Anyone Game? 2 Castles and a Road Trip TR! Last Day and TR Wrap Up! #2796; 10/01

[PrincessInOz]

Walt Disney World - Animal Kingdom 04 October 2013



It's Another Wake Up Early Morning




Saturday dawned bright and early and we all got up early today. It was Extra Magic Hours at Animal Kingdom and we were all eager to hit this park.

I know there are always people on the Dis saying DON'T GO to any park when EMH is scheduled. I never quite know why they feel that way. It is one of the perks for staying on-site and it's there to be enjoyed and it's always worked out well for us. And it may well be a different proposition in the summer vacay months.







We missed out on getting any photopass pictures taken yesterday. Time to cash in on that CD bank today.







Someone was being cheeky!







We did get there at 8 am in the morning and whilst there were people around, there was lots of room to spread out.







Another photo opportunity.








We were all heading for that tree and with no line, I figured it was worth spending the time grabbing the obligatory shot.







Yes, we probably should have spent the time racing off to a ride somewhere. But the shots here turned out pretty decent.








And we did get to have a surprise guest from outer space appear in one of the shots.








Besides, the light on the tree was amazing. Both DH and I couldn't resist taking our own shots here.

















We walked round the park this way. I asked the boys if they wanted to jump on a safari and it was an emphatic no.









I completely agreed with them on the safari and we kept going.





(Continued in Next Post)

 

[PrincessInOz]

(Continued from Previous Post)


OT - The Savannah in My Backyard and My Version of AKL




I can practically hear some of you gasping at us passing up on the Safari Ride.





It is, afterall, a must-do at Animal Kingdom, right? And we passed up on it.


Well.....let me share with you a recent experience we had in Melbourne. I haven't shared real life in this TR to date but this one fits in right here and I figured you'd appreciate sharing in it.
It was my birthday last month and I had expressed the desire to have a staycation as a present. I did have a very specific staycation experience in mind. Not cheap; but significantly cheaper than a trip to Animal Kingdom, WDW, Orlando.




The Werribee Open Range Zoo (WORZ) is part of the Zoos Victoria stable of 3 zoos. Victoria is the state I live in and we're very lucky to have 3 excellent zoos in this state. We are Zoo Members and we do make it a point to visit the zoos at least once a year or more in order to make the membership subscription fee worthwhile.
The facilities here at WORZ are such that they replicate an African Savannah. We were to find out that Victoria or Australia is one of those places in the world that is eminently suited to African animals and recreating a savannah plain. The native fauna in Australia is about 90% genus identical to those found in Africa.


One of the experiences you can enjoy here is an overnight Slumber Safari. The Slumber Safari at the Werribee Open Range Zoo has been on my bucket list since it started in the 90's.

Better late than never, right?


As we drove across the city and headed for the zoo, the heavens opened up and it absolutely bucketed down. Thankfully, it all cleared up when we got to Werribee but it was C-O-L-D! It's the closest I was going to get to African Safari Glamping without all those injections.








The Glamps were very comfortable. We were allocated the one at the end of the facilities. It meant that we had no human neighbours to the right of our glamp.
















The view to the right and directly below us was a billabong.








We might not have human neighbours but these are what we did have next door and below us. There were two brolgas in residence at the billabong.








And a bunch of kangaroos.








They could hop around anywhere they wanted; which is one reason why we were on stilts and the campsite was fenced off.









Each glamp had its own deck and it was very relaxing out here. I guess you could say that this was my own personal Animal Kingdom Lodge.








This was the view to the left of us.








The GLamourous cAMP (glamp) was very comfortable inside. The one we were allocated had a queen sized bed and two single beds in it. It was very sparsely decorated but there was electricity running to the glamp. And because it was June and winter, I was glad for the electricity. Each bed came with an electric blanket and we really needed it on the night we were here.








To the right of the deck was our private ensuite. Don't be fooled by the corrugated iron walls. These facilities were excellent.







The double-headed shower held decent pressure and there was plenty of hot water. Although, the zoo does ask that we try to keep showers down to 3 minutes or so in order to conserve water.








On the night that we were here, there were about 20 other guests staying. This was central station for us.








It was located at the other edge of the campsite.








The view from this side of the campsite was equally as spectacular.








You could see straight through to the savannah in the distance.








So our view and proximity to the animals weren't as good as at Animal Kingdom Lodge, but you really can't have everything, can you?








This was the mess room and all meals were held here. I guess you could say it was Boma or Sanaa....only significantly less salubrious. Dinner and breakfast were included as part of our stay.








The kitchen was through the door to the left. There was bench space, sink, a kettle, an urn, fridges and a microwave. No cooking facilities.








We were advised to meet here after we checked in. The experience includes a close encounter and ours was pretty amazing in my book. We were advised to let the rhino get into position before we were allowed to get up to the fence. This particular rhino loves Lucerne and he's waiting at the gate for us to arrive.








When the keepers open the automatic gate, he walks round and positions himself in that spot. He does do this voluntarily and the keepers were at pains to point out that they have not trained him or anything. Seems like he likes being petted as well. So, whilst he's enjoying the Lucerne, we all get to touch him and listen to some rhino-facts from the keepers.







I certainly know why they say as tough as a rhino's hide now. What I didn't know was that that hide also has hair and that the hair feels bristly. Think 3 day regrowth and that might come close. The hair is pretty spread out on the hide. It's not thick growth by any stretch of the imagination.






After our close encounter of the rhino kind, we headed back to the campsite.




(Continued in Next Post)

 

[PrincessInOz]

(Continued from Previous Post)



There was no need for cooking facilities at the mess hall because our food was being prepared by the zoo restaurant and delivered to the campsite.
We had heaps of dips and crudités for starters.







The food is hot and the platters were put into the bain maries.







Dinner exceeded my expectations. We had vegetable cous cous, corn on the cob, baked sweet potatoes, BBQ chicken, a chermoula spiced Rockling fish, vegetable tagine, lamb tagine and various condiments for dinner.







After main course, we had the chance to take a night time stroll around the zoo. A number of the other guests chose to stay at the mess hall; but the majority of us jumped at the chance. I will say that we had already taken a stroll round the park after we came back from the rhino encounter and there were very few animals out before dinner. It hadn't changed much on the night time walkabout and there might not have been very many animal residents active at night; but we did get the opportunity to enjoy a pet with this boa.








Tempting as the snake skin felt, I think leather is my preferred choice for bag material.








But we did see Tulip the Hippo out on a night time skinny dip.








I don't think she was very happy. The other hippos were giving her the cold shoulder.








We might have embarrassed her a little on her skinny dip but she seemed happy to see us. She certainly came close to where we were and splashed water in our direction a couple of times.








We also got lucky with the cheetah.








He was keeping warm just by the glass window. We didn't shine any light at his face or eyes. The light does blind him a little.







And keeping warm was exactly what we all needed to do by this stage of the night. We were lured back with the promise of a campfire.








And marshmallows. Let's not forget the marshmallows.








Dessert was freshly baked scones with jam and cream.









There were also a few gluten free chocolate muffins on offer.








We had a great night chatting with some of the other guests over dessert and a hot drink. You are allowed to bring your own alcohol to the campsite and we did bring a bottle of red with us. The zoo does ask that you drink in moderation and they do reserve the right to throw you out if they think you've overdone things. With all the wild animals around, the last thing they need is wild human disturbances. It is yet another reason for fencing in the humans in the campsite.



So whilst we're on the topic of food, let's close this out with breakfast. It was pretty much standard fare the next morning.
Bacon, eggs, grilled mushroom and tomato with a range of breads that you can toast in the mess hall.







We were also provided with a range of fruit.







There was also cereal; but I didn't have any.



After breakfast and before the park opened up to the general public, we were taken for another experience. This time, we were taken to the part of the zoo where the gorillas roam. It was breakfast time for the animals and the keepers had strategically placed food in front of the glass windows.

When the keepers knew we were in position, they let the gorillas out.







The gorillas came to collect their food right in front of us.















And whilst they were eating, the keeper came out and talked to us about the 3 male silverback gorillas they have at WORZ.









They also talked about the conservation effort that WORZ participates in keeping species from extinction. Most of the animals that are here are part of the global movement for animal conservation and are part of a breeding program to keep the species viable.














By this stage, the zoo was opened to the general public and it was time for us to finish up with the official Slumber Safari activities.



(Continued in Next Post)

 

[PrincessInOz]

(Continued from Previous Post)



OT - Safari Ride; but NOT the AK version




We might have finished with the official Slumber Safari experience but our time at the zoo was not over yet and we took a walk around the zoo.

This time round, the animals were out and about. Walking around the track first thing in the morning is pretty rewarding. The cheetah had caught a rabbit this morning and was enjoying his breakfast.....right near the windows.

Seems like he catches about 3 - 4 rabbits a week and some ducks stupid enough to come swim in his water hole. Australian regulation does not allow for zoos to feed live prey to carnivores; but if the carnivore catches their own prey, it's fine. Werribee Zoo is trying to make the area rabbit free; but it is pretty overrun with rabbits!







The sun was shining and it seemed like everyone wanted to make the most of the sun.







We were pretty lucky with our timing. The hippos waded out of the water shortly after we got to their enclosure.







And took a turn at grazing.







This one kept an eye on us whilst it headed back towards the water.








We kept going.

The African Wild Dogs were also enjoying a feed.








I noticed some raptor birds flying around hoping for some scraps.







They are Kites! There is a birdlife sanctuary right where the WORZ is and the birds come here where they can get easy food.....if the dogs leave some scraps.







The zoo also has a pride of lions.








This one was just turning round to settle down in the sun and sleep the day away.







We kept going and found the Velvet Monkeys. They weren't much fun at this time of day so we left them looking at the humans looking at them.







I don't think this particular species is on the brink of extinction; but everyone loves the meerkats.







DH and I had decided that whilst we were at the zoo, we were going to tack on an additional up close and personal experience that WORZ offers. Of the range of experiences that were on offer, we decided that we really wanted to do the Open Vehicle Adventure. WORZ does run 40 minute safari rides through the savannah with your entry ticket but they do stay on the road. Depending on where the animals are, you might get close to them or they might be pretty far away. DH and I wanted better odds than that. And the OVA will take you out on the savannah, off-road pending how the animals are behaving, for 90 minutes.



We did cover the savannah trail the previous night for the rhino encounter; but I figured you only need to see one set of animal pictures. So, these are the animals you will encounter on the WORZ Safari Ride.


One of those endangered species that is being supported by zoo breeding programs. This is the Mongolian Przewalski horse.







Our guide took us off-road and up close to this rhino. He looked placid enough but he did look up after a while and did a mini-charge at our vehicle. He only stopped when the guide yelled his name. He really is the big, bad Leroy (white rhino).








So he charged at the other animals instead. Leroy made the giraffes take off and run. Pretty much right in front of us.







It really does look right Out of Africa, doesn't it?













This is my favourite picture from out on the Savannah.







We got a lot of information on the Open Vehicle Adventure. The guide was incredibly informative and armed with a lot of facts about the animals and what WORZ was doing to conserve animal species. It really was a walk in the park with her and she would wait until the standard tour vehicles left the area before talking to us. At times, it just felt like us and the animals and no one else.


We did have to head back to real life. But not before stopping at a number of areas for us to capture close-ups of the animals.








Kudu deer. The WORZ participates in the global conservation effort in trying to make sure that this endangered species survives. They sure do great work.







Baby waterbuck.








Their horns are highly prized.








The Oryx is considered to be extinct in its local habitat. The zoos around the world are breeding the species back to up to sustainable levels. Australia seems to do quite well with breeding because conditions and fauna here are so similar to Africa. The Oryx are currently transported to the Northern Territory in Australia and allowed to be 'wild'. They will not be released back to their local environment until the appropriate education programs are put in to stop the locals from hunting their horns.








When we got back to the main facilities, it was time for us to leave. We had all enjoyed our time at the Slumber Safari and I will remember this staycation for a long time to come. It really was a happy belated birthday present to me!





I hope you can understand why we decided to skip the safari ride at AK and kept on going.

 

[Pluto0809]

I does make sense that you skipped the safari after that experience! Mom and I did the Wild Africa Trek in 2012 and since then the safari is just not the same. I still ride it though because I could watch animals all day and be completely happy!

If I ever make it to Australia (on my bucket list but will have to be after I retire about 20 years from now ) I will have to remember that experience because it is something I would love!

 

[Luvchefmic]

Oh PIO !!!! You have made my day !

My dream my whole life since I was old enough to be aware of such things was to go to Africa I briefly flirted with the idea in my teens to be a missionary and my choice would have been there

I am very aware of your zoos I salivate over them more than any food porn anyone can ever share with me Now I will admit to this, I LOVE you my dear friend and the boys, but IF I ever go "down under" this place is my ultimate goal esp the night time Meeting you in your home would just be the icing on that cake

I have goose flesh and truly tears in my eyes sharing your experience and the wildlife pictures When I saw the picture of your DH arms outstretched embracing it all I got particularly emotional I could so relate

In my fantasy of going to Africa or Australia I always imagine myself in that scene from the " Sound of Music" where Julie Andrews is in the grass arms outstretched I would be twirling with the joy of it all

Until then I will soak up your experience as my own and will be content being the female Dr Doolittle to our gang

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Yes agreed EMH very nice bonus

Safari looks great. I am almost embarrassed to post my TR on how much I enjoyed the AK one now lol...

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

All the photos are superb but that Oryx. Oh my what a majestic beast must have been such an honour and a great birthday gift to see it in the flesh

 

[jedijill]

Wow! The zoo experience looks amazing. I'm penciling this in for my *possible* trip down under next year!

Jill in CO

 

[Leshaface]

Glamping at its finest!

The facilities look amazing actually. Comfortable and has everything you would want at a hotel, but not fancy as if you're actually camping. Perfect! What an amazing experience and IMO, better than the Safari at AK

 

[ejud]

Walt Disney World - Animal Kingdom 04 October 2013

It's Another Wake Up Early Morning

I know there are always people on the Dis saying DON'T GO to any park when EMH is scheduled. I never quite know why they feel that way. It is one of the perks for staying on-site and it's there to be enjoyed and it's always worked out well for us. And it may well be a different proposition in the summer vacay months.

That admonition is for guests who are NOT staying on-site!

And... had to share my encounter with 626 at AK...





Jud

 

[ejud]

Wow. What a safari! And of course Australia's similar- it used to be connected!

I agree with your "favorite picture": that is just wonderful!!!

BTW... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSEm3m0XTGQ



Jud

 

[tiggrbaby]

What a fab experience at your zoo!

 

[mvf-m11c]

It is nice to read your latest update from the staycation experience. That is very nice to be able to stay out there and experience being out in the safari. The animal pictures are very nice and clear. I would have guess that you used your telephoto lens for most of the animal shots?

 

[franandaj]

Wow! That looked like a great experience! I'm sure you'll remember that for a long long time! You got to see quite a few animals up close and personal, and how cool to stay right there.

They have an overnight stayover at the Wild Animal Park in San Diego that we have looked into, but I'm sure it's nowhere as cool as that experience. Nonetheless since it would be cheaper than a trip to AKL or WORZ, we may still do it someday. How far in advance did you have to book that? Was it already booked when you skipped the safari ride?

Cute photopass pictures, especially the one with Stitch, I think your DH has the best expression on his face, he's like, "wha....????" I'm also learning to look at things from the light perspective. I used to do that, but the P&S just doesn't capture it. Now that I'm back to using the DSLR when it counts, I can see the beauty in your tree shots with the way the light falls.

This was the day of our big DISmeet right? The one where Fran and I were biding our time eating waffles in Belgium before getting hammered in France I think.

 

[dolphingirl47]

The Photopass photos from Animal Kingdom have come really nice. I love the Stitch one, but then I would with him being the second biggest love of my life.

The camp out at the zoo looks amazing and I love the photos from the "safari". What a wonderful opportunity to get to touch a rhino. I was lucky enough to see wild oryx in Dubai. They are such beautiful and graceful animals. On one occasion one was sitting right by the side of the rode. This was at the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, where they have a safe haven.

Corinna

 

[Pinkocto]

What an absolutely amazing experience, thank you for sharing that

I too got a little teary eyed at the rhino experience portion. Rhinos are my favorite. That reminded me of the part in Jurassic Park where Sam Neil has his moment with the triceratops.

And to see the hippos out of the water, how cool is that!

Awesome photos.

 

[PrincessInOz]

I does make sense that you skipped the safari after that experience! Mom and I did the Wild Africa Trek in 2012 and since then the safari is just not the same. I still ride it though because I could watch animals all day and be completely happy!

If I ever make it to Australia (on my bucket list but will have to be after I retire about 20 years from now ) I will have to remember that experience because it is something I would love!

I sure hope you make it to Australia in less than 20 years! Come look me up.

I keep looking at the experiences at AK. Would love to try them sometime.

Oh PIO !!!! You have made my day !

My dream my whole life since I was old enough to be aware of such things was to go to Africa I briefly flirted with the idea in my teens to be a missionary and my choice would have been there

I am very aware of your zoos I salivate over them more than any food porn anyone can ever share with me Now I will admit to this, I LOVE you my dear friend and the boys, but IF I ever go "down under" this place is my ultimate goal esp the night time Meeting you in your home would just be the icing on that cake

I have goose flesh and truly tears in my eyes sharing your experience and the wildlife pictures When I saw the picture of your DH arms outstretched embracing it all I got particularly emotional I could so relate

In my fantasy of going to Africa or Australia I always imagine myself in that scene from the " Sound of Music" where Julie Andrews is in the grass arms outstretched I would be twirling with the joy of it all

Until then I will soak up your experience as my own and will be content being the female Dr Doolittle to our gang

Thanks Ruthie. Glad you enjoyed the pictures.

Yes agreed EMH very nice bonus

Safari looks great. I am almost embarrassed to post my TR on how much I enjoyed the AK one now lol...

The AK safari is good. I wouldn't be embarrassed to post it.

All the photos are superb but that Oryx. Oh my what a majestic beast must have been such an honour and a great birthday gift to see it in the flesh

The Oryx is rather special. I'm pretty sure it's the Scimitar Oryx we breed here and the one that gets mistaken for a Unicorn.

Wow! The zoo experience looks amazing. I'm penciling this in for my *possible* trip down under next year!

Jill in CO

Next year? When???

Glamping at its finest!

The facilities look amazing actually. Comfortable and has everything you would want at a hotel, but not fancy as if you're actually camping. Perfect! What an amazing experience and IMO, better than the Safari at AK

We had a great time. They do a Roar and Snore experience at the Melbourne Zoo. That one is camping in tents and I think you end up sleeping with sleeping bags. I've been meaning to do that one as well. But this one is definitely much more comfortable.

 

[PrincessInOz]

That admonition is for guests who are NOT staying on-site!

And... had to share my encounter with 626 at AK...





Jud

Ooh! Great magic shot.

Wow. What a safari! And of course Australia's similar- it used to be connected!

I agree with your "favorite picture": that is just wonderful!!!

BTW... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSEm3m0XTGQ



Jud

That's a great snort!

What a fab experience at your zoo!

We had a great time.

It is nice to read your latest update from the staycation experience. That is very nice to be able to stay out there and experience being out in the safari. The animal pictures are very nice and clear. I would have guess that you used your telephoto lens for most of the animal shots?

It was a hard pick between the 17 - 55 lens and the telephoto. We were pretty close to the animals and the giraffes got right up to the vehicle we were in. I had the telephoto lens on and they were so close the lens wouldn't focus. I did initially swap between the two and in the end, I kept the telephoto on. Aside from the giraffes, the ostrich and the antelope did get close enough that the lens wouldn't focus.

Wow! That looked like a great experience! I'm sure you'll remember that for a long long time! You got to see quite a few animals up close and personal, and how cool to stay right there.

They have an overnight stayover at the Wild Animal Park in San Diego that we have looked into, but I'm sure it's nowhere as cool as that experience. Nonetheless since it would be cheaper than a trip to AKL or WORZ, we may still do it someday. How far in advance did you have to book that? Was it already booked when you skipped the safari ride?

Cute photopass pictures, especially the one with Stitch, I think your DH has the best expression on his face, he's like, "wha....????" I'm also learning to look at things from the light perspective. I used to do that, but the P&S just doesn't capture it. Now that I'm back to using the DSLR when it counts, I can see the beauty in your tree shots with the way the light falls.

This was the day of our big DISmeet right? The one where Fran and I were biding our time eating waffles in Belgium before getting hammered in France I think.

I haven't looked at the WAP SD for a while. Next time I'm in that part of the country, I might just see what experiences they offer. That's another great zoo/facility and they do great work there too. I would definitely check it out and see if it's something that you and Fran would enjoy.

DH rang the zoo at the start of May. They did have spots from the end of May and the weekend that we went was the one that fitted in with our calendar.

Yes. We did have a DisMeet at the end of the day. I've still got to get through the AK day first.

The Photopass photos from Animal Kingdom have come really nice. I love the Stitch one, but then I would with him being the second biggest love of my life.

The camp out at the zoo looks amazing and I love the photos from the "safari". What a wonderful opportunity to get to touch a rhino. I was lucky enough to see wild oryx in Dubai. They are such beautiful and graceful animals. On one occasion one was sitting right by the side of the rode. This was at the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, where they have a safe haven.

Corinna

Seeing Oryx in the wild would be an amazing experience. Good for you! I think it's a different type of Oryx in Dubai and I hope to get there someday to see them in their natural environment.

What an absolutely amazing experience, thank you for sharing that

I too got a little teary eyed at the rhino experience portion. Rhinos are my favorite. That reminded me of the part in Jurassic Park where Sam Neil has his moment with the triceratops.

And to see the hippos out of the water, how cool is that!

Awesome photos.

Thanks Pam.

I only shared the picture of the baby waterbuck at WORZ. But there was a baby Przewalski horse and a baby Hippo as well. The baby hippo and her mother was in another part of the zoo and close to where the safari vehicles go past. The mother was quite protective and our guide said that when the baby was newly born, the vehicles all took a different route for about 2 months to get to the savannah plain as the mother kept getting quite distressed about them being about.

 

[Pinkocto]

A baby hippo! .

I imagine a distressed momma hippo would definitely be a good reason to take a detour.

How small was the baby horse? The Przewalski already looked quite small.

I think I need to start planning my Australia trip. How long do I need? 3 or 4 weeks? Or maybe I need to plan a working holiday and stay for a year. Hmmmm, now that is a good thought.