The cast:
Paul, 37 years young - a fully paid-up Disneyaholic
Helen, younger in years and looks - the most organised member of the family
Ryan, 5 months old - a Disney fan in the making
Back on Disney turf today with the Animal Kingdom. Even though were staying on site and have the use of the Disney buses we decide to drive to the park, as this gives us more flexibility with strollers, bags, etc. Plus its a relatively short walk from the car to the front gate at AK, unlike some other parks.
I walked straight on to Dinosaur via the standby line whilst Helen looked after Ryan and we then made our way across to Primeval Whirl where we took it in turns to ride. The queue here was also non-existent so I got the chance to ride again, whereas Helen didnt (not that she seemed to mind too much
). Headed out of Dinoland towards the Tree of Life, and into its Tough to be a Bug ah, so this is where all the people have been hiding! Ryan looks at his parents in a strange way that says why are you both wearing those funny glasses?.
Grabbed some Fastpasses for the safari and then it was time for lunch at the Tusker House, one of our favourite park restaurants. If you havent tried Tusker before youre missing a treat, as (in my opinion) the meals are a step above the typical counter service offerings. Helen decided to try the rotisserie chicken, whilst I went for the grilled salmon and veggies. Both were absolutely delicious and healthy too!
A quick stop at the baby care centre and then its time for our safari. We loaded Ryan into the Baby Bjorn carrier and parked the stroller for pickup later, then walked all the way to the loading area without meeting another soul so much for the Fastpasses! The truck bumped us all around but Ryan loved it, looking at the other passengers almost as much as the wildlife. Our last stop of the day was Kali Rivers Rapids where we tried out the child swap. This worked pretty well as we could keep the stroller with us throughout most of the queue, stepping to one side to wait just before the loading/unloading area. On a hot day like today this is a wonderful way to cool off, although one or two people did manage to get absolutely soaked through. The clothing carts at the ride exit were doing storming business as usual
Back to the BW and after a brief rest for all of us it was off to the Luna pool for Ryans first ever swim! He was a little uncertain at first, but was soon gurgling away and laughing, splashing the water over his proud parents and posing for pictures as usual
The choice for dinner tonight was the Lone Star steakhouse near the Crossroads. Wed meant to try this before but had never got around to it and found the food to be excellent quality and value. Salads, juicy steaks with delicious side orders of sweet potatoes and key lime pie for desert, all for $48 including tip. Really nice and friendly serving staff too; Im sure well go back here next time.
Day 5, Happy Halloween
Paul, 37 years young - a fully paid-up Disneyaholic
Helen, younger in years and looks - the most organised member of the family
Ryan, 5 months old - a Disney fan in the making
Back on Disney turf today with the Animal Kingdom. Even though were staying on site and have the use of the Disney buses we decide to drive to the park, as this gives us more flexibility with strollers, bags, etc. Plus its a relatively short walk from the car to the front gate at AK, unlike some other parks.
I walked straight on to Dinosaur via the standby line whilst Helen looked after Ryan and we then made our way across to Primeval Whirl where we took it in turns to ride. The queue here was also non-existent so I got the chance to ride again, whereas Helen didnt (not that she seemed to mind too much
). Headed out of Dinoland towards the Tree of Life, and into its Tough to be a Bug ah, so this is where all the people have been hiding! Ryan looks at his parents in a strange way that says why are you both wearing those funny glasses?.Grabbed some Fastpasses for the safari and then it was time for lunch at the Tusker House, one of our favourite park restaurants. If you havent tried Tusker before youre missing a treat, as (in my opinion) the meals are a step above the typical counter service offerings. Helen decided to try the rotisserie chicken, whilst I went for the grilled salmon and veggies. Both were absolutely delicious and healthy too!
A quick stop at the baby care centre and then its time for our safari. We loaded Ryan into the Baby Bjorn carrier and parked the stroller for pickup later, then walked all the way to the loading area without meeting another soul so much for the Fastpasses! The truck bumped us all around but Ryan loved it, looking at the other passengers almost as much as the wildlife. Our last stop of the day was Kali Rivers Rapids where we tried out the child swap. This worked pretty well as we could keep the stroller with us throughout most of the queue, stepping to one side to wait just before the loading/unloading area. On a hot day like today this is a wonderful way to cool off, although one or two people did manage to get absolutely soaked through. The clothing carts at the ride exit were doing storming business as usual
Back to the BW and after a brief rest for all of us it was off to the Luna pool for Ryans first ever swim! He was a little uncertain at first, but was soon gurgling away and laughing, splashing the water over his proud parents and posing for pictures as usual
The choice for dinner tonight was the Lone Star steakhouse near the Crossroads. Wed meant to try this before but had never got around to it and found the food to be excellent quality and value. Salads, juicy steaks with delicious side orders of sweet potatoes and key lime pie for desert, all for $48 including tip. Really nice and friendly serving staff too; Im sure well go back here next time.
Day 5, Happy Halloween
