A Modern Town with a Storied Past

The land of Asia is one of the most richly-detailed storytelling environments in all of Walt Disney World. The placemaking done here by the Imagineers is unsurpassed. Like all the stories told at Disney's Animal Kingdom, the story of Anandapur takes place in modern times, but this is a civilization that dates back thousands of years. As you explore Asia, you can see and feel that history.

There is development and urbanization here, as evidenced by the public restrooms for tourists and the power lines strung through town, but it's quite different from what we saw in the village of Harambe in Africa. There, urban settings push nature back. Here, there is an intermingling of natural spaces and built environments. There are hints of government, but it's not overpowering or controlling.

Of course, English is used on many of the signs and graphics throughout the land, but this would be appropriate in an area hoping to cater to western tourists. The other primary language used is Sanskrit, an ancient language no longer actively spoken. Since Anandapur is fictional and not intended to represent any one country or region, Sanskrit was chosen as the official language.

As in many southeast Asian countries, bicycles are the primary mode of transportation in Anandapur. They can be found everywhere. Look closely at the ground as you explore the region, and you'll also notice streaks of bike tracks in the "mud," along with footprints and other indentations.

Bicycles and rickshaws are also commonly used to carry cargo or as mobile business enterprises.

The owner of this fancied-up rickshaw is offering hand-crafted baskets, pottery and hand-woven rugs for sale. You know his business is legit because he displays the portrait of the rajah (king) and his wife. Pictures of the royal couple are required to be posted by businesses. They would be purchased from the government, making the portraits a sort of business license and tax all in one. Remember this detail, for you'll see it repeated throughout Anandapur.

Anandapur has a long royal history. In fact, the region was named for Anantah, the very first rajah. We'll be hearing more of him later in the story as well, so stay tuned...