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The "Peaceful" Sanctuary
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The "Peaceful" Sanctuary
As the "heart" of Folklore forest, the Whispering Woods is a gentle zoo-like forested area with winding paths and exhibits. Throughout, you can meet creaures from folklore stories all around the world, namely those who are generally considered "harmless" and peaceful. At the center of it all, you can find the Library of Spoken Stories, the centerpiece of the land and soul of the park.
Folklore Forest houses various folklore creatures thorughout the Library and the area that all guests can directly interact with. In essence, these creatures are the next evolution of the Toothless meet 'n' greet at Epic Universe. You can meet a baby Dragon, a Unicorn, a Pegasus, a Griffin, an Anqa, a Phoenix, a Hippocamp and a Satori. Even Anansi himself appears from time to time! All these creatures are cared for by Keepers - in Anansi's case, reluctantly cared for - who are happy to share all the secrets of gaining these Creatures' trust. The four Chinese Guardians - the Black Tortoise of the North, the Azure Dragon of the East, the Vermilion Bird of the South and the White Tiger of the West - are among the statues in the Library, and they come to life, as well; oftentimes nodding to guests who acknowledge them. And the Yellow Dragon, the Chinese guardian that represents the center of the universe, holds court in the center of the Library, overlooking the Storytellers' stage.
The winding paths offer many different vantage points and encounters with creatures in their natural habitats, offering a Zoo-like experience similar to the Fairytale Forest at Efteling.
FEATHERMICE - these shadowy creatures are infamous in these regions, because unlike the treasured speed of most rodents, the Feathermice have a unique ability to escape by “bouncing” and floating away, with their bellies, which can expand and contract like balloons, with aerial support from their feathery sides.Â
WISPLINGS - the most well known of the creatures, the Wisplings are actually nicknames for their better-known true name, the will-of-the-wisp. The glowing flames are known to guide humans into their destinations (or swamps when their minds are agitated), which make them the most beloved and respected creatures in the realm. They’ll always offer you a path home if you lost. While they are simply blue flames if you don’t look close enough, and on further inspection you’ll notice their tiny white structure with two small legs. Because a Wispling tends to heat up with exercise, the blue flames actually help it cool down into a normal temperature.
WHISTLEBIRDS - this species of birds is surprisingly normal to the locals, with its about-average whistle, which generates clean melodies. Its unique traits are derived from none other than their deceptively unique “gems”, generally three, lining their necks, which absorbs Wispling light and allows the birds to gain more energy.Â
NAUSKILISK - This lizard/snake/platypus hybrid is very strange- with its webbed feet, triple eyes (on both sides), and thin tail, the Nauskilisk is so normal yet such an outcast when you look at into its soul.Â
Set against the Library of Spoken Stories is the Will-o-Wisp Dance, a calming trackless flat ride that drifts over the peaceful waters of the area. Similar to Aquatopia at DisneySea, this ride uses flat ride mehanics that are transformed into a semi-boat ride experience. The enviorment is feeling with dancing blue flame "wisplings" who drift and dance around the lagoon area shrouded in trees.