Tuesday, March 6th--Animal Kingdom
Let me start by saying, I don't like AK that much.
Now, before everybody gets mad at me, let me explain:
My father was a zookeeper at the Philadelphia Zoo for forty years. I have seen animals of all shapes and sizes all my life. He worked his way up from working in the bird house, to being Curator of Lions at the time of his retirement. I have seen the animals "up close and personal" too many times to mention.
I went into this park with very high expectations on our trip in 2004, and I was quite disappointed. I was hoping things would have changed a bit on this trip, but they didn't. As you walk through the entrance, there are viewing areas for birds and small animals. These types of exhibits are better at the Philly Zoo. More detailed, IMHO. Although, the Tree of Life was pretty impressive, I must say. The carvings of the animals in the trunk took my breath away.
Also, I never understood the carnival-like atmosphere at DinoLand USA.
It doesn't fit in with the over-all theme of the park. Just a few observations that lean toward the negative side. Everything can't be perfect at WDW, can it?
DH and DS were anxious to ride Expedition Everest. They decide to run ahead and grab Fastpasses. I just walked around at a leisurely pace and I would catch up to them later. I tried to soak in some of the detailing of the park. The Asia section was very well themed. All the buildings were really nicely decorated and , although I've never been to Asia, I could imagine that this is what it would look like.
The guys grabbed thier Fastpasses for EE, and they had about 1 hour to kill, so they decide they want to ride Dinosaur. I went on this ride in 2004. NEVER again. This attraction scared the crap out of me. Naturally, DS and DH love this ride. They hop in the stand-by line as there is about a 20 minute wait. I waited outside the ride for them. Called the fam, let them know how things are going, etc. About 40 minutes later, the boys come out of the ride.
I forgor to mention, it was HOT that day. I was roasting out in the sun. DH and DS high-tail it over to EE. Again, I am pacing myself as I am walking over. I spot a stand that is selling specialty teas, but it was so humid out, the last thing I wanted to purchase was a hot beverage!
Before I even get to the entrance to EE, they are done riding it. Boy, those fastpasses are really worth thier weight in gold!!
After EE, we decide to go to Kilimanjaro Safaris. We decide to wait in the stand-by line because I didn't want to have to roam around the park for at least another hour because of the heat. This was our first real wait our entire trip so far. This was the one thing I was looking forward to at this park. As a matter of fact, this was the ONLY attraction I rode on all day. As I've mentioned earlier in this TR, my father passed away right before I went to WDW in 2004. When we went to AK then, all I did was cry. He was such a lover of all animals, I know HE would have found this place interesting. Maybe that's why I don't like it that much. Brings back too many memories. I had wanted to bring my father on that trip. He was really sick back then, and I told him we'd rent him a
scooter. I teased him and said we'd get in front of all the lines with him in the scooter. Sadly, it was not to be. I couldn't bring myself to watch The Festival of the Lion King at Camp Minnie-Mickey on this trip. Too much for me to take, I guess.
Anyway, the safari was OK for me. Most of the animals were hiding or asleep.
Over all, not a good day for me at AK.
We went back to POFQ to rest up for Fantasmic at MGM. I was NOT going to miss this. Especially after what happened the other night with Illuminations!!
We have another early dinner at the food court and head out for MGM around 7:00.
We tried to make the early show but it was standing-room only and I really didn't want to stand for the entire show.
So, DS and DH ride RnRC again. (Second time this trip so far) They are on and off this ride within 20 minutes time. The second showing of Fantasmic was at 8:30, so I tell them they can go get a treat and meet me at the front entrance of the ampitheater. Meanwhile, the line starts forming for Fantasmic again. It's getting reallycrowded. I'm getting really annoyed. Where are those two? How long does it take to get a treat, for God's sake?
Before you know it, they are opening up the gates and start letting people in. They are just pouring in the gates. They're still not back. This is where 2cell phones would really come in handy. Still filing in the theater. I'm telling you, there were thousands of people. Here I was--first in line--and now I didn't think we were goihg to get a seat at all.
Finally--after what seemed to me to be an eternity, they return and we make our way to the seats. Boy, that is some walk from the gates to the theater itself. Now, I've never seen this show before, so I didn't know just how much seating was available. This place was about the size of a football stadium. Plenty of seating for everyone there.
Fantasmic was the best thing I've ever seen at WDW, hands down. Again, I'm not going to give it away for those who haven't seen it, but OMG, that is some show!!!
Again I am going to ask:
How do they DO that!!!!!
Next Up: The So-Called Down Day aka Mama's Shoppin' Extravaganza!!!