Chapter 8 - Animal Kingdom - Asia - Part 3 - Jungle Trek,
Yak & Yeti, Wonders of Flight posted July 2023
Yak & Yeti, Wonders of Flight posted July 2023
Last Chapter, we toured the Kali River Rapids Expedition and we got soaked. (That’s if we had really gone on it.
In this Chapter, we’ll get a chance to dry off by taking a Jungle Trek and then touring the center of Anandapur.
In this Chapter, we’ll get a chance to dry off by taking a Jungle Trek and then touring the center of Anandapur.
The fictional kingdom of Anandapur, founded in the mid-16th century. The Village of Anandapur, the former royal city, is one of two villages in the Asia section of the park, and Serka Zong, an outpost at the edge of the Himalayas.
In modern times, the Kingdom of Anandapur has become a destination, both for ecotourism in the area of Anandapur Township as well as for adventurers set on conquering the highest peak on Earth, Mt. Everest. As such, all manner of tourist-focused enterprises has sprung up in town and along the road to nearby Serka Zong, the point of origin for many mountain climbing expeditions. (More on Serka Zong see Animal Kingdom Chapter 7 – Asia Part 2)
In modern times, the Kingdom of Anandapur has become a destination, both for ecotourism in the area of Anandapur Township as well as for adventurers set on conquering the highest peak on Earth, Mt. Everest. As such, all manner of tourist-focused enterprises has sprung up in town and along the road to nearby Serka Zong, the point of origin for many mountain climbing expeditions. (More on Serka Zong see Animal Kingdom Chapter 7 – Asia Part 2)
As we tour Anandapur, guests will come across some interesting signage wording. "For Home Stay & Economic Tourist" and "Human Fit Tailors" are just two examples the Imagineers actually came across on research trips to Asia.
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Signage in the area highlights actual attractions and shops as well as fictitious areas that either don’t exist or are represented by facades. This is dubbed the “Trekking Guide of Anandapur Township” and it includes:
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As guests will see, some of the businesses are functional, while others exist in fictional form only to help further create the sense that this storytelling environment might actually be a real place. We can't actually stay at the Leopard Lodge or Kataka Tiger Camp, no matter how enticing the mountain views may sound.
Some additional merchant signs throughout Anandapur: Bi-Cycle On Hire – When thinking of transportation in Asia, more often than not thoughts turn to the lasting images of the pedaling people. Bikes have, for a very long time, been the transport of the masses, and can be found all throughout the Asia. |
Flying Yak – Until Disney’s Animal Kingdom creates a prop plane adventure for Asia, this company only serves to showcase how modernized the area is. However, at the Thirsty River Bar in Anandapur Town Center you can get a Flying Yak drink (alcoholic)
Manam Travel and Tours (P) Ltd. – With so many vast wild places to explore in and around Anandapur, it is no wonder that the there are multiple travel groups in the area. This one, however, cannot be found within the borders to help you plan your next trek. The Anandapur Village contains shopping, as well as, the Kali River Rapids attraction and the Maharajah Jungle Trek walk through. In addition, guests can enjoy table service dining at the Yak and Yeti, or quick service dining at multiple locations including the Yak and Yeti Local Foods Cafe. And not lastly, guests can watch siamangs and gibbons play amongst the ruins on the water. |
Seven Summits Mt. Trekking
A mountain trekking service that does not only exist within the Animal Kingdom Park, but expanding beyond the borders of the Animal Kingdom.
A mountain trekking service that does not only exist within the Animal Kingdom Park, but expanding beyond the borders of the Animal Kingdom.
Seven Summits Expeditions is a company from the 20th century and into the 21st which arranged for trekking expeditions. Their slogan was, "For those who want to do it all" and their logo was a depiction of Mount Everest.
Guests can find the Seven Summit Expedition office on the top front over the Crystal Arts Shop on Main Street, U.S.A. in the Magic Kingdom. Frank Wells’ window on Main Street for Seven Summit Expedition Seven Summit Expeditions is a reference to his desire to climb the highest mountain on each of the seven continents. As guests go through the queue of Expedition Everest, they pass through a museum dedicated to the Yeti and pass by lots of photographs depicting what life is like for those who try and conquer the mountain. One photo in particular features an avid mountaineer, Frank Wells, standing near the base camp of Everest. Wells was an avid mountaineer, he was also the President of Walt Disney World (1984-1994), and he loved to conquer all of the highest peaks in the world. |
Background
Seven Summits Expeditions was established by the turn-of-the-century and had its headquarters in the town of Marceline, Missouri. The company got its name from the Earth's seven summits: Everest, Kilimanjaro, Elbrus, Mont Blanc, Denali, Vinson, Aconcagua, Puncak Juya and Kosciuszko. The president of the company around the turn of the century was one Frank G. Wells. By the early 21st century, the company had expanded internationally with outposts in regions such as Anandapur.
Seven Summits Expeditions is made as a tribute to late Disney company president Frank who was a mountaineer that desired to climb the globe's seven summits. Wells successfully climbed every summit except for Mount Everest due to poor weather conditions.
(Read more in Magic Kingdom Chapter 38 - Windows on Main St. USA - Northeast Main St. - Part 3)
Asia (Disney's Animal Kingdom)
The above map of the township of Anandapur has a highlighted location identified "Seven Summits Mt. Trekking".
Both Disneyland and the Magic Kingdom have variants of the same window for Seven Summits Expeditions with Frank G. Wells identified as president.
Seven Summits Expeditions was established by the turn-of-the-century and had its headquarters in the town of Marceline, Missouri. The company got its name from the Earth's seven summits: Everest, Kilimanjaro, Elbrus, Mont Blanc, Denali, Vinson, Aconcagua, Puncak Juya and Kosciuszko. The president of the company around the turn of the century was one Frank G. Wells. By the early 21st century, the company had expanded internationally with outposts in regions such as Anandapur.
Seven Summits Expeditions is made as a tribute to late Disney company president Frank who was a mountaineer that desired to climb the globe's seven summits. Wells successfully climbed every summit except for Mount Everest due to poor weather conditions.
(Read more in Magic Kingdom Chapter 38 - Windows on Main St. USA - Northeast Main St. - Part 3)
Asia (Disney's Animal Kingdom)
The above map of the township of Anandapur has a highlighted location identified "Seven Summits Mt. Trekking".
Both Disneyland and the Magic Kingdom have variants of the same window for Seven Summits Expeditions with Frank G. Wells identified as president.
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Gibbons
Some of the most exciting animals to view without a queue are the Gibbons located in Asia.
Guests will discover these playful up Apes play, swing, and climb around on a playground made of bamboo beams, ropes, ladders, towers, and live trees. The gibbons are located between Kali River Rapids and Maharajah Jungle Trek. The siamangs are typically found in the temple closest to the main path while the white-cheeked gibbons are typically found in the temple closest to Kali River Rapids. Guests can experience these amazing
creatures as if watching them in their native habitats. A network of bamboo beams, ropes, ladders, towers and live trees gives the gibbons endless opportunities to climb, swing and stay active in their specially designed forest dwelling. It is interesting to watch them play in their habitats resembling ancient temples. |
Guests can find 2 types of gibbons frolicking in the forests, white-cheeked gibbons and the much larger siamangs.
Gibbons are native to the rainforests of southern Asia. White-cheeked gibbons can be found mainly in Vietnam and Laos while siamangs come from Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. The gibbons and siamangs are offered a tasty combination of fresh fruits, veggies and plant life, allowing them to forage for their favorite foods.
Now and then, Disney animal care experts hide special treats in a hanging bucket or a burlap bag. This is a great chance to observe the gibbons’ natural curiosity and foraging skills. |
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Dining
Chakranadi Chicken Shop
Chakranadi Chicken Shop
Chakranadi Kiosk in Animal Kingdom is located at the exit to Kali River Rapids. Here you can grab a warm pretzel or a cold drink. But it’s open seasonally.
Unlike any of the restaurants in the Africa area of the park, the Asia section at least has Chakranadi Chicken Shop making a nod towards the cuisine of its continent. It is just generic Asian fast food, but at least it's there.
Unlike any of the restaurants in the Africa area of the park, the Asia section at least has Chakranadi Chicken Shop making a nod towards the cuisine of its continent. It is just generic Asian fast food, but at least it's there.
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Drinkwallah
As the name implies, Drinkwallah is the place for a cold drink on a hot day. Featuring frozen drinks. This is also the spot to pick up snack items such as Cinnamon-Glazed Almonds or Pecans. They’re sweet and buttery, with a hint of cinnamon. You can stop by Drinkwallah and take an extra minute or two to appreciate the high level of detail, and also to relax in the “Lower Garden” waterside seating area. Drinkwallah is located on the pathway in the Asia near the Yak & Yeti Restaurant. The true reason to stop by this dining location is in its name, the drinks. It is also close to Kali River Rapids making it the perfect place to stop on your way in or out of that water ride. |
Warung Outpost
The Warung Outpost was formerly known as Upcountry Beverages. It’s located just before Up! The Great Bird Adventure attraction as you take the walkway to Africa. On the menu are chips, Coke products, and frozen drinks like the Shangri-La Berry Freeze and Maharaja Lime Margarita! Menu: Information: |
Mr. Kamal’s
Mr. Kamal's is a snack kiosk located on the walkway between Africa and Asia at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Mr. Kamal’s has a healthier menu, like hummus with fresh vegetables and pita.
Mr. Kamal's is a snack kiosk located on the walkway between Africa and Asia at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Mr. Kamal’s has a healthier menu, like hummus with fresh vegetables and pita.
But the menu changes frequently here, and while the spot used to serve only vegetarian items, current savory hot snacks include Chicken Dumplings and Mr. Kamal’s Seasoned Fries served with tasty dipping sauces.
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Thirsty River Bar and Trek Snacks
Thirsty River Bar and Trek Snacks features mostly park staples like popcorn and ice cream novelties.
Drinks include specialty cocktails and fun mocktails like the Pink Lotus, or the Himalayan Ghost. And the beer selection offers Tiger Beer Asian Lager, Victory Golden Monkey Draft, and even Kungaloosh Spiced Excursion Ale
For food they have a Thai shrimp dish, a Roasted Pork Sandwich or an Asian Noodle Salad. This is the perfect place to make a quick stop and replenish when you’re in Asia.
Thirsty River Bar and Trek Snacks serves up drinks and snacks the for adventurous “trekkers” on their way to or from Expedition Everest in Animal Kingdom’s Asia.
Thirsty River Bar and Trek Snacks features mostly park staples like popcorn and ice cream novelties.
Drinks include specialty cocktails and fun mocktails like the Pink Lotus, or the Himalayan Ghost. And the beer selection offers Tiger Beer Asian Lager, Victory Golden Monkey Draft, and even Kungaloosh Spiced Excursion Ale
For food they have a Thai shrimp dish, a Roasted Pork Sandwich or an Asian Noodle Salad. This is the perfect place to make a quick stop and replenish when you’re in Asia.
Thirsty River Bar and Trek Snacks serves up drinks and snacks the for adventurous “trekkers” on their way to or from Expedition Everest in Animal Kingdom’s Asia.
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Caravan Road in Asia
This small kiosk packs powerful taste with their teriyaki beef slider, edamame, and Asian noodle salad. A super simple menu, but worth the mention simply because of the delicious flavors of their teriyaki beef slider that will have you looking for Caravan Road once again as you trek along from Asia to Africa.
This small kiosk packs powerful taste with their teriyaki beef slider, edamame, and Asian noodle salad. A super simple menu, but worth the mention simply because of the delicious flavors of their teriyaki beef slider that will have you looking for Caravan Road once again as you trek along from Asia to Africa.
Previously this location was known as the Bradley Falls kiosk opened in April 1998 before a name change in December 2015. Bradley Falls was a little kiosk just across the way from Mr. Kamal’s (you can find both stands on the pathway going from Africa to Asia). Typically, the menu here focuses solely on vegetarian.
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Royal Anandapur Tea Company
The Anandapur Tea Company is in a section of the park that houses restaurants, walking trails, and a water ride.
It’s a great spot to get a mild caffeine fix and some breakfast pastries.
The Tea Company is designed as a regional, Asian tea shop and there’s lots of theming. There’s so much detail to take in and so many interesting imagineering additions to explore.
The Anandapur Tea Company is in a section of the park that houses restaurants, walking trails, and a water ride.
It’s a great spot to get a mild caffeine fix and some breakfast pastries.
The Tea Company is designed as a regional, Asian tea shop and there’s lots of theming. There’s so much detail to take in and so many interesting imagineering additions to explore.
Royal Anandapur Tea Company, exporters of specialty teas, features a variety of teas including white, green, oolong, black, rooibos and honeybush. Iced teas and coffees (from Joffrey’s) as well as hot chocolate, frozen lemonade and cappuccino, and fruit smoothies are also available.
Try a sweet, spicy and/or full-bodied tea. You might just find a new favorite! Menu: |
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Yak & Yeti Quality Beverages
Right next to the Yak & Yeti Restaurant is Quality Beverages. Trek in for a beverage like the Yak Attack, emperor margarita or Safari Amber on draft. Guests can energize for the trek ahead with Asian chicken wraps, salads, chips, frozen lemonade and soft drinks.
Right next to the Yak & Yeti Restaurant is Quality Beverages. Trek in for a beverage like the Yak Attack, emperor margarita or Safari Amber on draft. Guests can energize for the trek ahead with Asian chicken wraps, salads, chips, frozen lemonade and soft drinks.
Yak & Yeti Local Foods
Near the Kali River Rapids exit, is this counter service restaurant, with all open-air seating, that serves up Asian specialties.
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Yak and Yeti Restaurant
The Yak & Yeti Restaurant is the only full-service dining location in Asia. It serves up Pan-Asian cuisine in a beautifully decorated and themed area. The outside looks like a large house. The theme of the restaurant is more like an Asian home that has been turned into a restaurant, which you can see from the beautiful Asian décor and heritage that is present throughout the restaurant. The lobby is stunning and full of amazing pieces and artifacts to look over while you wait to be seated.
The backstory of the restaurant is that a family traveled throughout Asia collecting recipes, artwork, statues, and décor pieces along the way. When they returned home, they opened up the restaurant and used all of the amazing things gathered from their journeys to decorate it.
Imagineers spent a lot of time exploring Asia and collecting authentic props and artwork which are now on display. Guests who dine at the Yak & Yeti Restaurant should definitely take some time to walk around the two floors and enjoy the amazing artifacts, artwork, and pictures from Asia.
The Yak & Yeti Restaurant is the only full-service dining location in Asia. It serves up Pan-Asian cuisine in a beautifully decorated and themed area. The outside looks like a large house. The theme of the restaurant is more like an Asian home that has been turned into a restaurant, which you can see from the beautiful Asian décor and heritage that is present throughout the restaurant. The lobby is stunning and full of amazing pieces and artifacts to look over while you wait to be seated.
The backstory of the restaurant is that a family traveled throughout Asia collecting recipes, artwork, statues, and décor pieces along the way. When they returned home, they opened up the restaurant and used all of the amazing things gathered from their journeys to decorate it.
Imagineers spent a lot of time exploring Asia and collecting authentic props and artwork which are now on display. Guests who dine at the Yak & Yeti Restaurant should definitely take some time to walk around the two floors and enjoy the amazing artifacts, artwork, and pictures from Asia.
At the base of Himalayan Mountain range sits Yak and Yeti Restaurant in a hotel that opened with a restaurant it has been transformed into a Nepalese-style eatery. It is decorated with Southeast Asian artifacts and serves a variety of dishes.
The Yak & Yeti menu has a number of shareable options like Pot Stickers, Dim Sum, and Dragon Rolls. The entrée menu has something for everyone, noodle dishes, burgers, and seafood.
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On the reverse side of the menu is the story behind the Yak & Yeti Restaurant.
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The Yak & Yeti Restaurant does have a quick-service option toward the side of the building, The Yak & Yeti Local Foods and the Yak & Yeti Quality Beverage windows.
Guests enjoy some of the items served in the Restaurant from a sit-down location without needing a reservation.
The atmosphere at Yak & Yeti Restaurant whisks guests away to the mountains of Nepal. You’ll find all sorts of artifacts, pieces of art, and statues representing Nepalese culture with specific references to Buddhism and Hinduism
Guests enjoy some of the items served in the Restaurant from a sit-down location without needing a reservation.
The atmosphere at Yak & Yeti Restaurant whisks guests away to the mountains of Nepal. You’ll find all sorts of artifacts, pieces of art, and statues representing Nepalese culture with specific references to Buddhism and Hinduism
The Yak & Yeti a two stories with seating upstairs and downstairs. It is a unique, intimate seating layout and guests have amazing views of “Asia” from the 2nd floor of the resort. It puts guests in a different vantage point and gives a very relaxed feeling.
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Mandala Gifts (Animal Kingdom, Asia, Shopping)
Bhaktapur Market
When you’re ready for shopping, head to the Yak & Yeti Bhaktapur Market, where you’ll find all sorts of fun Asian, and Asian-inspired, merchandise. There you’ll find the ornate cast iron teapots (guests will recognize them if they have ordered tea at Yak & Yeti Restaurant), but there’s a world of other products to discover here!
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The Bhaktapur Market is an Asian themed shop. It is near the Yak and Yeti, as well as, operated by Yak and Yeti. Bhaktapur Market is at the exit of the Kali Rivers Rapids. It is an open-air market that carries a selection of Asian souvenirs including footwear, hats, shirts, other merchandise clothing, accessories and other items. The Market is named after the largest market in Bhaktapur City which is located about 1 hour of the Kathmandu in Nepal.
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Entertainment
Baloo and King Louie
Baloo and King Louie
Animal Kingdom is the only park where you can meet Mowgli’s sidekick Baloo and King Louie from Disney’s Jungle Book.
They appear several times during the day at Upcountry Landing. Upcountry Landing is a little pavilion in Asia. Resource: |
Chakranadi
Listen to the simmering sounds of traditional Indian melodies, performed by a talented duo musicians, Chakranadi, playing on the drums and sitar. This is not to be confused with the Kiosk or restaurant of the same name. (see above)
Listen to the simmering sounds of traditional Indian melodies, performed by a talented duo musicians, Chakranadi, playing on the drums and sitar. This is not to be confused with the Kiosk or restaurant of the same name. (see above)
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Tranquil and Stirring
In the Anandapur village in Asia, the exotic tunes become more and more mesmerizing. You feel that your transported to a new place through the sounds of charming Indian instruments. Chakranadi play traditional Indian music and seasonal tunes— during Disney’s “Festival of All Seasons” celebration. Their rhythms are complex and wildly entertaining. Check current showtimes for the performance times of this artist. |
Maharajah Jungle Treks
Located in the Asia section of the park, the Maharajah Jungle Trek is a journey through the jungles of southeast Asia that will take you to see tigers, gibbons, a Komodo dragon, deer, water buffalo, an aviary full of exotic birds, and the Malayan flying foxes – one of the largest bat species in the world!
“Maharaja” is the Indian word for a king or prince in India. |
Disney thinks of every little detail when they develop their attractions. Guests will notice that as they enter the Maharajah Jungle Trek, newspapers from Anandapur are being used to line and insulate the building, just adding to the realism of Anandapur as a community and tying the entire area together with the attraction.
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The Trek theme is astonishing. You’ll travel through lush jungles, royal temple ruins and beautiful waterfalls. And, also, chat with cast members to find out about the animals and efforts to protect them.
Note: Public Telephone and Restrooms – Both actually exist, in the guise of the structure housing a bathing fountain, and can be found near the entrance to the Maharajah Jungle Trek. The Maharaja Jungle Trek is a self-guided tour, so you can take all the time you want to watch the majestic tigers. It’s easy to lose yourself in the enchantment of the Southeast Asia landscape and forest along this trek. There are temple ruins and murals to admire and you may want to keep your eyes peeled for a Hidden Mickey or two.
The first thing guests notice about this pathway is the quietness. A walk through the Maharajah Jungle Trek is extremely relaxing and shady. Guests can view the animals at their own pace and enjoy beautiful foliage and waterfalls around every twist in the path. The path takes about 20-25 minutes to enjoy, on average. The best time to experience the Maharajah Jungle Trek is in the morning. The temperature is cooler, making it more enjoyable for both the animals and guests. The paths are less crowded in the morning as well, making it easier to take your time around some of the more popular animal viewing areas. |
Bats
The paths lead to a fruit bat enclosure, giving guests the opportunity to view these mammals up close.
Look at the pictures outside of the bat area, you will spot the famous imagineer, Joe Rhode, with his own camera on the shoot. He is one of the imagineers that was part of many of the attractions that were created.
Guests enter the area with the bats and there are no glass or screens standing between the guests and the bats. The walls are open and you have a clear view of all of the bats in their environment. Bats inherently have no desire to interact with humans and won’t try to fly toward them or around them. There are two species of endangered bats residing here, and the Animal Kingdom is one of the few zoological parks in the world to display them.
There is also a path that avoids the bat enclosure for guests that choose not to view them. |
Ancient Ruins
The entire trail is themed after ancient Indian ruins to perfectly fit the theme of the area as well as the native homes of the animals that live on the trail. The inspiration for these ruins came from architecture and history from Nepal, Thailand, Indonesia and India. You can see this through the colors, buildings, animal carvings, etc. as they appear throughout the trail
As guests are wandering down the trail, notice the paintings, murals, signs, and sculptures that decorate their walk. The back story is that guests are journeying on the grounds of a former sultan’s palace, but nature has taken over the land. The murals around the tiger viewing area are beautiful paintings depict the former kings of Anandapur. |
Click on photo to enlarge
Click on photo to enlarge
Tigers!
The tiger is a regal animal and highly regarded in the jungles of India as one of the most beautiful creatures. They are a big part of the culture in India, which makes the name perfect for this walking trail in the heart of “Asia”.
The tigers are the feature attraction of the Maharajah Jungle Trek. To stay with the theming of the area, a painted sign warns travelers that they approaching the Tiger Forest. There are multiple areas to watch these wonderful animals. Tigers are actually endangered animals, and Disney is working to help prevent these beautiful animals from becoming extinct. Animal Kingdom has 6 tigers that are out for guests to see at any given time at the attraction.
Guests can watch them cooling off in the moat and playing in the water. Two tiger cubs were born in the summer of 2017 at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. |
Elds Deer and Black Buck
Next to the Tiger viewing area are the Elds Deer and Blackbuck.
Next to the Tiger viewing area are the Elds Deer and Blackbuck.
Eld's deer is an endangered species of deer that is native to South Asia. The Blackbuck is an antelope found in India in is a Near Threatened species.
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More Ruins
As guests leave the tiger habitat area, they round a bend that there are more the ruins.
The story of the Maharajah Jungle Trek is told throughout the entire trail through murals, tiles, benches, signs, and architecture. The Anandapur Royal Forest is part of the Kingdom of Anandapur and was the Royal Hunting Lodge and Royal Preserve. The forest was designated a hunting lodge in 1544 and decreed a preserve in 1948, when British Colonial Rule ended.
Along the two walls are bas reliefs murals that tell the myth of the founding of Anandapur, Anantah was the founding ruler of Anandapur.
As guests leave the tiger habitat area, they round a bend that there are more the ruins.
The story of the Maharajah Jungle Trek is told throughout the entire trail through murals, tiles, benches, signs, and architecture. The Anandapur Royal Forest is part of the Kingdom of Anandapur and was the Royal Hunting Lodge and Royal Preserve. The forest was designated a hunting lodge in 1544 and decreed a preserve in 1948, when British Colonial Rule ended.
Along the two walls are bas reliefs murals that tell the myth of the founding of Anandapur, Anantah was the founding ruler of Anandapur.
Click on photo to enlarge
Along the two walls are murals that tell the myth of the founding of Anandapur.
The second image shows a sacred tree surrounded by wildlife. The fourth image shows the natural disasters that occurred after Anantah cut down the sacred tree. The animals are in pain and dying. There appears to be flooding, drought, and torrential rains. |
The first image depicts Anantah swimming in a river and discovering the paradise filled with animals. The tiles are cracked, with Anantah on the right side, separated from the animals. The third image shows Anantah cutting OW the sacred tree while the animals flee in all directions. The final image shows Anantah after replanting the sacred tree and living in harmony with nature. |
To the Aviary
The entrance of the aviary is a Red Temple (also called the Red Pavilion) that contains the sarcophagus of Anantah, the founding ruler of Anandapur.
The entrance of the aviary is a Red Temple (also called the Red Pavilion) that contains the sarcophagus of Anantah, the founding ruler of Anandapur.
Birds
The aviary lies just ahead through the doors.
As you enter the sanctuary, make sure to pick up a guide to help identify all of the different kinds. I always think of the bird aviary as a hidden gem on the Trek, with its beautiful vegetation, clever birdhouses, and melodious birds of all sizes, shapes, and colors.
Don’t forget to look up in the trees to spot some of the inhabitants.
In the temple ruin are two more small windows with a view into the second tiger exhibit.
The aviary is a lush medium-to-large size wire flight cage with a few more garden ruin structures and one side dominated by an elaborate tile-accented temple wall.
The aviary lies just ahead through the doors.
As you enter the sanctuary, make sure to pick up a guide to help identify all of the different kinds. I always think of the bird aviary as a hidden gem on the Trek, with its beautiful vegetation, clever birdhouses, and melodious birds of all sizes, shapes, and colors.
Don’t forget to look up in the trees to spot some of the inhabitants.
In the temple ruin are two more small windows with a view into the second tiger exhibit.
The aviary is a lush medium-to-large size wire flight cage with a few more garden ruin structures and one side dominated by an elaborate tile-accented temple wall.
Click on photo to enlarge
The aviary is so cleverly built that you would never realize you’re inside a giant cage unless you pay close attention. In this enclosure are numerous species of birds native to the areas around Anandapur. Some of these are, Wompoo Fruit Doves, Indian Pygmy Goose, Golden Pheasant, Nicobar Pigeon, and White-throated Kingfisher.
As guests leave the sanctuary, the guide map and animal description card can be returned just outside this building.
The new show, Up!, carries that tradition forward.
This one was one of the hidden gems! Guests sometimes passed up the Flights of Wonder, but it easily made the top entertainment spots at Animal Kingdom. Full of incredible exotic birds, this is a canvas canopy seating area that is a shady oasis for our flying friends! The show is only 25 minutes long and is packed with entertaining tricks and stunts performed by the birds with the trainers’ direction. December 2017 was the final showing of Flights of Wonder. |
UP! A Great Bird Adventure
“Up! A Great Bird Adventure” debuted in April 22, 2018. This day was special. It was Earth Day and it was Animal Kingdom’s 20th anniversary. This experience offers guests the chance to see Senior Wilderness Explorer Russell and his furry friend Dug as they discover species of birds from around the world in their newest adventure at the Caravan Theater in Anandapur village. |
An updated version of the former Flights of Wonder show is hosted by characters from the Disney movie UP!: Dug the dog and Senior Wilderness Explorer Russell.
The stage looks like the Himalayan highlands or the areas around Rajasthan, India. The architecture for the buildings on the stage are from these areas and perfectly tie into the Asia area of the park as well as the native home of a few of the beautiful exotic birds that are featured during the show.
This show includes not just one or two, but an astounding 15 species of birds. From parrots to macaws, there are tons of amazing and colorful feathered friends to admire in this performance. Perhaps one of the most impressive animals included is the African Fish Eagle, which boasts a 7-foot wingspan and makes darn sure to show it off. |
The stage looks like the Himalayan highlands or the areas around Rajasthan, India. The architecture for the buildings on the stage are from these areas and perfectly tie into the Asia area of the park as well as the native home of a few of the beautiful exotic birds that are featured during the show.The Up themed bird show is fit into the overall backstory, with Russel positioned as a visitor who came to learn in Anandapur.
The birds perform tricks and beautiful flights for the two hosts who aim, along with Up stars Russell and Doug, to teach guests about the importance of conservation and preservation.
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The birds have spent hours and hours training with professionals. In fact, twenty animal trainers were involved in the training and rehearsal that brought the show to the stage. Four trainers work with the birds and the actors during every performance. The host for the show is a professional trainer who has spent a ton of time working with these beautiful creatures. The birds are trained to react and take different actions based on audio and visual cues they have been taught. Certain noises or words spark an action from the birds. Also, watch the trainer’s hand signals and hand placement as those are the visual cues for the action they want the birds to take during the show. It is impressive how smart these creatures are and what they have learned to do.
The score for this show is completely original, authentic Indian music. This is because the composer for this show included a few themes from the movie Up.
Showtimes varies but typically runs at 10:30, 12:00, 1:30, 3:30 and 5:00. Always check the park times guide of the My Disney Experience App for the official times for the day you are attending.
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The score for this show is completely original, authentic Indian music. This is because the composer for this show included a few themes from the movie Up.
Showtimes varies but typically runs at 10:30, 12:00, 1:30, 3:30 and 5:00. Always check the park times guide of the My Disney Experience App for the official times for the day you are attending.
Resource:
- https://disneytips.com/9-things-to-know-about-up-a-great-bird-adventure-at-walt-disney-world/?utm_source=Mickey+Tips&utm_campaign=e8c785441a-MT+Email_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_9bf0730414-e8c785441a-307144285
- https://www.disneylists.com/2018/04/up-a-great-bird-adventure-what-you-need-to-know/?utm_source=DisneyList.com+Update&utm_campaign=682cd9ee28-DisneyLists_com_Update_5_15_18&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_e09735652c-682cd9ee28-283624153
DiVine
As guests are heading from Asia to Africa, chances are they’ll stumbled upon one of the best street performers in all of Walt Disney World: DiVine. She’s a stilt walker who’s covered in green paint and foliage, so that she disappears against the lush plants and trees of the Animal Kingdom, until she moves and startles guests standing right beside her. DiVine performs at various places around the park, including the walkway between Asia and Africa. She performs for 20 minutes at a time, and guests can stay and watch for as long as they want. Background: |
Tree of Life
As you walk from Asia to Africa or via-verse, look over the Discovery River for an excellent view of the Tree of Life.
As you walk from Asia to Africa or via-verse, look over the Discovery River for an excellent view of the Tree of Life.
One of the lesser-known places to catch a glimpse of flamingos is at Discovery Island. These flamingos are a smaller species than you might find at other locations. You can find them under the Tree of Life and can easily be seen from the walkway on the opposite side for the Discovery River.
Click on photo to enlarge.
Reference:
This is the final Chapter of Animal Kingdom - Asia. We've gone on the tour to see Mt. Everest, entertained in the Discovery River Amphitheater, rode the Rapids on the Kali River, took a stroll through the Maharajahi Jungle Trek, checked out the Village of Anandapur and Serka Zong, had dinner at Yak and Yeti, enjoyed the Birds of Flight, and saw the Tree of Life from a different angle.
It was a busy 3 Chapters, but we had to do it justice.
Now we're moving on to Animal Kingdom - Africa, which also has a lot to see and do.
It was a busy 3 Chapters, but we had to do it justice.
Now we're moving on to Animal Kingdom - Africa, which also has a lot to see and do.
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Afterword:
WDWMousing.com is designed to be a tour of Walt Disney World through photos. We have been to Walt Disney World countless times over the past 25 years and accumulated a magnitude of photos in that time. This website is an intention to combine two of our favorite pastimes, Walt Disney World and photography, and provide an insightful pictorial tour. While doing so, we've done an extensive research of the internet and literary sources for background information on each area and attraction. The information is available, but most bits and pieces are scattered all over. WDWMousing doesn't intend to rewrite the stories, legends or data, but to try and collect it into one location with reference and links to the original articles and authors. And giving rightful credit. We've stumbled through quite a bit of mis-information, most of which came to life by fans because the origins were lost, forgotten or no one seems to remember. Over the past 25 years we've also lost most of the great Imagineers that helped develop, design and build the original concepts of Walt Disney World. So we believe it's extremely important to make sure that their efforts, intentions, details and creativity in making this Happiest Place on Earth isn't lost. So we ask for feedback, insights, and suggestions. Thank you WDWMousing |