Once again our morning started with breakfast in the lounge. After we filled our bellies it was time to head out to Disney's Animal Kingdom. We once again ventured down to the bus stop (and gasp, this time, I didn't even have cab fare in my pocket, I trusted the buses at WDW!!). We were careful to avoid the smoking area right outside of the front door by detouring through the gift shop (DANGEROUS for a shopaholic like me). I wonder if Disney put the smoking area there to drive the nonsmokers into the marketplace? I wouldn't put it past them.
On our way through I pointed out some beautiful animal figures (Raku clay figures painted by hand in Africa) I "really wanted" to dh. They were sitting in a domed locked case near the front of the store. I do this all of the time and I NEVER get whatever it is I pointed out. Dh is not a shopper. He is not big into giving gifts you buy in the store. He is just not the gift giving sort. However, he is very dear and romantic in many other ways. Just surprises are not his style. **I promise this impacts our story later**
Within 10 minutes we were on the bus and heading to DAK. Upon arrival I got worried, it looked really crowded. BUT, looks can be deceiving. I think Animal Kingdom is just one of those places that feels crowded even when it's not. It is just laid out so that congestion is apparent more so then at the other parks.
Our first stop was going to be Rafiki's Planet Watch. This is something we had skipped on all of our other trips to DAK so this time, we didn't want to miss it. The train ride there was a short and pleasant one.
Upon arrival, the boys were my modeling captives. I kept stopping to make them pose. And you know what, I hadn't planned to do it that way on purpose, but falling behind the others who had gotten off of the train when we did, made for a very private stroll. It was very nice.
I love this picture of "Stitch". I wish I would have snapped the same sort of shot of both of the other boys.
Because we had fallen behind, our boys were the only ones at the kid's fun stop (what are those really called?). They were able to search out wildlife in the area (it's a fun activity) without anyone else yelling out where things were before they could find them. So, lingering once you get off of the train seems to be a good plan. If you want some photo ops without people in the background and if you would like to be able to let your kids do the fun stop without that many other people around, linger!
But be warned, the next train will arrive about 15 minutes after yours gets in. So don't tarry too long.
Next we came to an open area in front of the main building. As we started to walk across the paved entry area, a recycling can started to follow us!! All of a sudden we hear, EXCUSE ME...HELLO!! So we stop and look around. Then start walking again. Then we hear, I SAID HELLO!! Looking back, dh and I catch on. So we point out the recycling can to our boys and we go and take a seat. The boys had so much fun visiting with the can!
After joking around with the boys for a bit, the can asked to be taken to their parents. He then requested that we get up and stroll with them. Finally he asked me to take a picture of them together. Which, of course, I did!
Then the can told them that before he would let them leave, he wanted to play a game with them. There was an animal mosaic set into the walkway and they played "what animal is this" on top of it. The can rolled over an animal and had the boys take turns telling him what they were.
I am happy to report they got them all correct. Toward the end he tried throwing in some questions along with the animal IDing for "Aladdin". He (the can) told "Aladdin" he was mighty impressed with his scientific knowledge. That had "Aladdin" beaming with pride!
All told the boys spent about 15 minutes playing, talking and joking with a recycling can. It was a very fun and unexpected treat.
Once in the building, our family had a lot of fun exploring the different areas and learning new things. What the area reminded me most of was the educational area at the zoo. For us, this was great. We love animals. We love science. We love learning. I did however, hear more then a few people saying it was boring there. So, before you go, just know what you are setting off to explore. However, I think everyone should try it at least once. We really did have a ton of fun!
Up first the boys saw a CM at a small stand. She was holding a big brown plastic ball (you can see her standing with the ball in the background of the above picture). It was made of hard plastic. It looked like you could take a hand saw to it and maybe make a few dents. It was heavy duty. It was also all scratched up and had few holes in it. The boys got to guess what animal had done that to the ball. After a few guesses, the boys got it right. A tiger had clawed/bitten the ball up. The CM then let them guess why tigers needed toys. In all the boys spent about 10 minutes learning from the CM. She was a wonderful CM. Another one of those people that really exemplifies what it is that makes Disney special...the CMs!
We then spent about 15 minutes watching a mouse have a tumor removed. Sounds sort of ishy, but it was actually very interesting. We could have and would have stayed longer, but we got there at the tail end of the surgery.
Then it was time to look at the foods they use to feed the animals. Our boys had a great time guessing which animals ate what. Another great CM explained that and a lot more to them.
And then came the animals...the big ones!
After spending quite a bit more time exploring the different displays and talking with various CMs we headed out and grabbed a train back to the rest of the Animal Kingdom.
Our first stop once back at DAK proper was lunch at the Flame Tree BBQ. Dh had the ribs while "Aladdin" and I ate the smoked half chicken. All of those plates came with beans, corn on the cob and some really tasty cornbread. Dh and I also split a side of cole slaw. The younger two boys opted for (surprise, surprise) hot dogs.
I know we ordered dessert with this meal, but being as we didn't have any room to eat it...I cannot remember what it was. We had never had Flame Tree before as we were huge Tusker House fans. In comparison, I still liked Tusker House's food more and the outdoor seating areas at Flame Tree were shaded, but shady doesn't equal air conditioned.
However, I would definitely eat there again (happily).
After our lunch I was feeling mighty tired. The long day at EPCOT prior to this one was really catching up with me. But I had one thing I was absolutely not going to miss, the new Nemo musical. We made it to the theater with only 10 minutes to go until show time. Even though it was packed "down front" we got great seats in the middle of the theater in the front part of the back seating area. I am glad we didn't get there the recommended 40 minutes early just to sit up front. Our seats were great. The show was a good one. Although, I have to admit, I still miss the Tarzan show. One of my new favorite Disney songs (The Big Blue World) made another appearance in our vacation (they sing it in the show). I really need to see if I can download that song!
By the time the show ended, I was at my end. I had no more energy left to keep exploring DAK. So my sweet boys walked me to the front of the park and I made my way back to AKL via the bus.
While I was napping back at the resort, dh and the boys had a blast at AKL. They hit Everest and it's Tough to Be a Bug once each. Then they took 4 rides IN A ROW on Kali River Rapids. Dh said they didn't even have to get off between rides! Nobody was waiting to get on! Amazing! I think they hit it during the parade so the crowds were drawn else where.
According to dh they had tons of fun. And that nap really helped me turn back into a human being again! As did the surprise that awaited me when I awoke. Dh and each of the boys had gotten me one of the animal figures I had been fawning over earlier in the day. I was over the moon excited! In fact, one of the very first things I did upon our return home was to clear a shelf in the family room that is now home to my very own African animal herd. I have a giraffe, zebra, hippo, lion and a meerkat. I adore this special surprise...made even more special by the fact that dh is not very likely to repeat it any time soon.
To be continued...
I want to add that to my to-do list for December! Sorry to hear about yet another "bad encounter" with the family at the stand. 
It never ceases to amaze me about some of the things that I've heard about or witnessed myself. But, I'm glad to hear that your boys were "rewarded" for using their manners. 
I will have to download that (whenever I find my iPod, I am ALWAYS losing that thing).
