Disney's Animal Kingdom

Well gang, the rough year that was 2009 went out with a bang. I was treated to a surprise trip to Disney's Animal Kingdom! An early get-up had us over at the park around 8:30 or 9. While on our way over, the Magic Kingdom's access roads were filling up fast. You knew it would be a busy day. And it was.

Animal Kingdom was park I'd always wanted to see and it was absolutely gorgeous! Everywhere you look is lush greenery. The bamboo towers over many of the walkways while stone markers and themed ruins along the nature trails make you feel like Indiana Jones. You'll see everything from Otters to Komodo Dragons here, amidst carved stone and water falls. This very much reminded me of the atriums at Gaylord Opryland Hotel.

Our first stop was the Safari, on which a couple Ostriches passed within 6 feet of the truck (How YOU doin?), and some of us got air time after a bump in the road. Yes, my backside went up about 8 inches out of the seat. Good laugh and marveled at all the animals, inluding a rare up and at'em lioness.

After just missing the time for the Lion King show, we opted to get pictures with Santa Goofy, Minnie, and Donald Duck. Yes, I was on my best behavior! Goofy sniffed my armpit and broke wind right when we took the picture. Minnie was decked out in her Christmas sweater and apparently she's a "hugger". Hey, Minnie was sweet to me and I appreciated that. Even Donald was enthusiastic in his Safari gear. Probably had his Starducks coffee. Get it? Starducks? (crickets)...ahem. Moving on...

While some of the group road Expedition Everest, it was prime time to get pics and video of the ride in the observation area. With rides done and pictures taken, we stopped for some of the best soft serve ice cream I've ever had! My Coke float (aka breakfast) was most tasty.

Our next stop was Kali River Rapids for more pics and vids. Do you have any idea how hard it is to be a Rapids enthusiast and NOT ride? Well, I had to pass on this one because of the drop on the end. Hated to, because it was a pleasent 74 degrees out and the ride looked like fun, but when big drops make you feel like a cross between hang over and jet lag, it's not worth it. Even so, the time eating ice cream and hanging out on the bridge above the ride channel was still a lot of fun. I really do like the expedition themeing, complete with backpacks, on the boats. No doubt, Kali River Rapids will kick off the pin collection as soon as one is found.

Time to head back to Lion King...and find out you're a pig. Well, a Warthog really, as per how they divided up the audience. Giraffe, Lion, and Elephant were the others. This was a colorful and well done show, complete with large mobile set pieces, stilt walkers (always a favorite), a fire juggler (who probably doubles over at the Polynesian Luau), and acrobatic monkeys. I STILL get chills everytime I hear the opening to Circle of Life. The four hosts, particularly the Michael Clark Duncan fellow and the sweet and sassy Warthog leader lady, all did a great job getting people into the show. After a questionable elephant trumpet, the Michael Clark Duncan guy said with a grin "That's an elephant sound I won't soon forget."

Next up was to explore the Tree of Life and it's remarkable carvings. Some terrific detail here and it's really fun to play "find the animal" in not only the main tree, but also the sprawling roots. For those that don't know, the structure is a modified oil derrick with a theatre below. That theatre is where we saw, It's Tought to be a Bug. Yes, we were bug sprayed, swatted, stung, squirted, and farted on...all in 3D! Flik and friends from A Bug's Life, put on a brief but entertaining show. I think exiting is the best part. No, that's not a shot at all. Some comical stuff happens, and if you've seen the show, you understand. ;)

And then there was Dinosaur, or Animal Kingdom's answer to Indiana Jones and The Temple of the Forbidden Eye at Disneyland. This is where I got set up (looks at cohorts with raised eyebrow). Apparently front row, right end, is the prime seat for a suprise during the ride, complete with onride photo proof at the end. Dinosaur was fun, and it almost set off my motion sickness with all of the movement. There were a few times I had to shut the eyes to keep composure. Needless to say, I wasn't walking straight for a bit after, but recovered quickly enough. Still enjoyed it and had a good laugh at the set up.

We did the gift shop thing before heading home for the day. Yeah, I'm coming back for Disney kitchen stuff as well as pins and magnets. How can you not like a Micky Mouse Butt egg timer or Mickey pot holders? There's a possibility of some Vinylmation figures too. Even saw a small model monorail. Other noteworthy souvenir swag: Disney Star Wars Figures (Goofy as Darth Maul, Stitch as Yoda, etc.), TONS of pins for trading, Muppet Star Wars Figures (Beaker as C3PO, etc), Skull Pirate Mouse Ears, Yeti Ball and Mini Yeti Christmas Ball, and a Winnie the Pooh Animal Kingdom magnet, where Pooh is facing a real tiger and says "Tigger, is that you?"

Oh indeed, this was a grand way to wrap up 2009 and I owe those who made it possible a BIG thank you. This was a treat! And thank you to Disney for a great day! :)