The Cook's: Disney Trip Report

Day 6

Animal Kingdom day. I really like Animal Kingdom – it often gets a bad rap from the Disney fanatics, but I really like the feel of the park. All the theming in some of the African sections is top notch, as is the Expedition Everest ride. I would even go as far as saying it beats Magic Kingdom in having the ability to really make you feel like you are in another place.

However, the day did not start as planned, as we all slept in a bit which got us behind by about 45 minutes, which meant we were not at the park when it opened, and we were essentially behind before the day started.

Then, rather than catching the Animal Kingdom shuttle from the Dolphin, I chose to drive, and then have to deal with parking and the parking trams. More time wasted.

Anyway, we got into the park (and you could already tell it was going to be a hit or miss weather day, as it was overcast, and muggy) and scurried over to grab a fastpass for the Kilimanjaro Safari.

Success, as the return time was only 60 minutes later, so we hoped on the animal kingdom train to go check out Rafis. A good idea, I thought, but the kids didn’t care for it last time, and my decision to do that caused me to miss running over to Expedition Everest and pulling four fastpasses (which by the time we got over there after the Safari – the return times were several hours out).

Either way, we got on the safari, which I think is always very good (we did not get on it twice) and then headed over to Everest for fastpasses (nearly all pictures for this update are from the safari – impending rain prevented most others).

Given our return time was for later, we headed over to Dinosour! (bypassing the Nemo show – which both boys vetoed). Dinosaur is one those rides that is good under the radar ride (can’t beat Hodges from CSI doing the opening skit – random).

I honestly have no idea what we did next – but I know we eventually ended up at Yak & Yeti – we ate at the Local Café next door, not the expensive sit down. Same exact food, just quick serve versus sit down, and half the price – and boy, did it hit the spot. The Honey Chicken & Rice, and the Sweet & Sour Chicken were just what the doctor ordered. Kids devoured it as well…

Biggest problem at Animal Kingdom (especially around Yak&Yeti) is that there is simply not enough places to sit down. Luckily, we found a secluded spot down by a lagoon, but the table was the size of a kitchen plate – but it was a place to sit. Luckily we ate when we did, as the skies let loose for about 10 minutes after we ate. We ducked under an umbrella, and trees and survived the wetness.

We headed over to the carnival themed area (don’t quite get how that fits – a rare Disney mistake in my mind) to ride the Dumbo like ride on there. However, we were again thwarted by a downpour upon boarding and retreated back into the covered line (we never rode that one). I though the kids could do the other big ride in there (Primevil Whirl) – but out of all the Disney rides, it has the HIGHEST height requirement of any – and they stick in a kiddie section of the park – don’t get it. 48” for that ride, but 40” for Big Thunder, 44” for Space Mountain, and 44” for Everest – bizarre.

We finally got over to Everest – Connor actually a bit hesitant at first – but with the fast pass – we just walked on. And really, its probably the best ride at Disney in my mind - smooth, fast and well themed. Connor was a little perplexed when the coaster got to the top of the mountain and sees the tracks that were broken by the Yeti – then only to feel the coaster going backwards as fast as it can. He laughed the entire way when it hit top speed and from that point on, he declared it his favorite. He was able to hop right back on with Bridget for another ride…and then the skies let loose again, this time for a solid 30 minutes and it pretty much soaked us and put an early end to Animal Kingdom.

I had 8 fastpasses sitting in my pocket yet (4 for Everest, and 4 for Kali River Rapids – which I was game to ride being we were already soaked – but everyone else had had enough). I handed the 8 fastpasses to two girls coming in as we left, and made their day.

It was 4 pm by the time we got back to the hotel…I think we all rested up a bit and then we headed over to Downtown Disney for the night, and a quick dinner at Earl Of Sandwhich – which is still the best place to eat in all of Disney when you factor in taste and cost…for $6 you get a top notch sandwich. It is the only place on Disney property where you can feed a family of four (and feed them well) for under $28. We had been there on our last visit 18 months ago, and we would visit more than once this time.

We shopped a bit – and headed back to the hotel by 11 (not before being sidetracked by yet another 10 minute downpour).

One of the few pictures I have of actual people at Animal Kingdom.

The telephoto lens came in handy...not quite sure what the people trying to take pictures with a cell phone were hoping for.

A safari vehicle behind us.

While they were close, the lens makes it seem a lot closer.

Baby elephants.

The lions came out right as we were strolling by (almost as if they are actually robots ;)

Lunch was here - but not really. Its about $25 bucks a plate here...

...but about 10 feet away, the sell the same exact food, for $9.99, they just don't give it to you on a fancy plate in a air conditioned building....

...the dump it into a fancy orange box you get to eat outside. Fine by me...$35 versus $85 to eat.

Everest has to be one of the most impressive "looking" rides from a distance.

Coming down from Everest

We saw this going on above us on the Safari - looked interesting. However, turns out its a add on that must be reserved ahead of time (Jungle Trek) - and you must be 8 years old, and it costs $189.....a person. On second thought, didn't look as interesting.