Happy Birthday to Kali River Rapids which opened on this day, March 18th, twenty-two years ago! What better way to celebrate then with some amazing behind the scenes facts!
Gaining inspiration from Karnataka, India; the attraction takes place on the fictional Chakranadi River.
Initially, the river bank was going to feature animals. The coming and going of boats thought to be too stressful for the animals and since the boats would not stop, guests would only be able to catch a glimpse of them.
It was originally named Tiger River Run but Imagineers thought that name implied that guests would see tigers.
Kali is the name of a Hindu Goddess for Time, Creation, Destruction, and Power. Her earliest appearances portray her as the destroyer of evil forces…
Which is fitting as the overall theming/message of the attraction is the effects and dangers of deforestation. In fact, at some point during the attraction you might smell “smoke” from the illegal loggers.
While standing in line, you may here the sound of loggers illegally cutting downing trees as well as an announcement warning against the ramifications of logging.
Make sure to check out the paddles hanging in the Expeditions Room- Imagineers responsible for the attraction have signed their names on them.
While boarding, enjoy the jasmine and ginger aromas. The smell is misted up to transform guest to the forests of India.
Each raft has different names, like the Sherpa Surfer, Kathmandoozy, and the Himalayan Hummer!
The first incline up is 90 feet. The river takes guest on a winding path with the final drop of the attraction is 30 feet!
There are 150,000 gallons of water circulating in the “river”. With that much water, guests will get soaked!
Kali River Rapids is the only of its kind at Walt Disney World and is the perfect ride for a hot, summer day in Florida!
