Now that it's back to reality, I've had trouble finding time to add to my report. Let's see what I can accomplish today.
Day 5 - Animal Kingdom
I've started to give the kids bits and pieces of independence this trip, the first being the other day while we were at the pool. Instead of me sitting there watching them the entire time, no WAY I was swimming, when they got out to dry off I left them at the playground area while I went up to the room to get ready for dinner. They were not to go back in the water, had to stay together, and had to be up at the room at a certain time. I think I gave them about 15-20 minutes to play around. Anyway, they passed test number one. So this morning I sent them down to the Bell Vue Lounge to get their breakfast and coffee for me while I was getting ready in the morning. They brought back bagels, juice and coffee. Passed again!
Today was the coldest day of the trip. With no sun, which made it seem even colder than it was. I think we got there after park opening, and slowly made our way to EE for FPs. We stopped to watch the monkeys, who were much more active than normal. Perhaps because of the cooler weather? It was also foggy this morning.
After watching the monkeys some more we strolled down to Camp Minnie Mickey for the first showing of FOTLK, my favorite show. Always enjoyable. I keep waiting for that blue bird girl to whack her head on one of the speakers or lighting fixtures. When it was over we went over to where the Pocahontas show used to be, because as we were passing it on the way to FOTLK I could here music coming from back in there. Outside of the theater is a sign posting something about "Good Time Gatherings Spot". Turns out this is an open forum type meet and greet, for a period of time, then they have a DJ come out playing music (she was great!) teaching the kids dances, having contests, dancing with the characters, etc. Then after the dance party Pocahontas comes out to tell stories. These 3 events then repeat throughout the day. Anyway, when we first got there it was meet/greet time with Pocahontas, Thumper and Miss Bunny, Meeko, Brer Bear, Kenai and Koda, Chip and Dale.
We stayed for the dance party, which included a boys against girls air guitar contest,
a boys against girls block stacking contest,
and general dancing.
We must have been there for about an hour and a half. The kids, especially Alyssa, had fun, and I enjoyed watching everything. Finally we got out of there and went back up to get FPs for the Safari. We rode out to Rafiki's and saw a presentation on the Red Tail Hawk. It's always interesting when they have someone out talking about an animal.
We didn't stay out there too long, as it was getting crowded. I guess the warmth attracted people. So we went back and used our FP for EE.
As we got off the bird show was getting ready to start so we watched that. I really like this, especially when you get good actors. We sat near someone who obviously had never seen this. I love to watch people as they experience things for the first time. This family was

the whole time!
We rode the Safari, and for the first time we saw the cheetah. Unfortunately my camera was acting up during that part, so I missed the picture opportunity. You could tell that the animals knew that it was getting to be time to go in for the night. They were all huddled back by their gates.