A Stunning Tribute to Asia
The Asia section was a stunning tribute to the diverse cultures and landscapes of the Asian subcontinent. What immediately struck us was how closely it resembled Nepal. This was intentional — the area was designed by Walt Disney Imagineer Joe Rohde. His deep appreciation for Asian cultures and natural environments helped bring the region to life with incredible authenticity. Rohde's vision was not to create a postcard version of Asia, but to build places that felt lived in — shaped by history, belief, and daily ritual.
Image: "Asia themed land (temple ruins), Disney's Animal Kingdom," licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The Kingdom of Anandapur
The architecture here draws from Nepalese, Javanese, and Thai styles, forming the fictional kingdom of Anandapur. I've been fortunate enough to observe all of these architectures firsthand. Nepal, in particular, shines through vividly in the design. Much of this influence comes from my ethnic community, the Newars of Kathmandu Valley — master builders, artisans, and traders whose craftsmanship has defined Nepal's temples, courtyards, and urban life for centuries. The Newars are known for their intricate wood carvings, brickwork, metal artistry, and a deep blending of Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Their cities are designed not just for living, but for worship, festivals, and community gathering.
As we wandered through the area, those Newar influences revealed themselves quietly. The carved windows, layered roofs, and intimate courtyards echo the old cities of Patan and Bhaktapur. I later found out that Rohde's intention was to emphasize contextual storytelling through details — finding meaning behind every small detail like building elements. For instance, you see Aankhi Jyaal — a traditional Newari style hand-crafted window throughout the park. These have been built in temples, palaces and homes in Nepal since centuries. Many of these windows were collected during Disney's Imagineering research trip, in Market Rose Bowl, Pasadena and aged to give the ancient feel.
If you want to explore more about Animal Kingdom, Joe Rohde has a video series on YouTube, The Rohdes, Less Traveled. It was created by Rohde and his family during the 2020 pandemic. In this five-part series, Rohde walks fans through the design and inspiration of Animal Kingdom's environments. The fact that his family mistake some pictures of Nepal to be of Animal Kingdom explains how close to reality Anandapur has been created.
Temples and Sacred Pathways
Concrete benches in the resting areas mirror those found on the front porches of mountain homes. We were momentarily transported to a hillside village, until the palm trees reminded us we were still in sunny Florida. One of the most remarkable elements of the Asia section is the recreation of a multi-tiered pagoda styled temple. These are thoughtfully designed to reflect authentic religious practices, including the tradition of circling temples from left to right as a sign of respect.
The pathways guide visitors in a clockwise direction and gentle religious music in the background. Prayer flags, small bells, lamp holders, pillars and lintels line the path, creating a rhythm that feels meditative. It genuinely feels like walking through a temple compound in Nepal, where architecture, movement, and sound are all part of devotion.
The Bhatti and Expedition Everest
As we moved further into the area, we entered the cozy setup of a Nepali bar called a Bhatti. The space is filled with traditional Nepali furniture and utensils, creating an atmosphere that feels both authentic and warm. Trekking bags hang in the resting areas, and cookware like pressure cookers line the bar's kitchen shelves — complete with a flask used for Tongba, a traditional warm millet beer from the Himalayan region. It's the kind of detail that doesn't announce itself, but rewards those who notice.
Our main adventure in Asia was the iconic Expedition Everest ride, one of Animal Kingdom's most thrilling attractions. This high-speed roller coaster takes you on an expedition up the slopes of a towering artificial mountain inspired by the Himalayas. The story follows explorers in search of the legendary Yeti, a mythical guardian of the mountains. You board an old train and climb steadily upward, only to encounter signs of the Yeti's presence before the ride plunges backward into darkness. Suddenly, you face a terrifying encounter with the Yeti — who famously "appears" during the ride thanks to a clever animatronic figure. The coaster then plunges backward into a series of twists and turns through dark tunnels and icy caverns, delivering an exhilarating rush while immersing you in the Himalayan myth and folklore.
Kali River Rapids
Not all adventures here are about speed, though. Kali River Rapids offers a very different experience — one rooted in environmental storytelling. The boats for this one are named after places in Nepal, like Bhaktapur Bubbler and Manaslu Slammer. It's the little details in design which make this fictional place Anandapur spring to life with its intricate connections to a world that exists in real. The ride takes you through a lush rainforest landscape inspired by regions of India and Southeast Asia, gradually revealing the consequences of illegal logging and environmental destruction. Floating past serene jungle scenes before entering areas of devastation, the ride subtly shifts from peaceful to sobering. It's one of the few attractions that blends thrill with a clear conservation message, reminding visitors that rivers, forests, and communities are deeply connected.
A Place Worth Noticing
After the adrenaline rush, we found a peaceful pond nearby with stadium-style seating — an ideal place to pause. Around the pond, we spotted monkeys perched on the pillars, a familiar sight for anyone who has traveled through parts of Asia. Whether coincidence or design, it felt intentional. The pillars themselves were adorned with traditional Asian designs and motifs, further grounding the space in cultural authenticity.
Walking through Disney's Animal Kingdom's Asia section is more than a theme park experience — it's a layered cultural journey. From Newar-inspired temples and a humble Bhatti to mythical mountains and rivers carrying environmental stories, every element is crafted with care. If you're planning a visit, give this section time. It's not meant to be rushed. It's meant to be noticed.
