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Published: June 13th 2017
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Geo: 28.5377, -81.3774
Because we were staying on Disney property, we could take advantage of early Magic Hours at Animal Kingdom this morning. Meaning, we could get in at 8 am, a full hour before the rest of the crowd. Our plan was to depart at 7:15. We departed at 8:45. This group is a test of my organizational skills. ;-)
Nonetheless, we drove to AK, parked and were still in the gate at 9 am as the rest of the crowd was entering. We again rented a locker at the entrance, where we stored a change of shoes, umbrellas, etc. Very handy. Worth the money.
It was drizzling slightly as we arrived so our first photos show us in ponchos and raincoats (suggest you buy these at a Dollar Store and bring with you, rather than paying $10 for the Disney version). But we quickly were able to ditch them (quick trip back to the locker) when the rain disappeared.
We headed straight to Kilimanjaro Safari ride and were boarded in 10 minutes, even without a Fast Pass. We loved it. So much so that we got off the ride and got right back in line to ride it again -- this time we
had a 25 minute wait. Good news: lions were more awake. Bad news: no where near as many animals as the first time. It REALLY is important to ride this ride early. In the summer, the heat sends them off to nap in quiet, dark places so you never even get to see some of my faves.
Our first Fast Pass was for the Dinosaur Ride. Not scary, but only half our group tried it. Others had their photos taken with Donald, Goofy and the gang.
Our second Fast Pass was for Everest. This is a very cool ride but not for the faint of heart. You go forward, backward and encounter the abominable snowman. The three of us with nerves of steel loved this ride.
Lunch was a character event at Tusker House. We had our photo taken outside, then entered for a tasty buffet. There was a big variety of food (American, African, Asia); and a short buffet for the short people. Not sure I would recommend eating from the short buffet; there were a lot of dirty hands grabbing items.
We had drinks at lunch (including some cocktails) and while we dined, Mickey, Donald, Daisy and Goofy all came by separately
for photo ops. I was amazed that a Disney Photographer didn't accompany but there were Cast Member/caretakers who were very willing to take photos with our own cameras.
Our third Fast Pass was for Finding Nemo, The Musical, which is a DON'T MISS. It's similar to Lion King in that the singers and dancers also operate puppets. The scenery is incredible. The talent should be on Broadway. The music was as fun as the movie. It was an absolutely delightful experience.
We took in Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade, which was quite cute. Then hit a shop or two and headed back to the hotel to relax before dinner. AK is NOT a full-day experience, we found.
There were finally a LOT of animals outside the balcony so we sat outside and took in the views. We dressed up, donned our blinking princess tiaras from www.flashingblinkylights.com, and headed to the California Grill at the Contemporary Hotel.
The meal was lovely and delicious. Our blinking tiaras were quite the rage. The man at the table next to us proposed to his girlfriend. And we took in the Wishes fireworks show at Magic Kingdom -- themed for Disney's current hit "Frozen" -- from the restaurant.
I went out on the Contemporary catwalk to get good photos.
When I returned, the staff brought us creme brulee in honor of the birthday girl. It was the perfect ending to an enchanting evening.
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