Disney World

Animal Kingdom - Part Two

The landscape, culture, history, creatures and architecture of some of Asia’s most exotic and intriguing countries are found in Animal Kingdom’s newest land. Lush vegetation, crumbling ruins and mysterious temples reflect countries such as Nepal, Mongolia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Thailand and India to form the cultural melting pot that is the mythical kingdom of Anandapur. Disney represents many nations instead of just one or two Asian countries. The mythical land of Anandapur was born, its name meaning “place of all delights." According to the “Disney history” of Anadapur, it was established in 1544 as a royal hunting reserve. A village evolved from this base and thrived, while the reserve has found itself in a state of ruin and decay. The “current” royal family converted the crumbling reserve into its current state as a conservation area.

Expedition Everest is the tallest of the artificial mountains at Walt Disney World Resort.



Expedition Everest is a roller coaster which features a snowy mountain setting and an "abominable snowman" or Yeti figure who appears during the ride. We passed on that experience!

We once again encountered another wonderful area filled with music.

Judy is resting as we prepare to see our second "must see" show in this park.

Finding Nemo - The Musical marks the first time Disney has taken a non-musical movie and transformed it into a musical show for the parks. It's an adaptation of the Disney-Pixar movie, telling the story of a father clownfish, Marlin, and his son, Nemo, who learn how to love and understand each other. Nemo is taken away and Marlin will stop at nothing to get his son back, facing undersea challenges such as sharks, jellyfish with his new, ever loyal, friend Dory. Meanwhile, Nemo is trapped in a fish tank in Sydney, and makes his own new friends who inspire him to do whatever it takes to see his father again.



The "Finding Nemo" live stage show uses puppets and humans to tell the story. For all the main characters, a person (or several people -- with turtle above) carries the puppet, and is in plain sight. Other puppets appear as well: fanciful sea creatures float across the stage or into the audience. Held aloft on long poles, they billow and undulate in a way that totally suits the underseas.

By the way, the puppet Crush, below-- the cool sea turtle dude-- is a big guy, nearly the size of a Volkswagon and takes more than one puppeteer to make him "act."

It was another great theater experience. This was a good time to visit the parks. Cool temperatures and no waiting lines made the experiences very enjoyable.



Animal Kindom walkways are imprinted with leaves and palm fronds and are flanked by bicycles, rickshaws and other interesting transportation options.
This is a refreshment stand.

"Restoration" is in progress in the area of the "temples." Those structures serve as a great habitat for gibbons and siamangs. The Siamangs will likely be overhead swinging from tower to tower. Their "hoots" allow them to mark their territory and communicate. The Siamangs are the loudest land mammal with a vocal sac that can inflate to the size of their heads. Their voices can be heard up to 2 miles away.

Maharajah Jungle Trek is an interesting walk through the crumbling "ruins" of an ancient Asian temple. Among the fallen stones and paintings, visitors discover some of Asia's most fascinating animals including komodo dragons, bats, tigers and a collection of rare and exotic birds.

Along the path is the female Malayan Tapir, Tapirus Indicus, an endangered species. Tapir skin is very tough, like a rhino, which is good for the beast. However, those exotic hides also attract poachers. Note the long snout which acts as "fingers" for the tapir when it hunts for food.

There are 6 female tigers in the Maharajah collection.

Here is another adventure that Judy and I decided not to experience - Kali River Rapids--A White Water Adventure on the Chakranadi. Now if we were not so cool, we would be the first to experience this very wet experience! (Chuckle) The Chakranadi is a wild raging river that runs through the endangered rain forests of Asia. We understand that your raft may be suddenly encircled by fire.

We enjoyed supper at the Yak and Yeti Restaurant situated at the base of Mt. Everest in the small town of Anandapur. The sets out an adventurous buffet of Asian cuisine that combines flavors from China, India and Nepal.

Here is our waiter in Yak and Yeta. Shaun did an outstanding job. No, I do not get jealous when my WOMAN hugs handsome men!

Beautifully decorated with Nepalese artistic touches and sand-washed hues, Yak & Yeti Restaurant features an array of artifacts from the collection of "the proprietor" and his family which they amassed during their travels across Southeast Asia. Some of these souvenirs include statues, fine tapestries and 900-pound, gold inlaid silk puppets.

As we ate our meal, what should come by the restaurant? Why another parade! This was Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Sarari. This parade featured large African-inspired animal puppets and Disney characters riding in safari vehicles. Accompanying the parade was a lively soundtrack which incorporates African rhythms and folk songs.

As we left the park around 6:00 PM, we were amazed with the roosting ibis, herons, and egrets.

What an amazing sight! There were too many to count.

Tomorrow- Adventure continues in Africa.