After having forestry fun in the park’s Africa section, we made our way to the exotic attractions of Asia.
A sausage tree! I love these things – they’re so absurd. I first encountered one on a previous Florida vacation, while exploring Parrot Jungle Island in Miami, FL.
They really did a great job designing and decorating the park, especially in the Asia section.
Some of the areas felt like a set of a movie.
Everywhere you looked were startling and sensational views.
The detail in the buildings is phenomenal.
Just like this guy with the biceps, walking around, you truly feel like you’re in a completely foreign place.
This little area was reminiscent of a small cemetery and very enchanting.
Can you imagine if the neighborhood ice cream man drove around in a truck like this?
Expedition Everest
Expedition Everest is
one of Disney’s newest attractions, a beast of a roller coaster, and something
that you can positively not miss.
This behemoth pales in my eyes to only one other mountain, that being the infamous Aggro Crag of Nickelodeon GUTS fame.
This isn’t just any normal roller
coaster, either; halfway through your wild ride your cart suddenly stops,
and you see that the track has been broken and mangled. As your brain
starts pondering what could have caused this catastrophe, your cart starts
going backwards into a dark cavern. This is where you meet the mighty
Yeti, or, “Abominable Snowman.” I won’t say anymore than that, but,
be prepared for one of the most fun and exhilarating ride experiences you’ll
ever have.
Grade: A+
Kali River Rapids
I’ve rode rides similar to
Kali
River Rapids before, but never any done so splendidly.
Still, know what you’re getting yourself into, because, there’s a chance you’ll get absolutely soaked. During our ride, sharing a raft with us was a park employee enjoying a day off with her family. She said that the way it’s designed, two people usually get the brunt of the aqua assault – I immediately knew it’d be me. Sure enough come nearing the end of the ride, the waters got rough, and a gigantic wave came over my head from behind me, leaving me totally drenched.
I was wetter than Aquaman at a southern California gangsta pool party.
Amanda wasn’t as happy about
the unexpected shower, but she survived.
Grade: B-
Maharajah Jungle Trek
This attraction is another
akin to a zoo, like the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail in the
Africa section, but certainly worth your time.
This sign, near the entryway, promises rare creatures and plenty of high-five opportunities.
Here’s a truly dangerous dude, the legendary Komodo dragon.
This musty swamp, and lush tropical scenery, is very common surroundings during your trek.
There’s a bloodsucker, and I’m not talking about Walt Disney!
The fact that I can’t look at a bat and not subconsciously think of Batman is a testament to my being a supreme nerd.
This is just an overall cool place to stop and take a break at, relax and reflect, and splash some moderately dirty water on your face.
Here’s another fantastic example of the excellence in design at Disney’s theme parks.
When I saw this tree lying uprooted on the ground, I spent some time meditatively pondering on its past, present, and future.
I caught these people enjoying some shade and discussing a recent episode of My Name Is Earl.
This statue would make a great centerpiece to any room – even if it does look like two turtles fucking.
The tigers are easily one of the most fun animals to just stand there and kind of stare at for a while. We see them so much on television, etc. but it’s not every day you get to be so close to any in-person.
This statue looks like something Poison Ivy would have on display in her hideout.
I tried to throw a penny in this fountain, but Mickey Mouse appeared and dropkicked me.
This is one of my personal favorite pictures I took during the entire trip. I love the way the light hits the leaves, and the bricks in the background.
Even though it’s kind of blurry, I still wanted to include this picture, if for no other reason than to immortalize that weird doorway of chains.
This looks like some kind of ritualistic torture hut that reminded me of Apocalypse Now.
In conclusion, I think the Maharajah
Jungle Trek is a nice little detour from the more popular attractions.
You can stroll at your own pace, plus, the exhibits are designed superbly
and the selection of animals is impressive.
Grade: B+