After a few days of inactivity, I return to present the final attraction of the park, Raya and the Dragon Journey.
BACKSTORY:
POST-RIDE:
48 - Raya and the Dragon Journey
E-Ticket
Must be 48 in
E-Ticket
Must be 48 in
This is an idea I've had from a while, where you're running on raindrops over Kumandra. I've been looking for many places to put it. I had considered expansions to Adventureland (where Raya fits best in my opinion due to its location in Southeast Asia), in the Magic Kingdom and Disneyland Paris, but I couldn't find room for them. Instead, I decided to place it here in Adventure World as part of the Asian Gulf section. It was originally supposed to be like Flight of Passage, but with that ride already in the park, I didn't want to use the same ride system. Instead, it's a lot like Soarin', just a little more intense and with in-theater effects.
BACKSTORY:
In the mystical Southeast Asian realm of Kumandra, there was peace and unity among the people, who lived among the dragons. However, some small bits of mistrust and conflict among the people created a monstrous plague known as the Druun, a swarm of darkness that turned everything it touched into stone, multiplying with every life it took. The dragons tried to help, but they too, were turned into stone. When all hope seemed lost, five dragons made a gem containing all of their power, creating it through trust and hope. After the creation of the gem, all of them were turned to stone but one, Sisudatu. Using all of her power, she used the gem and banished the Druun away from the land, going to sleep at the end of a river afterwards. Although the people were revived, the dragons were not. The people all wanted the power of the gem to themselves, so they fought over it, destroying the bonds of trust and friendship that held them together. The land of Heart would eventually take it, keeping it for nearly 500 years.
Despite tensions among the fractured lands–Tail, Heart, Talon, Spine, and Fang–there was order in the land. That was, until, the land of Fang hatched a plan to steal the gem. Using the Heart princess, Raya, as a tool, the princess of Fang, Namaari, attempted to sneak into the gem’s residence and take it. However, the plan backfired and the other four lands became aware of this. They all went to the gem’s resting place and fought over it once more, destroying it in the process. With this, the Druun returned, turning everyone it touched, including Chief Benja, Raya’s father, into stone.
For six years, Raya searched for Siudatu, finally finding her in the furthermost river of Kumandra in the land of Tail. With an ancient ritual, she woke up Sisu, who was unaware of anything that had happened. They soon set off to rebuild the gem, gathering pieces from all the other lands. As this happened, their team grew, but they were not united and Raya refused to friendzone any of them after what happened between her and Namaari. Inevitably, they would go to Fang to get the piece that they had, and with it, Sisu encouraged her to try and trust Namaari again. Although things initially went well, Namaari wanted the gem and Sisu to fix her land’s reputation, but Raya, believing that she was up to her old tricks again, attacked, accidentally killing Sisu in the process. With the last dragon gone, the Druun went around to turn everyone else into stone. However, it was in the darkest time when they realized that trust was the only thing that could save them. Raya and her comrades gave Namaari all of their pieces, trusting her to make things right before they were turned to stone. Namaari repaired the gem before she, too, was turned to stone, and the gem, sensing that trust and unity was starting to come back, banished the Druun once more, revived all of the people who had been turned to stone, and, brought back all of the dragons, who in turn resurrected Sisu.
A few months have passed since then. Chief Benja and the other surviving chiefs of Kumandra have decided to work together to repair all the damage that the Druun had caused. Looking at old legends, it is said that five water Life Stones lie in Kumandra, all of which could do marvelous things for the people. To do this, he sent Raya and some others to travel the land in search of these stones, and with it, the Grand Adventure Society were invited to help them out.
Despite tensions among the fractured lands–Tail, Heart, Talon, Spine, and Fang–there was order in the land. That was, until, the land of Fang hatched a plan to steal the gem. Using the Heart princess, Raya, as a tool, the princess of Fang, Namaari, attempted to sneak into the gem’s residence and take it. However, the plan backfired and the other four lands became aware of this. They all went to the gem’s resting place and fought over it once more, destroying it in the process. With this, the Druun returned, turning everyone it touched, including Chief Benja, Raya’s father, into stone.
For six years, Raya searched for Siudatu, finally finding her in the furthermost river of Kumandra in the land of Tail. With an ancient ritual, she woke up Sisu, who was unaware of anything that had happened. They soon set off to rebuild the gem, gathering pieces from all the other lands. As this happened, their team grew, but they were not united and Raya refused to friendzone any of them after what happened between her and Namaari. Inevitably, they would go to Fang to get the piece that they had, and with it, Sisu encouraged her to try and trust Namaari again. Although things initially went well, Namaari wanted the gem and Sisu to fix her land’s reputation, but Raya, believing that she was up to her old tricks again, attacked, accidentally killing Sisu in the process. With the last dragon gone, the Druun went around to turn everyone else into stone. However, it was in the darkest time when they realized that trust was the only thing that could save them. Raya and her comrades gave Namaari all of their pieces, trusting her to make things right before they were turned to stone. Namaari repaired the gem before she, too, was turned to stone, and the gem, sensing that trust and unity was starting to come back, banished the Druun once more, revived all of the people who had been turned to stone, and, brought back all of the dragons, who in turn resurrected Sisu.
A few months have passed since then. Chief Benja and the other surviving chiefs of Kumandra have decided to work together to repair all the damage that the Druun had caused. Looking at old legends, it is said that five water Life Stones lie in Kumandra, all of which could do marvelous things for the people. To do this, he sent Raya and some others to travel the land in search of these stones, and with it, the Grand Adventure Society were invited to help them out.
QUEUE:
Located in the Kumandran village area of Asian Gulf, which recreates the land of Talon from the film Raya and the Last Dragon, guests will see the arch that marks the land of Heart. Going over a dragon-headed bridge, they will enter the village. They then board a magic elevator (which really doesn’t move, but how else would the people down below get to the palace on the arch?) to take them to Heart Palace.
Within Heart Palace are several Southeast Asian influences, mainly from Indonesia and Malaysia (the two lands that I think inspired Heart. I also think that Singapore and the Philippines inspired Talon, Laos and Vietnam inspired Spine, Cambodia inspired Tail, and Thailand and Myanmar AKA Burma inspired Fang.) In the palace, guests will see woven blankets and scrolls telling the story of Raya and how they restored Kumandra from the Druun, just to serve as a refresher on what has happened. They also pass by the main hall where flowers float in water, hedgehog-armadillo creatures (like Tuk-Tuk) move around in an area, and tapestries on the walls, each representing one of the five lands.
Eventually, a Heart soldier will let them into another room, where they will meet with Chief Benja. They will be escorted into one of two showrooms.
Within Heart Palace are several Southeast Asian influences, mainly from Indonesia and Malaysia (the two lands that I think inspired Heart. I also think that Singapore and the Philippines inspired Talon, Laos and Vietnam inspired Spine, Cambodia inspired Tail, and Thailand and Myanmar AKA Burma inspired Fang.) In the palace, guests will see woven blankets and scrolls telling the story of Raya and how they restored Kumandra from the Druun, just to serve as a refresher on what has happened. They also pass by the main hall where flowers float in water, hedgehog-armadillo creatures (like Tuk-Tuk) move around in an area, and tapestries on the walls, each representing one of the five lands.
Eventually, a Heart soldier will let them into another room, where they will meet with Chief Benja. They will be escorted into one of two showrooms.
PRE-SHOW:
Within the two rooms are golden dragons holding up a balcony, where an Audio-Animatronic Chief Benja stands. On the left and right are tapestries. Guests look up and listen to the chief, who happily greets us.
Benja: “Greetings, members of the Grand Adventure Society, and welcome to Kumandra. It is a pleasure to have you here. I am Chief Benja, Chief of Heart. You may be asking, why are you here? Well, that story begins a long time ago.”
The tapestries then show screens, which have Southeast Asian pictures and designs telling the story. Meanwhile, Southeast Asian music inspired by James Newton Howard’s score from the film plays. Benja speaks as the tapestries show their pictures.
Benja: “This land wasn’t always the united place it is today. It was a long time ago, but for five hundred years, we were divided, fractured into lands. I, however, believed that we could be a united nation once more. People thought I was silly, but now look around. However, it wasn’t easy, and it all took an unexpected tragedy to start it off.”
The pictures make a small recap of how the world broke down six years prior.
Benja: “Six years ago, I invited all of the lands to discuss peace talks, but Fang, our enemy, had a plan to steal the Dragon Gem that we have guarded for a long time. The other lands came in and broke the gem, causing an ancient plague known as the Druun to return. I was turned to stone for six years, and, well, I’ll tell you what happened next.”
The pictures then tell of Raya’s journey in the film.
Benja: “My daughter, Raya, went looking for the one person she believed could fix things, Sisu, who back then, was the last dragon in Kumandra. She found her, and together, they went around and gathered the gem pieces. Although Raya didn’t listen at the time, Sisu told her to trust other people and have them help her restore the world. Although it took some time as well as the accidental slaying of Sisu to get her to believe this, it worked. With trust and teamwork, Raya and her friends were able to rebuild the gem, banish the Druun, and bring everyone back. They even brought the other dragons back, who in return, brought Sisu back to life.”
The pictures then tell the story of what is going on now.
Benja: “Now, it has been three months since then. I have met with the other chiefs and we have decided to work together to help rebuild Kumandra after the damage that the Druun had caused. It will not be easy, but I have been studying legends, and I know of something that could help us.”
The pictures then show the five Life Stones.
Benja: “Legend has it that a long time ago, back when we were still united, a dragon named Mangwen created five stones containing remarkable power. They could heal the sick and injured, repair the unrepairable, and even supply endless bits of food and water. This could really help out our nation after all that has happened. However, these things are hard to find, but there is some good news. I have sent Raya and some of her friends to scout them, and luckily, we already found one.”
Chief Benja holds up one of the Life Stones, which is glowing blue in his hand.
Benja: “This was submerged under our river for a thousand years. However, I don’t believe that the rest of them will be this easy to find. Luckily, this is where you come in. The dragons have once again lent us their power, and with it, they have given us these vehicles that you can fly in. Well, it’s not really flying, but it feels like it. You’re actually running on raindrops. It’s a pretty epic thing to do, tell you what.”
Just then, Sisu sticks her head through the window, looking a little bored.
Sisu: “Are you almost done? The dragon lifts are ready to go.”
Chief Benja looks at her and gasps.
Sisu: “Sorry, did I startle you?”
Benja: “No, no. It’s just that I’m still getting used to seeing dragons in my palace. I was just about to send them out.”
Sisu: “Alright. I’ll go tell my brother, Pengu. We should be getting ready to go too.”
Sisu then leaves the room and the sounds of bouncing on rain are heard. Benja looks back at the guests and gives some closing remarks.
Benja: “Okay, so the dragons are waiting for us, but hopefully it’ll take them time to get ready. However, we shouldn’t leave the lifts unattended, so you should get going soon. In conclusion, I’d like to give some safety remarks.”
The tapestries show a slight safety video, depicting riders as Kumandran citizens.
Benja: “When you get to the lift, make sure that your seatbelts are buckled and tight around your waist. We don’t want to lose anyone here. If you have trouble getting in your seat, turn to one of my guards for help. While you are on your flight, leave your objects on the ground. You may wear loose articles as long as they do not come off easily. As for those who have sensitivity to sudden effects or flashing lights, a fear of heights, motion sickness, or high blood pressure it is best if you sit out during this. Also be warned, you may get splashed during the ride. Thank you for joining us and good luck.”
From there, guests will enter the loading bay, which recreates a stable of some sort. Here, they board their dragon lifts, which are similar to the Soarin’ vehicles but smaller, fitting two people instead of six, and designed to look a little more older, made of presumed wood instead of metal. Guests follow the safety commandments and get ready.
Benja: “Greetings, members of the Grand Adventure Society, and welcome to Kumandra. It is a pleasure to have you here. I am Chief Benja, Chief of Heart. You may be asking, why are you here? Well, that story begins a long time ago.”
The tapestries then show screens, which have Southeast Asian pictures and designs telling the story. Meanwhile, Southeast Asian music inspired by James Newton Howard’s score from the film plays. Benja speaks as the tapestries show their pictures.
Benja: “This land wasn’t always the united place it is today. It was a long time ago, but for five hundred years, we were divided, fractured into lands. I, however, believed that we could be a united nation once more. People thought I was silly, but now look around. However, it wasn’t easy, and it all took an unexpected tragedy to start it off.”
The pictures make a small recap of how the world broke down six years prior.
Benja: “Six years ago, I invited all of the lands to discuss peace talks, but Fang, our enemy, had a plan to steal the Dragon Gem that we have guarded for a long time. The other lands came in and broke the gem, causing an ancient plague known as the Druun to return. I was turned to stone for six years, and, well, I’ll tell you what happened next.”
The pictures then tell of Raya’s journey in the film.
Benja: “My daughter, Raya, went looking for the one person she believed could fix things, Sisu, who back then, was the last dragon in Kumandra. She found her, and together, they went around and gathered the gem pieces. Although Raya didn’t listen at the time, Sisu told her to trust other people and have them help her restore the world. Although it took some time as well as the accidental slaying of Sisu to get her to believe this, it worked. With trust and teamwork, Raya and her friends were able to rebuild the gem, banish the Druun, and bring everyone back. They even brought the other dragons back, who in return, brought Sisu back to life.”
The pictures then tell the story of what is going on now.
Benja: “Now, it has been three months since then. I have met with the other chiefs and we have decided to work together to help rebuild Kumandra after the damage that the Druun had caused. It will not be easy, but I have been studying legends, and I know of something that could help us.”
The pictures then show the five Life Stones.
Benja: “Legend has it that a long time ago, back when we were still united, a dragon named Mangwen created five stones containing remarkable power. They could heal the sick and injured, repair the unrepairable, and even supply endless bits of food and water. This could really help out our nation after all that has happened. However, these things are hard to find, but there is some good news. I have sent Raya and some of her friends to scout them, and luckily, we already found one.”
Chief Benja holds up one of the Life Stones, which is glowing blue in his hand.
Benja: “This was submerged under our river for a thousand years. However, I don’t believe that the rest of them will be this easy to find. Luckily, this is where you come in. The dragons have once again lent us their power, and with it, they have given us these vehicles that you can fly in. Well, it’s not really flying, but it feels like it. You’re actually running on raindrops. It’s a pretty epic thing to do, tell you what.”
Just then, Sisu sticks her head through the window, looking a little bored.
Sisu: “Are you almost done? The dragon lifts are ready to go.”
Chief Benja looks at her and gasps.
Sisu: “Sorry, did I startle you?”
Benja: “No, no. It’s just that I’m still getting used to seeing dragons in my palace. I was just about to send them out.”
Sisu: “Alright. I’ll go tell my brother, Pengu. We should be getting ready to go too.”
Sisu then leaves the room and the sounds of bouncing on rain are heard. Benja looks back at the guests and gives some closing remarks.
Benja: “Okay, so the dragons are waiting for us, but hopefully it’ll take them time to get ready. However, we shouldn’t leave the lifts unattended, so you should get going soon. In conclusion, I’d like to give some safety remarks.”
The tapestries show a slight safety video, depicting riders as Kumandran citizens.
Benja: “When you get to the lift, make sure that your seatbelts are buckled and tight around your waist. We don’t want to lose anyone here. If you have trouble getting in your seat, turn to one of my guards for help. While you are on your flight, leave your objects on the ground. You may wear loose articles as long as they do not come off easily. As for those who have sensitivity to sudden effects or flashing lights, a fear of heights, motion sickness, or high blood pressure it is best if you sit out during this. Also be warned, you may get splashed during the ride. Thank you for joining us and good luck.”
From there, guests will enter the loading bay, which recreates a stable of some sort. Here, they board their dragon lifts, which are similar to the Soarin’ vehicles but smaller, fitting two people instead of six, and designed to look a little more older, made of presumed wood instead of metal. Guests follow the safety commandments and get ready.
RIDE EXPERIENCE:
The ride system of this attraction is a lot like that of Soarin’, with a few exceptions. The ride vehicle bobs up and down to give guests the feeling that they are running on raindrops, the vehicle has in-theater effects that include water, fog effects, puffs of air, and even some indoor snow for Spine (which is in a frozen forest), and the sound system is on the ride vehicle, making sure that everyone hears the same thing.
The lifts raise and begin to move, and with it, they go out into the land. After going through some mist, they come out into the rain and over the land of Heart. Sisu and some other dragons are seen jumping around. However, the lifts go with Sisu and head upriver.
Eventually, they get to the land of Fang. Here, they go through Fang palace, meeting with Namaari and going down into the catacombs. There, they go through a maze before finding a stone in the center of it. This causes a flood that they must escape from, but Sisu and her siblings are able to get Namaari and the lifts out of there.
With one stone collected, the lifts go to the land of Spine, a frigid forest. They go into a village and see Tong, who stands on a table with a child, rocking it to sleep. There, Tuk-Tuk is rolling outside of the village and through the forest. The lifts travel through a cave where a giant whale creature is seen. It blows its hole, spraying guests as they pass through. This is also where a bunch of Toot-Booms are, but they are easily avoided. Inside the cave is a lake. Sisu glows in the dark to help them navigate and then drives into the lake, forming a bubble around the lifts so they can go through without getting wet. In the lake, they find a lot of fish, as well as another Life Stone. They exit the cave and fly elsewhere.
The next place visited in the land of Talon, where they go over the rooftops of the market. However, pirates attack the market, sacking it of its gold. One man says how it was much easier to plunder when the lands were divided. Noi the Con Baby and the Ongis distract him while Sisu sneaks into the underwater passageways, the lifts following. Down there, they come across a bunch of squids who fill the room with gas. Sisu is able to ward them off and get a life stone, but upon escaping, they are taken by the pirates. Stuck with a hook, they have nowhere to go. Luckily, Boun shows up and cuts them loose. He says how Raya is waiting for them in Tail, so Sisu and the lifts go there.
In the desert of Tail, they come across Raya amidst the canyon, riding on a stolen convoy train where Spine mercenaries have the last Life Stone. After battling with several mercenaries, they get in front of the train and take the Life Stone. However, while escaping, the canyon collapses, but with the help of Sisu’s siblings, they escape.
The lifts return to Heart and head by the palace, where Chief Benja congratulates them. There, Tong, Noi, the Ongis, Namaari, Boun, and Raya are, thanking them for their help. Before letting them go, they decide to give the stones to the dragons to see what they do. The lifts then follow the dragons as they heal wounded and sick people as well as spread agriculture through several places. After that, they return to the palace and the ride ends.
The lifts raise and begin to move, and with it, they go out into the land. After going through some mist, they come out into the rain and over the land of Heart. Sisu and some other dragons are seen jumping around. However, the lifts go with Sisu and head upriver.
Eventually, they get to the land of Fang. Here, they go through Fang palace, meeting with Namaari and going down into the catacombs. There, they go through a maze before finding a stone in the center of it. This causes a flood that they must escape from, but Sisu and her siblings are able to get Namaari and the lifts out of there.
With one stone collected, the lifts go to the land of Spine, a frigid forest. They go into a village and see Tong, who stands on a table with a child, rocking it to sleep. There, Tuk-Tuk is rolling outside of the village and through the forest. The lifts travel through a cave where a giant whale creature is seen. It blows its hole, spraying guests as they pass through. This is also where a bunch of Toot-Booms are, but they are easily avoided. Inside the cave is a lake. Sisu glows in the dark to help them navigate and then drives into the lake, forming a bubble around the lifts so they can go through without getting wet. In the lake, they find a lot of fish, as well as another Life Stone. They exit the cave and fly elsewhere.
The next place visited in the land of Talon, where they go over the rooftops of the market. However, pirates attack the market, sacking it of its gold. One man says how it was much easier to plunder when the lands were divided. Noi the Con Baby and the Ongis distract him while Sisu sneaks into the underwater passageways, the lifts following. Down there, they come across a bunch of squids who fill the room with gas. Sisu is able to ward them off and get a life stone, but upon escaping, they are taken by the pirates. Stuck with a hook, they have nowhere to go. Luckily, Boun shows up and cuts them loose. He says how Raya is waiting for them in Tail, so Sisu and the lifts go there.
In the desert of Tail, they come across Raya amidst the canyon, riding on a stolen convoy train where Spine mercenaries have the last Life Stone. After battling with several mercenaries, they get in front of the train and take the Life Stone. However, while escaping, the canyon collapses, but with the help of Sisu’s siblings, they escape.
The lifts return to Heart and head by the palace, where Chief Benja congratulates them. There, Tong, Noi, the Ongis, Namaari, Boun, and Raya are, thanking them for their help. Before letting them go, they decide to give the stones to the dragons to see what they do. The lifts then follow the dragons as they heal wounded and sick people as well as spread agriculture through several places. After that, they return to the palace and the ride ends.
POST-RIDE:
After guests get off the ride and gather their stuff, they exit through a tunnel back to the village. There, they come out at Treasures of Kumandra, a gift shop.
We shall finish up Asian Gulf tomorrow with its dining, shopping, and entertainment.
We shall finish up Asian Gulf tomorrow with its dining, shopping, and entertainment.
