We’re sharing the details and highlights of each land in Animal Kingdom: today we are taking a closer look at Asia!
Overview
Nestled between Africa and DinoLand U.S.A., Asia is home to the fictional land of Anandapur. Anandapur borrows cultural and architectural themes from the real countries of India, Nepal, Thailand, Mongolia, Indonesia and Cambodia. You’ll notice old statues (including Russell and Dug by the Feathered Friends in Flight stage!) and buildings with brightly colored signage as you explore. The lush trees, bamboo and other plant life provide some shade along the winding walkways and bridges. (Tip: the bridge entering Asia from Discovery Island is a great spot to see the character flotillas pass by on the Discovery River!)
Asia offers a mix of thrill rides, animal exhibits/shows, dining and shopping. There is plenty to discover, and lots of great photo opportunities.
Attractions
- Thrill-seekers, this one’s for you! Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain takes guests on an exhilarating ride to summit Mount Everest, where suddenly guests find themselves confronted by the legendary Yeti.
- On a hot day, a refreshing and rip-roaring ride on Kali River Rapids is sure to cool you off. This water ride takes guests through spins, dips and drops down a wild river where you will most certainly get splashed–if not soaked!
There are storage lockers across from the ride entrance to secure anything you don’t want to get wet on the ride. The lockers are free for two hours, giving you plenty of time to wait in the queue and enjoy the ride. Tip: there is a mesmerizing fountain by the lockers that kids love to play with! - The Maharajah Jungle Trek offers a lush jungle to explore, populated by Komodo dragons, bats, tigers, Asian birds, gibbons, Elds deer, water buffalo and more. Guests can enjoy this self-guided walking tour at their own pace, making it the perfect attraction for all ages to enjoy. There are bridges, waterfalls and beautiful landscaping throughout the trail.
- The gibbon exhibit is a fan-favorite in Asia. Watching the white-cheeked gibbons and Siamangs explore the stone “ruins” and traverse the ropes and bars like an obstacle course is incredibly entertaining.
Entertainment
- The “Feathered Friends in Flight!” show in the Anandapur Theater is an entertaining and educational experience, offering guests the chance to learn behind-the-scenes secrets and see some incredible birds in action. Make sure to check the My Disney Experience app for showtimes.
- The Wilderness Explorers program gives kids a fun and educational way to experience Animal Kingdom by providing both a scavenger hunt-experience and a keepsake. Learn more about this fun and educational experience here!
There are three Wilderness Explorer locations in Asia: one at the Anandapur Theater (where the “Feathered Friends in Flight!” show is); one next to the Royal Anandapur Tea Company kiosk; and one near the entrance to Maharajah Jungle Trek
Dining
Table Service
- Yak & Yeti Restaurant is the perfect rest stop for hungry, weary travelers. Enjoy pan-Asian fare in a Nepalese-style restaurant that offers great theming and crowd-pleasing food. The upstairs tables near the windows offer a peaceful view of the walkway below.
Quick Service
- Caravan Road is a quick-service kiosk selling refreshing shaved ice, as well as some alcoholic beverages.
- Mr. Kamal’s kiosk is home to the famous “Mr. Kamal’s Seasoned Fries,” as well as chicken dumplings and assorted beverages.
- Warung Outpost sells a small selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. You can also buy chips here.
- Drinkwallah sells snacks including the popular cinnamon-glazed almonds or pecans, and a few assorted beverages. Make sure to take in the fun details like vintage Coca-Cola bottles, decorative artwork, fruit crates and more throughout the kiosk.
Tip: the hidden lower seating area right behind is a great place to relax in the shade and enjoy the view of the water! - The Royal Anandapur Tea Company is a Joffrey’s Coffee location, selling a variety of coffee and tea beverages, as well as a few alcoholic specialties.
- Anandapur Ice Cream Truck is a great place to pick up a soft-serve waffle cone, float or “Yeti Sundae.”
- The Thirsty River Bar sells specialty cocktails (on-theme with the adjacent Expedition Everest, of course!) as well as beer and wine.
- Yak & Yeti Local Food Cafes is one of the most popular quick-service locations, and one of the few in Animal Kingdom to offer breakfast. During lunch and dinner, the menu changes to a mix of Asian- and American-inspired dishes. The adjacent Yak & Yeti Quality Beverages window sells assorted beverages and some grab-and-go snacks.
There is plenty of outdoor seating available: just past the Yak & Yeti Quality Beverages window, you’ll find lots of tables, a small fountain, and a restroom towards the back.
Shopping
- The Mandala Gifts kiosk sells ears, hats, accessories, clothing and a few park essentials. Make sure to notice the details toward the ceiling, such as the decorative kites and carved masks!
- Just across from Mandala Gifts, you’ll find the Yak & Yeti Bhaktapur Market kiosk selling clothing, accessories, plush (including large stuffed animals) and flip flops.
- The Serka Zong Bazaar at the exit of Expedition Everest sells clothing, accessories, pins, ears, toys, plush, snacks and of course, plenty of Yeti-themed souvenirs.
What is your first stop in Animal Kingdom’s Asia? Tell us in the comments below!
Featured Photo: Emily Murray.
Written by
Leia Cullen
Leia is a proud mom of two boys. She has been in love with Disneyland and Disney World since her first visit to the parks many years ago, and she continues to relive the magic now with her family. She is passionate about creating helpful content that shares news or information about all things Disney, in the hopes it helps others create their own magical moments.
