Sunday, March 22, 2009

Our little get away...day three

I had every intention of getting this post done last Thursday and then...life happens. Somehow it is always like that. I got distracted by friends and projects and "to do" lists and having people over for dinner and schooling and appointments...life just gets in the way of my agenda. In fact that is a whole different post, trying to have a good attitude of taking care of everyone elses agenda and letting my agenda slip quietly by unnoticed.

Getting back to the post at hand...our second day at the Disney parks, we all agreed to do Animal Kingdom. Chuck and Tally took off right away to get over to Everest and get their fast passes for that. This was going to be their first time on it. They both LOVED it and they were able to get on it twice in the morning before the lines were too long.While they were doing that Tissy and I visited some characters and took some really cute pictures.

Then we enjoyed some rides over at Dinoland USA (the small kids area with rides).
Here we are on the Primevil Whirl. This was the only ride that was longer than the sign said. It said the wait was for 10 min. but we waited about 20. Once was all I needed on this one, kind of jerky and old fashion.This park has some great shows. The Nemo show and the Lion King show are both great. Of course the highlight of the park is the safari. It is neat how they change the natural landscape of Florida to look like Africa. It sure makes me want to visit the real thing.


It is neat the this park is like a combo of an amusement park and a zoo. We really enjoyed the animals this time. Didn't focus too much on the rides, but enjoyed it for what it is.

Here are Chuck and Tissy on the safari ride. Again...does this girl take a bad picture?
Kind of an odd picture for the blog...I know...but Tally is such a lover of animals and creation and nature...she loved this sign. We took a bird field guide and tried to identify some birds out at Rafiki's Planet Watch. While we were out there we learned about the Kids Discovery Club at Animal Kingdom. If you are there...watch out for those places on the map (marked with a red K) where your kids can do a hands on activity. While at the stations, they can get a book and fill it with stamps at the special stations. If they complete the book, they can turn it in for a little prize. This turned out to be a highlight for our girls. It was kind of like a treasure hunt (almost like letterboxing with getting the stamps in the book). I thought it was worth finding the stations and doing the activities (they were all nature related - almost like a nature center).The animals really were amazing and in such beautiful habitats. Not sad and sorry looking concrete cages like old zoos, but seemed to be nature inspired.
Last time were were there, we didn't spend enough time out at Rifiki's Planet watch. They have a lot to explore and check out. If you are local, check out the program they have for kids who want to learn to work with animals. Here we are riding the train. I love how Disney goes all out with the themes. This train looks like some thing from Out of Africa.


Another treat for us...the simplistic petting zoo. We had more fun brushing the goats and sheep. Simple pleasures.

We really had a great day and a great time as a family. It was a wonderful get away and a true escape from reality...isn't that what vacation should be?

8 comments:

Annie said...

Looks like a lot of fun...

Crystal said...

Hey, I want to go!! It looks like you had a great time. I gave you a blog award on my blog today. I think you have a great attitude : ) Come by and check it out~

Elle J said...

We haven't made it to the FL Disney parks (just CA), but this would be a for-sure highlight for my son, who is also an animal lover and future animal conservationist! Thanks for the tip!

Your photos were fun too.

Sarah said...

I just loved that tree of life, it was so amazing! :) I didn't go on expedition everest but I wish I had. I guess something saved for next time! :) I still can't believe we were there at the same time!

Anonymous said...

It's funny that you all didn't care for the Primevil Whirl-that was one of our favorite rides! Joel gets motion sick, so he only did it twice ( I could tell by the look on his face that the second time would be his last) but the line was short and the boys and I went on that one again and again. We loved it!

Did you make it on the Rapid ride, or was it too cold for you?

Cindy said...

I love that they're having their ears! Animal Kingdom looks AMAZING! When my husband and I were there in'98, they had just finished it so we figured we'd let them work out the kinks, so to speak. We're hoping to go this year with Tucker and we will definitely be going there!

K-Sue said...

Looks like fun. We loved Dino Land, too.

Tim and Susan said...

What nice pictures of the girls. Glad they liked the animals.