Exploring the Beauty of Asia at Walt Disney World
Asia is one of those distant places that seems so far away, it’s almost as if it doesn’t exist in a real way. Of course that isn’t true, but since I’ve never been to the Far East, my experience with the culture over there has been strictly limited to Chinese takeout boxes and sushi lunch specials- not exactly what you’d call ‘culturally adept’.
I recently went to a sushi restaurant in my neighborhood with a few friends, and after placing our orders, we got to talking about Japan. Among the 3 of us, we knew a whopping 1 person who had visited an Asian country- and it wasn’t any of us!
I may never have been to Asia, but I have been to Walt Disney World Resort once or twice, and while I’m not trying to pass off World Showcase as the real deal, let’s just say I schooled my friends about Japanese and Chinese culture thanks to the things I’ve learned while visiting the respective Pavilions.
If you’re like me and have never been to the East, or if you’re an avid world traveler who loves the way the Asians live, you can immerse yourself in some great Asian cultures and traditions without ever leaving Walt Disney World!
World Showcase
CHINA
The China Pavilion at World Showcase is where we’ll begin our Asian vacation. To better understand their architecture, culture, cuisine, and way of living, start with a viewing of Reflections of China! The film takes you across the massive and diverse country of China and shows famous landmarks like the Great Wall!
Trained performers from China (check daily times guide) put on a traditional acrobatics show outdoors that involved stacking, tumbling, and carrying…of the human body! The show is so physically impressive that I get sore just from watching it!
It may not have been originated there, but Disney has a huge presence in Asia! Head to the gallery located in the back of the Pavilion to see renderings, models, sketches, and concept art from the brand-new Shanghai Disneyland!
The technology and overall architecture of the park are so revolutionary that I visit the exhibit each time I’m in Epcot! Now, how long do you think it’ll take before Walt Disney World gets a Pirates of the Caribbean-themed attraction that is as immersive as the one there? Check out the renderings when you visit and let us know what you think!
JAPAN
The Japan Pavilion is the next stop on our Asian tour of Walt Disney World Resort. My absolute favorite store in all of World Showcase is housed here and the merchandise ranges from toys to purses to chopsticks, all made in Japan!
The hibachi at Teppan Edo is right up there with the best I’ve had, and the quick-handed chefs put a whole new spin on ‘dinner show’ by using the food to entertain you before it lands in your belly! The chefs are all about accommodation- if you don’t like an ingredient, just ask them to leave it out! You’re sure to have a meal that is has been cooked to your exact taste preferences.
Animal Kingdom
Ask your kids where Mt. Everest is located. Seriously, ask them! Did they answer correctly? When I visited with my cousins last year, one answered “The Rockies” and the other didn’t even venture a guess- and they are both teenagers! It took the walking under the ‘Asia’ entryway on our way to Expedition Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom before they put it together.
Asia at the Animal Kingdom is arguably one of the most detailed areas in any of the parks. No matter where you look, you’ll find impeccable themeing from the Nepali flags waving in from of the mountain to an ice cream truck covered in traditional writings and art!
My favorite part of the Asia section is the most detailed and impressively constructed, and it’s one that so many people skip! Be sure to take a walk through Maharajah Jungle Trek on your next visit.
Also take note of the ruins you’re walking through. They are modeled after the Imagineer-explored ruins in Asia. They’ve been re-created in the heart of the Animal Kingdom! Oh, and this is also the place where you’ll find the two newest striped residents of the park- the twin tiger cubs!
All of that exploring will definitely leave you feeling hungry, and it just so happens that Yak and Yeti has quick serve window with the best Asian quick-serve you’re going to find in any theme park this side of the Atlantic. All meals are served in adorable Chinese takeout containers, and with options ranging from egg rolls to pot stickers, any Asian food fan is going to absolutely delight in the menu!
Around the Resort
The Parks aren’t the only places where you can enjoy both traditionally prepared Asian cuisine and American/Asian fusion foods! While you’re in Disney Springs, check out the newly-opened Morrimoto Asia! On the approach, the see-through glass window exterior accentuates the sky-high celling and pulls your eye up, giving you a true sense of the scope of the building. Inside, though, is where the good stuff starts!
This place is known for their sangria for a reason (you can order pitchers if you’re with a group) as it’s the best way to start the meal! I’ve only ever tried the sushi here because I liked it so much the first time, I never even thought to order anything else!
For a more ‘American’ version of Asian cuisine, stop into Splitsville where you’ll also find a big selection of sushi. This is a great option if you’re traveling with non-sushi eaters (cough cough my parents) and want to go to a restaurant where you and everyone else will leave feeling satisfied.
I’ve saved the best for last, though, so if you’ve still got room in your belly, take a bus to The Swan and dine in Kimono’s. In my opinion, the sushi here is the freshest and closest in flavor to the (very expensive) master sushi chef-prepared fish I’ve had at home- and my I wasn’t filing for bankruptcy the next day!
My favorites are the restaurant’s take on the classic like Tuna and Salmon, but this is vacation! Once I tried the Kimonos Roll on my last visit, I know there won’t be any going back for me!
After doing research for this article and drawing on my personal experiences, it’s amazing just how underrated and overlooked many of the Asian-inspired experiences are at Walt Disney World Resort- but now you have the knowledge and the power to change all of that!
Next time you visit, try a new restaurant, see Reflections of China, shop in the Japan store, and bite into an egg roll at Yak and Yeti, and you’ll see just how deep the Asian culture runs. I enjoy the little flares of Asian culture I experience when I visit Walt Disney World Resort, and I want to hear about your experiences! What’s your go-to Asian-style restaurant? Have you tried any of the sushi spots? Let us know in the comments!
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