Day 4: AK
We slept in a little and grabbed some b'fast snacks and drinks from Concierge. We were at the bus stop by 10:30am, a little later than planned. Bus stopped at WL, then Typhoon Lagoon, then AK. We were inside the park right at 11:10am. Rented a double stroller and went straight to Festival of the Lion King. The kids LOVE this one, especially as they were picked to be in the show when we went in December. We kept reminding them that was a special thing to be chosen and it wouldn't happen today. Well, we were completely wrong! The kids were chosen again today to participate in the show. We sat in the exact same seats in the Warthog section on the floor, end of the row nearest where Pumba's float is. I'm thinking those seats are magical. So, the show was a blast again and one of my favorites. Got out of FOTLK and went directly to the Pocahontas and her Forest Friends show. The kids loved it again. Afterwards, we walked by the character greetings at Camp Minnie Mickey, but we had pictures with everyone there already. So we headed to Kilimanjaro Safari. Stand by line said it was 20 minutes at 1pm. We literally walked right on with no wait. Saw tons of animals and got really good pictures.
When we finished, we ate lunch at Tusker House. We got 2 Adult CS meals and 1 Child CS meal for the 5 of us to split. We still had food left over. We got the turkey roll up, 1/2 rotisserie chicken, and child mac-n-cheese with grapes and carrots. Had 2 chocolate cakes and carrot cake for dessert. It was very good.
After lunch we rode the train to Rafiki's Planet Watch to see Pocahontas. The lines were non-existent. Saw Pocahontas (and Rees got another kiss on the cheek), Rafiki, and Jiminy Cricket! We were very excited about finding him there. The CM said he may become a regular since Stanley is now out front during the day. On the way back, the conductor let the kids come up front and toot the whistle. They got Jr Train Conductor certificates as well. While we were on the train, it poured rain for about 10 minutes. Our strollers were soaked when we got back.
At 3:30 pm we were to meet at the Africa Gate by Kilimanjaro Safari. We were in the parade at AK! They took us behind the gate and gave us each a Jammin Jungle Parade safari jacket and safari Mickey Mouse ears. We weren't allowed to take any pictures "backstage". We were so lucky and ended up on the last jeep riding with Mickey himself! How fantastic. They took a couple of pictures of us during the parade with a disposable camera and then gave it to us to keep. Riding in the parade with Mickey was pure magic. Watching the kids reactions when they saw Mickey was priceless. After the parade they gave us each a bottled water and our family got to take a picture with Mickey since we were on his jeep.
As we were leaving the clouds started rolling in. Kids stopped to play the drums. We walked through Dinoland and rode TiceraTop Spin. We didn't get a chance to go to the Boneyard or Kali River Rapids, so we are coming back on Friday am before we go shopping in DTD.
As we were leaving AK, we literally lucked out and were first in line to see Minnie. Then the rain came down in torrents. We threw on our disposable ponchos and ran to the buses. The bus stopped at Blizzard Beach and then took us to the WL. We ate dinner at WCC, one of my favorites. Our server was very good- made it fun without going over the top too much. DH had the steak, I got the skillet, and the kids had PBJ, hamburger, and grilled cheese. I think we were all tired because nobody ate very much. We paid OOP for the kids meals and are using their credits tomorrow at CRT for lunch. DH and I got the s'mores cheesecake and chocolate cake for dessert. We are going to eat it in just a few minutes. After dinner we walked around the WL. You could see scaffolding on one the buildings outside the main pool. We took the boat back to the CR. It stopped at Fort Wilderness first. Came up to our room just in time to watch Wishes from the balcony again. What a view. I took over 40 pictures of the fireworks tonight.
Gave the kids a bath. The love bugs are out in full force, and you end up having them stuck to you at the end of the day. A nice hot shower feels great!
Tomorrow, we are getting up early to go to the EMH for the Magical Beginnings program at MK. Have lunch at CRT and dinner at Crystal Palace. Should be another great day.
All in all, today was one of my top days at WDW ever. I don't think I will forget it as long as I live. The magic is alive and thriving.
ETA: thanks to Marci for the kid's pins. Davis is ADDICTED to pin trading now. he is having the best time searching for new ones. We bought him the big Sorcerer Mickey pin today that hangs from the lanyard. You've created a monster!
Have a magical rest of the week!
