I settled on a bagel for breakfast today while the girls were still enjoying the cinammon roll experience. We ate quickly and were soon on a bus heading for the park. We were waiting at the park entrance in time for rope drop, and having studied the park map beforehand, decided to head straight for Expedition Everest. On our way, we couldn't help but admire the theming on the park. Disney have done a cracking job here and there are great views everywhere you look, and all of the shops and restaurants are immaculately done. Lots of nice photo opportunities as well.
We'd initally decided against a photopass in our pre-trip planning but we saw a photographer waiting in view of a nice vista and so decided on the spur of the moment to get a photo and a pass. From that point on, we bagged a photo at every opportunity
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We reached Expedition Everest and there was no queue at this point. We practically walked straight on the ride. Again, no ride spoilers here but whereas Carly and I enjoyed it, Maddie absolutely did not. It's fair to say, in fact, she hated it. Carly and I took it turns to ride it again seperately before the queue built up, and then quickly took Maddie on the nearby Kali River Rapids to take her mind off Everest. That did the trick, a fun ride but we got absolutely soaked. So much so, that we stayed on for a second go around thinking it was better to stay wet than get dry and then ride it again later. We then went straight to buy a large towel from the nearest store
.Next on our list was the Maharajah Jungle Trek. Again, fantastic theming throughout and remarkably close views of some wonderful animals. The gorillas especially were very close to the viewing area. We lingered here a while and took some great photos.
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Carrying on through the park, we took the Wildlife Express to Rafiki's Planet Watch next. An enjoyable trip, this, and interesting to see the behind the scenes animal enclosures. Maddie picked up Pocahantas' autograph at Planet Watch which was an unexpected bonus for her. We then headed back to the main park and thoughts turned to lunch. After studying the map for a bit over an iced lemonade, we settled on Tusker House Restaurant. This was a great choice, as this African themed buffet restaurant was excellent. We had a short wait for a table but were pleased we did. Great food and a nice respite from the 90 - odd degree heat outside.
After eating, we headed for the Kilimajaro Safari. By now, the park had filled up and so we had a wait for this experience, but it was well worth it. A neat premise to the ride is vaguely similar to the Jungle Cruise at MK, but these are no fake animals. Within short succession, we had close up views of hippos, crocodiles, lions elephants and especially the giraffes. This was a fantastic close up view at these animals and was arguably the best wildlife attraction we've ever done. If you visit Animal Kingdom, make sure you don't miss this wonderful ride.
After this brilliant experience, we found ourselves in a great spot for the parade, almost by chance. While waiting, we spoke to a lovely family from New Jersey, and this was our first experience of how interested the Americans were in the royal wedding
. The parade itself was very good, with some excellent and unique "floats" for want of a better word. Also lots of very interesting performers made this a nice first parade experience of the trip.
The afternoon was drawing on now so Maddie had decided she wanted to collect some more autographs at Camp Minnie-Mickey. We dutifully queued and collected some signatures and made good use of our new photopass.
Finally we visited Dinoland at the other side of the park. On the way, I stopped in a shop and picked up a great hat which was a godsend for the rest of the holiday as for the next few days at least, the temperature was going in one direction - up! I rode Dinosaur as Maddie was still unsure after Expedition Everest. I thought it was good and surprisingly intense.
By now, it was getting late in the day and we made our way back to the exit. We caught the bus and welcomed our air-conditioned room back at French Quarter. We decided to try out the facilities at PO Riverside and headed over for a dip in their (bigger) pool. Had a beer at poolside and then ate in the Riverside's counter service restaurant which had slightly more choice than our own. basic but tasty and the build your own salad bar was a hit.
We then went back to our room and showered in preparation for our next day destination, Epcot.
