Expedition Everest Area
If you visit the Asia area of Animal Kingdom, most likely you’ll walk past Expedition Everest. You will also walk past, into, or out of the Serka Zong Bazaar gift shop at the exit of the ride. I’m guessing you will be marveling at the immersion of the land around you and how it feels like you’re practically in Tibet. The attention to detail in this area is astounding!
But did you know…
The window above the entrance is real!
I mean it’s not an actual working window, it’s an authentic window. Not just an authentic window, but a window that was hand-made in Tibet and shipped to Orlando specifically for this area of Animal Kingdom! Actual Tibetan craftsmen and artisans created this window.
And that’s not all! These several windows on the sides of Serka Zong Bazaar are as well!
These smaller windows on either side of the entrance are also hand-made in Tibet and shipped to Orlando for Animal Kingdom. If you spot other windows in the Asia area of Animal Kingdom in these styles, know they are also hand-crafted, specially made, by real Tibetan craftsman, specifically for this area of Animal Kingdom.
There’s a door, too?
But wait! There’s even more! Tucked away to the side is this:
This mysterious door and mask above it are also from the Tibet area. I’m sure many people do not notice this detail as it’s partially obscured by shrubs and behind some garbage cans. It’s very easy to miss due to it’s placement. While I do not know the origins of either item, the details are so captivating that you cannot help but wonder what that mask was once used for. Also I’m sure it will be tempting to see if that is a real working door or not. Don’t do it! It’s not worth the risk of getting kicked out of the park. Stare in awe from a distance, please.
Kali River Rapids Area
If you decide to brave Kali River Rapids, it’s very likely you will pass under this sign without much notice. Of course, how could you notice this sign when you will be seeing the back side of it as you pass under? Do yourself a favor and turn around to see the front side. Can you believe this sign is hand-painted? Look at that detail in the center!
One detail that most will overlook is the text at the bottom. Sadly, it’s a detail that is currently eluding me as I searched to find what exactly it reads.
I cannot seem to find a good translation of the bottom of the sign. I tried various pictures and running them through Google Translate with inconsistent results. The first translation was “Members of Parliament” which doesn’t sound correct. Unless it’s supposed to read “Members of Party”?
The other translation gave an English equivalent of Samasad Janah Dah, which I don’t think is English. I tried running that through a translation using various languages of Tibet and northern India with zero results.
I’m at a loss with this one. Maybe Joe Rhode knows?
What is this thing?
Often overlooked because it’s a popular Photo Pass spot at Animal Kingdom, this little detail is an important part of the Expedition Everest Area. Why?
It’s a shrine for the Yeti and the Himalayan mountains! In front of the shrine, various offerings have been placed to pay homage. Rumor has it, the shape of the shrine itself also resembles the mountains in the Expedition Everest area. How cool is that? This is yet another detail you can impress your friends with!
Disney Rover 