Vacation Recap Day 2 - Animal Kingdom

For our first official day in Disney World we decided to head to the Animal Kingdom park. This is by far the largest park of the four Disney parks in Orlando and for us was the furthest away from our resort. In my reading about it I learned that it is also the "hottest" park in terms of temps given the small amount of air conditioned areas. In addition I learned that the Asia Area of this park (all the parks are broken up into different themed and named areas for those of you who have never traveled to Disney) is larger than the ENTIRE Magic Kingdom park.

Despite this we were still really unprepared for the shear size of the place and for me it was very difficult to get my bearings and navigate. We spent so much time walking that we didn't actually get to do a lot. I have to say that of the four this was my least favorite park and would be the one I would skip if I had to skip one. It also seems very geared towards boys. However that said, the things that we did do were very fun. I think had we been able to do and see more that I would have a more favorable impression.

Here is how our day went:
We slept in a bit and while Bill and I got ready for the day the kids had cereal (mini boxes brought from home with milk bought at the hotel store and kept in our room fridge - there is my "parent's tip" #1). Once we were ready to go we picked up the shuttle bus from our hotel to the park. Upon arrival we headed in and the kids were very excited to meet their first Disney characters. I think one of the highlights of the whole trip for the kids was the purchase of autograph books and the daily pursuit of character autographs to fill them with. We headed to DinoLand so Bill and Ryan could ride the "Dinosaur" a dark, loud and scary Roller Coaster.

One of the neat focal points of Animal Kingdom is the "Tree of Life" which is located in the center of the park and for the most part is visible from any of the areas. It is not a real tree but is a symbolic man-made work of amazing art with 325 animals carved in its trunk and roots.

Next stop was the Kilimanjaro Safaris. We boarded large safari trucks for a 20 minute "safari" through the 100 acres of African Habitat. We saw amazing animals and even more amazing was the close proximity we were able to get to them from elephants to rhinos to hippos. It was so neat to see. Well worth the 40 minute or so wait and my favorite part of the park. Next up was the "Expedition Everest" roller coaster. Anna and I sat this one out but Ryan and Bill rode it twice. Not to spoil it for anyone, but at one point the coaster comes to a dead stop and then takes off in reverse. It got a thumbs up from the guys. Being the chicken that I am I will take their word for it! Our last stop was a bit more my speed, the "TriceraTop Spin." Think the Dumbo ride gone Dino. :-)

When we finally arrived back to our hotel the kids were thrilled to see that our housekeeper had left some fun things for them. A towel dressed up like a monster complete with the kid's toothbrushes as feelers and their stuffed animals placed strategically on their beds, etc. After an evening swim the kids were tired out as were Bill and I. I think that last picture says it all.