Disney’s Animal Kingdom

After an “easy” day at Blizzard Beach, we were up and at ‘em for extra magic hours at Disney’s Animal Kingdom!!

DSC_0175

Based on our FastPass+ selection times, we hit Dinoland first.

DSC_0176

DSC_0178

wd022wdw2014258120212599

DSC_0181

Mickey and Minnie in safari garb were set to come out right at 9AM for regular park hours. We got in line right before then and were through in no time flat.

wd024wdw2014258120220500

DSC_0185

wd028wdw2014258120220515

For something new, we took the Wildlife Express Train to Rafiki’s Planet Watch. The baby adored the affection station and could have brushed the baby pig all day. John enjoyed seeing the reptiles, learning about how all of the animals are fed and seeing the surgery room. We had to leave before the day’s surgery started but it is something I will definitely take them back to do again.

DSC_0189

DSC_0190

(Mother, John insisted we take this picture for YOU.)

DSC_0191

DSC_0192

DSC_0194

We were in the right place at the right time when Chip and Dale came out to play a few games of Pass the Acorn (hot potato) and Follow the Leader.
DSC_0196

DSC_0204

DSC_0206

wd029wdw2014258120248547

wd032wdw2014258120248526

wd034wdw2014258120248572

When we arrived back at Harambe Station, it was time for our FastPass on Kilimanjaro Safari. This ranks way up there among our very favorite things to do in Disney.

DSC_0223

DSC_0217

DSC_0220

DSC_0226

DSC_0231

DSC_0238

DSC_0239

After our safari, we headed right over to Donald’s Dining Safar at Tusker House. The food here was SOOOO yummy and beyond what is typically offered on buffets, with tons of dishes having African influences.
DSC_0240

DSC_0241

DSC_0242

Of course, the fact that Donald, Daisy, Goofy and Mickey came by our table just put the meal over the top. These are the faces of pure joy…

DSC_0246

DSC_0248

DSC_0250

DSC_0251

DSC_0253

DSC_0254

DSC_0256

After lunch we squeezed right in to the next showing of Festival of the Lion King, another Animal Kingdom favorite.

DSC_0259

DSC_0265

Oh, and I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention our picking up Dole Whips at Tamu Tamu for a refreshing afternoon snack. I just adore these things…

DSC_0266

DSC_0269

We were sad to find It’s a Bug’s Life closed for repairs. But we paid homage to the Tree of Life none the less.

DSC_0270

wd010wdw2014258120412317

We stored our bag in a locker and hit up Kali River Rapids with our FastPasses next. The baby was so excited to be big enough to ride this time!! Afterwards we headed over to Expedition Everest to catch that darn Yeti.
wd006wdw2014258120405694

Whit was also big enough and, with a little encouragement, brave enough to give it a ride. We were sure to practice our best Yeti faces while waiting in line.

DSC_0273

And, as you can tell from the photo, the baby was less than impressed. He said, “I wasn’t even scared but my cheeks almost flew off and I really didn’t like that.”

wd001wdw2014258120395235

So, with a very short standby line, the PCP and I rode it again two more times…

wd002wdw2014258120400097

wd003wdw2014258120403704

With our awesome day in the park pretty much wrapped up, we headed back to Animal Kingdom Lodge!
wd038wdw2014258120360141

Back at the resort, we threw on our swim suits with plans to hit the camp fire, take a dip in the pool, soak in the hot tub and to grab dinner at The Mara. Well, we ended up hooking up with friends again and then a fire inside the lodge kept us out of the building until VERY late. Luckily, we had no plans and we certainly enjoyed ourselves – swimming, cocktailing, hot tubbing, water sliding, animal watching, eating, talking and taking underwater pictures (the littles). It was a long but super fun and memorable day with friends and family!!

DSCF0907

DSCF0908

DSCF0911

DSCF0915

DSCF0922

DSCF0927

DSCF0932

DSCF0933

DSCF0948

DSCF0949

DSCF0951

Once we got back inside, we were out like lights after such a fun filled day (and night)!
xoxo

3 thoughts on “Disney’s Animal Kingdom

  1. we loved Tusker House- I think it was my favorite buffet meal while we were at Disney in May. The food was really neat and tasty and the characters made it a really worthwhile meal.

    We didn't spend much time in Animal Kingdom, though- that is something we plan to do on our next trip! :)

  2. Oh- We have always loved Animal Kingdom..but after a day or two we headed out for different food. lol We had a giraffe come up close to our balcony the last time we were there…xoDiana

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *