Here are some ideas I had for Australia @ Animal Kingdom
First, the land would be set off by a small lake that looks like Sydney Harbor.
1. Across the harbor would be a replica of the Sydney Opera House (smaller than the actual one, of course). Inside would be a show simply called Rhythms. Based loosely on the old Epcot concept for the African Rhtyms show. As you enter the opera house, an orchestra is set up as if the players are waiting to come in. The audience is seated, and the instruments begin playing as the lights change, too. The show then takes the instruments off stage (ala American Adventure), and Abborhiginal instruments come on. The show then tells a brief history of instruments (obviously focusing on Australian instruments) and their use in culture. Then the symphonic instruments come back on stage in sections, ending with a huge symphonic score at the end (original music, of course).
2. Animal attractions will be Koala Island and the Outback Trail. This has kangaroos, Tazmanian devils, and other Australian natives.
3. The signature attraction would be a trackless attraction themed to Ayres Rock. At the back of the OUtback Trail area, Ayres Rock rises up. At night, it has lighting effects that make it glow eerily. It will also have paint effects that make it appear to change color like the real rock itself. People enter a small tourist building that explains the history of Uluru (Ayre's Rock). Guests board vehicles that look like small Jeeps (made as distinct from the CTX vehicles of Dinosaur as possible). The vehicles are over a track (this is just for show later on, though). Your guides have provided a "tape tour." You venture a bit through the Outback (somewhat like EE sounds to be). This takes you past part of the Outback trail animal exhibits. You then approach the rock. Your "tape" explains a brief history of the rock. You then venture into a cave at the base of the Rock. Work lights have been installed. The tape begins to skip and fade out, and your jeep group enters a large chamber. The tape cracks in a brief, disjointed statement about native Australians and strange happenings at Uluru. Then the tape clicks off as do the lights. In the darkness, low Aborhiginal music starts to play. Starting with a digerido (sp?). Shadowy figure begin dancing on the walls, and the far wall begins to glow, eventually opening up. Your vehicles begin swaying around, independent of each other, like TDL's Pooh. You start spinning more and enter into the rock wall (which closes after you). You then go through depictions of the "Dreamtime." Several stories of the heroes and gods of that concept are depicted. Several time, large effects inter act with the cars including water and fire effects. Boomerangs fly at the guests. Eventually, you return to the cave (actually a recreation of the cave on the other side of the rock) and you regain the "track." The tape cuts back in discussing how the talks of the "Dreamtime" are "of course just stories..." You return to the camp and can exit.
Restaurants:
-The Aussie Pit (complete with Shrimp on the Barbie)
-A quick stop stand advertising Cut Lunches (sandwiches)
-The prizoner's den. Set in an old jail that is meant to look like an old prison from Australia's past. Table service restaurant with traditional Australian fare.
Shops:
-The Gold Coast. Offers Australian goods, jewelry, etc.
-a shop with artefact-type merchandise.
-The obligatory Disney store.
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