OK, so on to my day at Animal Kingdom
Remember this trip was NOT going to be commando style so we slept in a bit and then headed over to Animal Kingdom for the day.
I was so excited to get into the park (because Animal Kingdom is my favorite with Magic Kingdom) that I forgot to take note of where we parked.
As you can imagine when we came out of the park, it was a mess trying to find the car. We basically walked the rows in the general vicinity of where we "thought" we parked with another couple who apparently did the same thing and just kept pressing on the car alarm until we found our car. The other couple had to do the same thing.
Thanks to Ashley and Lyzziesmom I was now a pro at the Photopass thing so as you guys saw we had our pictures taken first thing into the park. It was really overcast that day but at least it wasn't raining which is always a good thing.
I was starving by the time that we got into the park. I saw a lady eating this great looking pastry and drinking a cup of coffee. Of course I had to ask her where she had secured such a delicious duo. Imagine my surprise when she told me it came from a little snack cart. And thanks to my handy dandy
DDP I was able to use the snack credits that I had not used up to this time on my breakfast. MMmmm, it was yummy too! We sat out on one of the colorful (recycled milk bottle) benches and just took in the sights and sounds that are Animal Kingdom while enjoying my yummy pastry and good coffee.
Because I was not able to ride the fast, whipping rides we usually run for we decided to leisurely walk around to Asia
and walk the Maharajah(sp?) Jungle Trek. On the way we stopped and had a great conversation with a DVC representative. I think it's great fun when Steven wears his DVC member hat and the guides yell out across a crowded park, "Welcome Home!!"
It just gives me the warm fuzzies. OK, so I'm a sap, what can I say? I can also admit that I get teary eyed when the Security Guard at the resort welcomes us home for the first time of our stays.
Anyway, on to the Jungle Trek. Mostly when we do this, we just breeze right through, sometimes we don't even take the time to do it but this time we just meandered through. The big cats were at least out for us to see this time. Hey, it's the least they can do when I came all this way and finally decided to stop by. . .
I did not purposely take this picture I was getting my camera focused on the tiger lying down and this one wondered into the shot.
I didn't realize it until after the picture was taken but I gotta' share.
On our way out of the Jungle Trek I was stopped by this curious site
It was a monkey sleeping close to the edge with her baby clutched in her arms. Then this monkey came over to wake her up. She replied with a back rub.
Then we decided to head over to Africa and pick up some fastpasses for the Safari. While we waited, we were able to get over to Conservation Station.
I always like going over to CS, but no one else EVER does
so it was a real treat for me to make it over there.
At one of the crossings (I wasn't able to get a picture though) there was a big group of Cast Members in suits waiting for the train to pass and so they stood there waving at us. Goodness, everyone at Disney always look so darn happy
!! Wish I could find a job like
that!!
Conservation Station didn't disapoint. I was able to catch a little talk by a very informative cast member on hedgehogs.
Apparently, these little creatures are becoming very popular pets.
Notice the big thick leather gloves Mr. Cast Member is wearing.
I don't think I would want one but whatever floats your boat.
While at CS, I was also able to catch up with an old friend
Eventually, we made it over to the safari which is always a treat. We had a really great guide, but I don't remember his name. But he was really good and interactive.
After the safari we needed to make a pit stop at the little boys and girls room. Can you believe that when we came out this is what was going on?
It was pouring!! You can't really see in the picture how it's coming down but you can tell by the large river flowing by. But in true Florida fashion, it went away as quickly as it came up and we were back on our way.
We took a tour of the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail. We said hello to the gorillas but weren't able to see the hippos.
After this we decided to head over to Epcot to get something to eat.
Isn't that fun?
"Where do you want to eat today? Mexico, China, Canada?"
We also wanted to swing by Epcot because a DVC Member's party was being hosted outside of the International Gateway. I just love a party!
So, we left Animal Kingdom and proceeded to wander the parking lot in the direction where we thought we parked the car, hitting the alarm button until ours went off. ~Not one of the highlights of the trip.~
Because the place was heavily guarded ::cop: w/ Cast Members and when we were coming out I overheard people talking "Wonder what's going on in there? What do you think that is?" 
Didn't you feel naked without it? You've got so many great pictures it's got to be with you almost all the time!!
Hope DH doesn't drop by to read...he will
Whew...I must admit I got tired just reading about you busy week!
