The first thing we did when we arrived at DAK (Disney's Animal Kingdom) was head to the verryyyy back of the property for the Kilimanjaro Safari.....it's about a 15 minute ride on an open air safari vehicle through the savannah of the Africa area, during which you see several different animals that are not in cages of any kind, so they can come as close as they wish to the vehicle! Because we went first thing in the morning, we were able to see many animals awake and moving.....later in the day, you tend to see less as they go to sleep or get bored of seeing the vehicles of guests come by. My favorite was probably the giraffe that watched us from roughly 10 feet away!
baby elephant getting a drink
our giraffe friend! this wasn't zoomed in...he was on my side of the vehicle
Our safari ride was pretty good, except that our guide spoke very softly so it was difficult for even me to hear her throughout most of the ride, so I can only imagine that Grandma and Grandpa and Mom didn't hear much either.....it would've been nice to know what she was saying, but we saw all the animals regardless.
Near the safari was a walking trail to see more animals not in the savannah; I'd never done this before and I don't believe Mom had either. They get your attention by telling you the gorillas are at the end and who doesn't love them....am I right?? But seriously, the trail offered a good view and educational tidbits on all the animals featured, and even had an aviary to walk through complete with a picture guide to know what you were looking at.
bird making its nest....there were a lot of these hanging from the trees
gorilla keeping watch
We took a break from walking the park and watched Festival of the Lion King, a high energy musical-theater show that quickly tells some of the story of the Lion King incorporating the original songs from the movie. There was dancing, singing, acrobats, tumble monkeys, and more!
A Bug's Life 3-D was the next stop, followed by Expedition Everest for which Mom and I took advantage of the little known "single rider" line and were on the ride in about 5 minutes bypassing the 50min stand-by wait! Of course, we weren't together on the ride, but at least we got to ride it without making Grandma and Grandpa wait too long for us.
Mom takes pictures on rides....
By this time it was getting to be sunny and warmer so we grabbed a quick lunch of delicious BBQ at the Flame Tree Barbecue Restaurant (a quick service), did a little shopping, and headed back to the buses for some down time at the hotel before hitting the Magic Kingdom. Forgot to mention.....as we were strolling through the park in the morning, Grandpa stops and starts talking to a man; why? Because it was someone he knew from back home in Buffalo. Only Grandpa!
Once back at the hotel, Mom and I went to the pool and let the other 2 visitors nap and relax in the room.
the pool at the resort
Our evening was spent in the Magic Kingdom, experiencing as much as we could.....including getting Grandpa on Space Mountain!! I would write about it, but there was a lot, and I think the pictures cover it quite well, so enjoy!
the castle from the top of Main St USA
castle at night
"Dapper Dans"
fireworks show "Wishes" as seen from outside our restaurant Liberty Tree Tavern...we had to leave in the middle of dinner to see it, but so did everyone else in there!
when we first arrived at Magic Kingdom
Pooh Bear...sort of Tigger
Small World
our picture from Space Mountain!!
Grandma and Grandpa and I when we first arrived at MK
of course there were a few pictures taken where I work...
Some of the other things we did that aren't pictured included Haunted Mansion, Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor, and Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin.
It was a wonderful 2 days spent with them, and I wish it could have been longer. They dropped me back off at my apartment Thursday morning and were on their way home while I got ready for work.
saying goodbye
they arrived back to Naples safe and sound
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