Saturday’s theme was Safari + Sparkles, and it could not have been a more perfect description of the day.
We started slowly in the villa with breakfast, copious amounts of coffee, and the kind of chatter that only a family of nine can create. No rush, no agenda for the moment, just being together and easing into the day.
My Milestone Disney World Birthday Trip
Day 1: A Solo Start at EPCOT
Day 2: Let the Magic Begin
Day 3: Best Birthday Ever!
Day 4: Safari + Sparkles
Day 5: Eat Cake for Breakfast + A Sweet See Ya Real Soon
A Wild Start
We made our way to Animal Kingdom for something I had been especially excited about… a behind-the-scenes tour with the rhino care team. It was absolutely spectacular. We learned so much and loved experiencing something new, especially as a group that has been to Disney more times than we can count. Getting to spend time with Kiama and even pet her was such a special moment. The work Disney does in animal care and conservation is truly incredible, and it was meaningful to see that side of the parks up close.
A Sweet Surprise
One of the items on my birthday bucket list was the now-viral chocolate chip cookie dough brown ice cream sandwich in Animal Kingdom. When we first walked into the park, the line had to be at least 80 people deep. I quickly decided I did not need it that badly and assured everyone we would not be standing in that line later in the day.
My brother-in-law had other plans. He insisted that if I wanted it, we were getting it, and that he would happily take one for the team and wait in line. So kind and completely unnecessary. After our tour, he and Honey raced ahead to find… no line at all. For a brief moment they thought they had sold out, but when the rest of us arrived, they were waiting with nine ice cream sandwiches in hand.
They absolutely lived up to the hype. And they are huge. Definitely shareable.
Afterwards, the crew split up a little. Whit wanted lunch at Satuli Canteen, so we headed there. Sister’s family joined us for that but then stayed in the park a while longer. Marme and Daddy-O beelined back to the villa.
Riviera Resort Poolside Pause
The afternoon was spent back at Riviera, lined up poolside in a row of nine chairs. Cocktails from Bar Riva for some, shaded naps for others, and one very energetic little girl perfecting her handstands and flips. It was easy and relaxed and exactly what we all needed.
Dinner + A Perfect Night
After a quick refresh in the room, we hopped on the Skyliner and made our way to the BoardWalk. Dinner at Trattoria al Forno was lively, delicious and full of laughter. One of those meals where no one is in a hurry to leave the table.
And then… the sparkle. We boarded a private boat for fireworks viewing at EPCOT, and it truly felt like a pinch-me moment. The sun setting and the lights of the BoardWalk reflecting on the water. Honey popped the bubbles and made a birthday toast, and I had brought mini cupcakes from my favorite baker at home to share. And then we watched the fireworks from the front row, surrounded by the people I love most.
It was one of those nights you wish you could bottle up and keep forever. Safari and sparkles, indeed.
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