, 2006 was Serka Zong Bazaar, a gift shop [7].

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 [8]. In 1544 however, King Bhima Disampati decreed that the forest near Anandapur was to be home to a royal hunting preserve [8] . 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 [8].

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 [9].

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 [10]. For unknown reasons however, the plantation was shut down and the trains ceased to run [10]. 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[10].

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[10]. 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

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 [8].
  • A portrait of the Royal Couple of Anandapur can be found in each shop within the township [8]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Malmberg, Melody. The Making of Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park. New York: Hyperion, 1998. Print.
  2. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named map
  3. ↑ http://waltdatedworld.com/id55.htm
  4. ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20040603180109/http://www.wdwblues.com/ak/no.boats.html
  5. ↑ http://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/expedition-everest/news/07apr2006-expedition-everest-opening-day-press-release.htm
  6. ↑ http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2010/04/expedition_everest_legend_of_t_2.html
  7. ↑ https://d23.com/a-to-z/serka-zong-bazaar/
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 8.5 http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2010/10/does_this_couple_look_familiar_1.html
  9. ↑ http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2009/10/maharajah_jungle_trek_1.html
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2010/04/expedition_everest_legend_of_t.html
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