Traveling to Asia

Although elements were present on the park's opening day, the land of Asia was added to Disney's Animal Kingdom about a year later, in 1999. The routes guests travel to access this region in the theme park mirror the trade routes in and out of the real-world Asia.

The bridge leading into Asia from Discovery Island bears these carvings of elephants forming an ancient caravan:

Docked in the water just off the bridge is this dhow, a traditional Arab vessel used in trade up and down rivers. This particular dhow has a bit of history. Read all about it in this earlier article about the nearby Drinkwalla.

Guests coming from Africa in the other direction travel a path inspired by the legendary Silk Road, a trade route that once existed between northern Africa and southern Asia. Restrooms in the area are housed in a building of mud-packed stone, similar to architecture found in the Middle East.

Along this path to Asia, guests also come across the Caravan Stage, based on a caravansary, a sort of "camel rest stop" along the Silk Road. The space is almost completely covered in silks and tapestries. Caravan Stage is also home to the Flights of Wonder bird show. Note the images of birds woven into the tapestry that makes up the marquee for the stage:

Traveling to Asia, all roads lead to Anandapur, the fictional locale in which the story of Asia at Disney's Animal Kingdom takes place. Loosely translated, Anandapur means "Place of All Delight." The land brings together representations of India, Nepal, Thailand and Indonesia - areas somewhat less familiar to a western audience. These regions were also chosen because they are less densely populated and more in harmony with nature, one of the key themes of Disney's Animal Kingdom.

Over the next couple of weeks, we'll be exploring the two villages within the Anandapur District, Anandapur Township and Serka Zong, so be sure to check back daily. In the meantime, go back and review some of my previous articles on Asia: The Tiger Tree, Directional Signs and The Smallest Detail.

Namaste.