Animal Kingdom is the youngest park at Walt Disney World. It’s also one of the most unique thanks to its zoo-like atmosphere.
Even though there are a variety of animals to see, including giraffes, zebras, and elephants, it’s far different than a zoo.
Animal Kingdom is known for having some of the best park food on property, thrilling attractions, exciting tours, and much, much more.
As the biggest Disney World theme park, there’s a lot to see and do, so why not take a deep dive into each land?
Here we take a closer look into Asia, a land with one of the best roller coasters in all of Disney World and a breathtaking animal trail.
Asia is a beautiful land filled with culture. This is the area you want to visit if you’re looking for a thrilling attraction, the chance to see tigers, learn about birds, and so much more.
Overview
Location: Animal Kingdom
Restaurants: 14 Quick Service (Caravan Road, Mr. Kamal’s, Warung Outpost, Drinkwallah, Yak & Yeti Quality Beverages, Yak & Yeti Quality Beverages, Yak & Yeti Local Foods Cafe, Royal Anandapur Tea Company/Joffrey’s, Chakranadi, 2 Snack and Drink Carts, Anandapur Ice Cream Cart, Thirsty River Bar, Trek Snacks, Serka Cart; 1 Table Service (Yak & Yeti Restaurant)
Shops: Mandala Gifts, Yak & Yeti Bhaktapur Market, Serka Zong Bazaar
Entertainment: Feathered Friends in Flight, Chakranadi, Mickey and Friends Flotilla, Discovery Island Drummers Flotilla, Discovery River Character Cruise, Adventurer’s Flotilla — Disney Ducks, Adventurer’s Flotilla – Up
Animals: Gibbons, Siamangs, Elds deer, Blackbuck, Komodo dragon, Bats, Water buffalo, Sumatran tigers, over 50 species of birds
Attractions: Expedition Everest, Kali River Rapids
Trails: Maharajah Jungle Trek
Characters: None
Popular snacks and drinks: Soft-serve ice cream (Anandapur Ice Cream Cart), Kakigori Japanese shaved ice (Caravan Road), Himalayan Ghost (Thirsty River Bar)
Not-to-miss: Expedition Everest, Feathered Friends in Flight, Maharajah Jungle Trek
Asia Map
Dining
While Asia only has one Table Service restaurant, there are plenty of Quick Service options.
Quick Service Restaurants
Caravan Road
Caravan Road is a small stand that sells shaved ice with and without alcohol.
You can even order Kakigori, which is Japanese shaved ice flavored with watermelon and sweetened condensed milk.
Kakigori can also be found at Kabuki Cafe in Epcot’s Japan pavilion.
Mr. Kamal’s
Mr. Kamal’s is a good option if you’re in need of a tasty snack.
You can choose from a small selection of either Chicken Dumplings or Mr. Kamal’s Seasoned Fries. We recommend the latter.
There are also fountain drinks, bottled water, and select beer available for purchase.
Warung Outpost
Warung Outpost is the place to visit if you’re in the mood for a margarita.
The Maharajah Lime Margarita is made with Lunazul Reposado Tequila, Triple Sec, Agave Nectar, and Lime Juice. Assorted beer is sold here, as well.
There is also a non-alcoholic strawberry-flavored Shangri-La Berry Freeze.
Drinkwallah
Are you a frozen Coca-Cola fan?
Go no further, because Drinkwallah has you covered. Flavors include: Coca-Cola, Fanta Blue Raspberry, or Minute Maid Premium Lemonade.
You can even get them spiked with Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum or Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey.
Snacks are also available for purchase, like cinnamon-glazed almonds or cinnamon-glazed pecans.
Yak & Yeti Quality Beverages
Located next to Yak & Yeti Local Foods Cafe, you can order specialty beverages, beer, non-alcoholic frozen drinks, sangria, and food here.
There’s the Yak Attack, which is a mango daiquiri with Don Q Cristal Rum and wildberry flavors. You can also try the Frozen Emperor Margarita made with Sauza Gold Tequila (also available in strawberry, mango, or wildberry).
Food-wise, there are grab and go items, like pork egg rolls and chicken fried rice.
Yak & Yeti Local Foods Cafe
This is the main Quick Service location in Asia and can be a busy one, too.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all featured. Keep in mind that Mobile Order is not offered here.
Breakfast items include, an egg white or sausage and egg English muffin or a breakfast bowl with scrambled eggs. The latter you can also add bacon or sausage.
For lunch and dinner, choose from honey sesame chicken, Korean fried chicken sandwich, sweet-and-sour tempura shrimp, vegetable tikka masala, and a veggie burger, to name a few.
Royal Anandapur Tea Company (Joffrey’s)
Joffrey’s has a location in Asia known as the “Royal Anandapur Tea Company.”
You can find the standard Joffrey’s menu here, including those massive (and beyond delicious) donuts.
Chakranadi
At this snack and drink cart, you can find draft beer, bottled beverages, frozen lemonade, ice cream, and other snacks.
Snack & Drink Cart
This is your standard snack and drink cart, where you can get bottled beverages, beer, and snacks like Mickey ice cream bars. You can find it near Feathered Friends in Flight.
Snack & Drink Cart
As you walk through Asia to Expedition Everest, you’ll find another cart serving quick snacks and bottled beverages, including beer. Try the Tiger Eye Gold!
You’ll see this before the restrooms and Anandapur Ice Cream Cart
Anandapur Ice Cream Cart
The Anandapur Ice Cream Cart sell some tasty soft-serve.
You can choose from standard flavors, like chocolate, vanilla, or the two flavors swirled together.
The cart also usually has a seasonal item, so be sure to check the menu to see if any new flavors are being served that day!
Thirsty River Bar
The Thirsty River Bar has a range of beers and cocktails.
A popular beverage served is the Himalayan Ghost: Snow Leopard Vodka, Guava and Minute Maid Premium Lemonade.
You can find Thirsty River Bar on the opposite side of the Trek Snacks. The two share a location, but one side serves snacks and the other is a full bar.
Trek Snacks
Trek Snacks sells your standard Disney snacks, including popcorn, ice cream, bottled beverages, Mickey pretzels, and more.
You can find Trek Snacks on the opposite side of the Thirsty River Bar. The two share a location, but one side serves snacks and the other is a full bar.
Serka Cart
The Serka Cart is your typical snack cart that sells bottled beverages, novelty items (ice cream), and more. You can find this across from Expedition Everest.
Table Service Restaurants
Yak & Yeti Restaurant
Yak & Yeti Restaurant is the only Table Service restaurant in Asia. Lunch and dinner are both served.
There are a range of Asian dishes, including small plates, shareables, soups, salads, noodles and bowls, and so much more.
Choose from wok-fried Korean beef, miso glazed Atlantic salmon, vegetable lo mein, fried wontons, and mango pie, to name a few.
Dining reservations are accepted here and can be made up to 60 days in advance.
Seating Areas
You can find several outdoor seating areas around Asia.
Behind Mr. Kamal’s:
Across from Anandapur Theater:
Yak & Yeti Quality Beverages and Yak & Yeti Local Foods Cafe:
Discovery River Amphitheater:
Shops
There are several shops that offer some unique and special items. You can truly find great souvenirs at the following.
Mandala Gifts
Mandala Gifts diagonal from the Royal Anandapur Tea Company (aka Joffrey’s). It’s a small outdoor gift kiosk with a variety of items themed to the land, along with Disney merchandise.
Yak & Yeti Bhaktapur Market
The Yak & Yeti Bhaktapur Market is an outdoor shop around the corner from Yak & Yeti.
While there are some Disney items here, you can also find other Asian-inspired apparel, jewelry, and more.
Serka Zong Bazaar
The Serka Zong Bazaar is the shop next to Expedition Everest. This is also the gift store you exit into after riding the roller coaster.
You can find a range of Disney items here, including Expedition Everest-themed merchandise.
You can find a portable phone charging station (aka where you can swap and purchase FuelRods) at the Serka Zong Bazaar.
Attractions
Asia has one of the most best roller coasters on Disney World property, plus a water ride that’s popular on a hot day.
Expedition Everest
Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain is a fantastic roller coaster.
Not only is the exterior beautiful and makes for amazing photos, but the overall story, details in the queue, and ride itself are phenomenal.
This is one of our favorite attractions in all of Disney World.
Expedition is sometimes available as an Individual Lightning Lane Selection, but when it’s available with Genie+, know that the return times here don’t typically run out until late afternoon.
Between areas of complete darkness and going backwards, this is one coaster that might be scary for little ones.
Kali River Rapids
Kali River Rapids is exactly what it sounds like — a water ride.
Seeing as Animal Kingdom is one of the hottest parks at Disney World, this is a popular ride on those hot summer days.
You can also find the Kali River Rapids Expedition Storage Lockers across from the entrance to Kali River Rapids.
These are available on a first-come, first-served basis for those who want to keep personal items dry while riding.
Entertainment
There are couple entertainment offerings in Asia, including one that teaches guests all about birds.
Feathered Friends in Flight
This 25-minute show gives a behind-the-scenes look at the free-flying birds of Animal Kingdom.
It takes place at Anandapur Theater and you can learn how these specialists care for and train their feathered friends.
While there is a Lightning Lane available here, we don’t recommend making a this a top Genie+ priority.
The earlier shows are typically the least busy, but there is plenty of seating and makes for a good time filler.
Check the My Disney Experience app for daily showtimes.
Chakranadi
Across from the Anandapur Theater, there is a stage where you can watch Chakranadi and listen to the sounds of traditional Indian melodies, performed by a talented musician playing the sitar.
Shows are around 30 minutes long and you can find daily performance times in the My Disney Experience app.
Note about the following cavalcades: All of the character flotillas can be seen sailing around the Discovery River. They have set showtimes that are posted in the My Disney Experience app and we recommend checking the schedule ahead of time. You usually have to be in the right place at the right time to catch them (crossing a bridge, walking a trail, dining at Nomad Lounge or Flame Tree Barbecue, or taking a break in the Discovery River Amphitheater).
Note: Part of the Discovery River Amphitheater is located in Asia across from Expedition Everest.
Mickey and Friends Flotilla
- Features: Mickey and Minnie
Discovery Island Drummers Flotilla
- Features: Discovery Island Drummers
Discovery River Character Cruise
- Features: Pocahontas and Meeko from Pocahontas or Timon and Rafiki form The Lion King
Adventurer’s Flotilla — Disney Ducks
- Features: Scrooge McDuck and Launchpad McQuack
Adventurer’s Flotilla — UP
- Features: Russell and Dug from Up
Trails
There is one trail in Asia and it’s a must. Plus, you get to see a ton of animals, including tigers.
Maharajah Jungle Trek
The Maharajah Jungle Trek Falls Exploration Trail is a self-guided trail located near Kali River Rapids and features a range of animals.
Keep reading for more information about the trail and its animals.
Animals
You can find a range of animals in Asia when you walk the Maharajah Jungle Trek, watch the Feathered Friends in Flight show, and as you walk the path to Expedition Everest.
Save this map for future reference as you explore the animals in Asia:
Tip: You can also find select animals in the My Disney Experience app under the “attractions” category. Plus, at the park entrance next to the park guide map, there should be literature on the animals and their locations.
Feathered Friends in Flight
This 25-minute show gives a behind-the-scenes look at the free-flying birds of Animal Kingdom.
It takes place at Anandapur Theater and you can learn how these specialists care for and train their feathered friends.
The birds featured include, a raven, a hornbill, a parrot, a crane, and even a bald eagle. These are only a few of the birds you’ll see.
Gibbons
Near Kali River Rapids, you’ll find an area for Asian primates known as gibbons.
Siamangs
Near Yak & Yeti Local Foods Cafe and along the path you take to Expedition Everest, you’ll find an area for Asian primates known as siamangs.
Maharajah Jungle Trek
The Maharajah Jungle Trek Falls Exploration Trail is a self-guided trail located near Kali River Rapids and features a range of animals. The star of the trail are the Asian tigers, but sometimes they’re hard to spot, aren’t out, or like to hide.
Note: There are no shortcuts or exits mid-way for this trail. Once you enter, you have to walk through all of it in order to exit. The time it takes to walk through depends on how long you linger and watch the animals. But, overall, it’s not super lengthy.
Here are the main animals you can see as you walk the trail.
Gibbons
Elds deer and blackbuck
Komodo dragon
Bats (Malayan flying fox)
Water buffalo
Over 50 species of birds, including peacocks
Asian tigers
Activities
There are a couple activities in Asia that are perfect for littles ones.
Coin Press Machines
You can find a coin press machine at Yak & Yeti Restaurant with themed pennies. You can buy one penny for $1 or three for $3.
Wilderness Explorer Troop Leader Station
There are 2 Wilderness Explorer Troop Leader stands in Asia.
Find them at the following locations:
Next to the Royal Anandapur Tea Company (aka Joffrey’s):
At Maharajah Jungle Trek (on the trail):
This activity is complimentary. You can also pick up a handbook here, which will be given to you by a fellow Wilderness Explorer.
They will give you everything you need before setting out on self-guided nature-themed challenges you’ll complete around Animal Kingdom.
Once you’ve collected over 25 badges, you’ll be able to call yourself a “Wilderness Explorer” and also recite the famous call.
You can find handbooks at the “Wilderness Explorer headquarters” stand, which is located right off the bridge connecting the Oasis to Discovery Island, or at other Wilderness Explorer Troop Leader locations in Africa, Rafiki’s Planet Watch, DinoLand U.S.A., and Pandora.
Disney PhotoPass Photographer
There are several PhotoPass opportunities in Asia. While PhotoPass photographers might no always be present, keep your eyes peeled for them at the following locations:
Tree of Life Overlook
Jungle Ruins
Everest Corner Outlook
Everest Bridge
Super Zoom Magic Shot at Everest Riverside Theater
This Super Zoom shot is a video. First, the camera is zoomed in on where you’re standing.
Then, the camera zooms out and you get a gorgeous view of Expedition Everest. The camera then zooms back in to the same shot of you at the start of the video.
Don’t forget to ask if they have any fun Magic Shots!
Remember: unless you have Memory Maker, Memory Maker Day One, or a PhotoPass entitlement with your Annual Pass, you will have to pay to download or print these photos.
Restrooms
There are several different restrooms in Asia. They include:
Next to Caravan Road and across from Mr. Kamal’s:
Near the Kali River Rapids Expedition Storage Lockers:
Near the Yak and Yeti outdoor seating area:
Next to Anandapur Ice Cream Truck:
Lockers
You can find the Kali River Rapids Expedition Storage Lockers across from the entrance to Kali River Rapids.
These are available on a first-come, first-served basis for those who want to keep personal items dry while riding Kali River Rapids.
Animal Relief Area
You can find an open outdoor relief area for guests visiting with service animals on near the Maharajah Jungle Trek entrance.
Asia Checklist
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What’s your favorite thing about Asia in Animal Kingdom? Tell us in the comments!
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