Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Quick primer. Animal Kingdom is all about Africa, Polynesia and animals. Lion King features prominently. There are rides, shows and lots of live music.

We had a very civilized (lazy) morning that included several coffees and some Mickey Mouse waffles before leaving the resort. Melissa kindly woke up at 7AM again to get us a noon reservation on Animal Kindgom’s prime ride. So that was when we arrived at the park, via Disney bus. Mickey and Minnie were floating by on a raft as we crossed the bridge into the park. This was very exciting for Eleanor because we did not see them yesterday. She is all about the characters!

The ride was great - very elaborate and Disneyish. It was a boat ride but we did not get wet! I believe it was based on Avatar. We followed it closely with an experience based around the movie A Bug’s Life. This was hated by everyone except Mel who thought it was great. The kids were terrified and spent the whole time with their eyes closed and ears covered. Because they were upset, I spent the whole time worrying about them. Fortunately Mel does not share my sensitivity to other people’s feelings so she enjoyed it.

Instead of rolling the dice on another ride we stopped to enjoy a Polynesian concert. Happily, a big giant bird named Kevin showed up Eleanor followed Kevin around as we danced and watched the concert.

Next up - lunch. A total departure from our fine dining lunch in space. We did hot dogs and blue slushies in the jungle. Due to our late start we were behind the lunch rush so easily secured tables in the shade to fend off the very hot and humid conditions. To completely escape the heat we decided on an indoor show that featured Lion King characters. Huge hit! Cirque de Soleil type show - bright, music, characters. Awesome and the kids loved it.

Right outside the exit we found a candy shop Mel wanted to check out. Eleanor left with a sucker the size of her face. It was only a matter of time before that happened. So we did not fight it. Malcolm chose popcorn. He was hungry after not eating much lunch. We also purchased these weird bandana things that soak up water and cool you down. We bought them for Malcolm who always runs hot, but once we realized the efficacy we all started using them to stay cool.

As though that list of activities were not enough, we followed this list with a safari, watched a water show featuring music and large floats and visited a carnival. Mel snuck in a kid free thrill ride before we caught the bus back to the resort. The kids were exhausted but it was only 6:45 when we got back so we headed for the storied resort pool.

It lived up to the hype - sand bars, lazy river, water slides. The best part - the Scotland Yard level lifeguards. They are everywhere and methodically monitoring every inch of the pools. Dead kids is really bad for Disney resort business. Mel and I could completely relax. I even got a cocktail! The food continues to be great, even from the poolside bar.

We ended the day poolside with ice cream under the Epcot fireworks. I am starting to see why people are so into their Disney Resorts. I may have to buy a t-shirt, a fanny pack and really lean into this.

It is 10PM now. The kids are asleep and Mel and I are on vacation highs. Tomorrow is a resort day and a rain day. The rain starts in the afternoon so we know we have Mickey Mouse waffles and some friends to meet at the pool in the morning. The rest of the day is up in the air but there seems to be no shortage of things to do so I am sure we will find something. I am too relaxed to be worried about it.

Have a magical night.Read more