Let The Memories Begin! – Day 16
Today is our Animal Kingdom day, the newest of the four theme parks.
We had really thought that this is the smallest park of the four but we were wrong. Animal Kingdom’s 500 acres are home to some 1700 animals representing 250 species throughout the park. We took a ride on the Kilimanjaro Safari on an open-aired vehicle for a chance to see as many of them. We felt transported half way around the world to a 100 acre African savannah as we headed into the animal reserve, down the bumpy dirt trail. We saw many exotic animals and planned to ride it again later so that we can see the animals on each side of the jeep.
We stopped at Kusafiri Cafe to get an Elephant Ear Pastry to share as we have not had our breakfast. After which, we made our way towards Camp Minnie-Mickey to meet Pocahontas. This would be the last autograph Ashley needs to complete her book. We started out with one and quickly bought a second book as we were running out of space. Pocahontas was friendly and Ashley enjoyed chatting with her about John Smith. She had hoped that there will be a Pocahontas 2 so that they can be reunited. It was a lovely experience for her.
We had an early lunch reservation at Tusker House, an African themed restaurant next. Once we checked in, we were ushered to have a photo taken with Donald Duck. Once you’re inside the restaurant, you’ll have a chance to look around and take in the rich detail. We were told by the server that the only rule in this restaurant is that no one leaves hungry.The restaurant is a buffet, and the food is set up in the open air market. The seating areas are themed as a Safari Company’s offices and waiting areas. After our drinks arrived, Mickey, Goofy and Daisy dressed up in safari gears arrived at our table for photos. The spread at the buffet is an interesting mix. They were many stations: Breads and Chutneys; Salads; Entrees and Sides and Desserts. Some of the dishes that left an impression on us were the Baked Salmon, Seafood Stew and Cape Malay Curried Chicken which went very well with the Basmati Rice. Even Ashley was tucking away happily at the Macaroni and Cheese and Corndog Nuggets. For desserts, the Fruit Cobbler, Cinnamon Rolls and Banana Cinnamon Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce were good too, We walked out of Tusker House feeling very satisfied.
On our way to watch the Festival Of The Lion King show, we realised that we had been overcharged by 2 dining credits. So ZA went back to the restaurant to have it sorted out. However, the restaurant could not fix this problem and we visited the Guest Relations. We were told that our concierge would take care of it when we go back tonight. This caused us to miss the 1.30pm show and we had to re-plan our schedule. We decided to sacrifice the Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade. Since Kilimanjaro Safari was nearby, we decided to ride it a second time. This time round, we swapped places so that we could see the animals on the other side. While waiting, we were informed that our boarding would be delayed as there were rhinos crossing and the jeeps were blocked. True enough, during our tour, we experienced rhinos crossing too. As we were seated at the front row, we were really close to the rhinos. I would have freaked out if I were the driver.
Next, we made our way to watch Finding Nemo – The Musical. Finding Nemo is one of the most elaborate live shows in Walt Disney World. Incorporating dancing, special effects, and sophisticated digital backdrops of the undersea world, it features on-stage human performers retelling Nemo’s story using colorful, larger-than-life puppets. Both ZA and I dozed off during some segments of the show but agree that the show was really good and were impressed by the special effects.
We also saw the Park’s perennial Icon, The Tree Of Life. This is truly a work of art in the best Disney tradition. At 145 ft, this 14 storey artificial tree has the images of more than 300 animals hand-carved into its trunk. The base of the Tree of Life is home to the 3D film It’s Tough To Be A Bug. We did not have enough time to watch this. We made our way to the Dinoland section to ride Dinosaur. This is a thrill ride that took us back 65 million years to the Cretaceous period in search of an Iguanodon dinosaur. Our time traveler will race through a meteor shower and come face to face with some rather large dinosaurs! This is a rough, turbulent ride in total darkness with lots of light flashes, loud noises and dinosaurs jumping out at us. It was quite fun although Ashley was frightened during some parts of the ride.
There were some other interesting looking rides that we did not do. Ashley had very much wanted to do the Primeval Whirl but did not meet the height requirement. We did not understand the requirement as the ride looked rather mild – spinning with small drops. She was even game enough to try Expedition Everest, which she passed the height requirement. We eventually did not attempt this as it had a backward drop which we were afraid she was not ready. The other ride we wanted to do was Kali River Rapid but did not want to risk getting wet.
Time passes quickly and we made our way to Camp Minnie-Mickey to watch the highly recommended show – Festival Of The Lion King. The couple we met at Teppan Edo told us not to miss this and they were right. The Festival Of The Lioin King is a virtual explosion of colors, music and amazing talent. During the 30 minute show, we were treated to musical blend of live action characters, Cirque Du Soleil inspired stunts and audience participation. Acrobats, singers, dancers and the beloved Lion King characters captivated us with a fanciful display of skills, talent and humour. The spectacular finale included a heart-stirring rendition of the “Circle of Life.” This was definitely the highlight of our day. When the show ended, it was park closing time. Should I visit Orlando again, I would plan for a second day at Animal Kingdom as we have not explored some parts of the park. We bade farewell to Animal Kingdom.
We made our way to the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. We had a dining reservation at 1900 Park Fare for Cinderella’s Happily Ever After Dinner. We took a wrong turn and arrived late for our reservation. Fortunately, we did not have to wait long before we were seated. We were first invited to take some photos with Cinderalla’s castle as backdrop. Since we have PhotoPass+, the photo package would be complimentary. Once we entered the dining room, we were greeted with Victorian charm in pastel shades. There is a main area with high ceilings in front of the buffet, and some smaller dining rooms surrounding it with lower ceilings. We were seated at the main area. There are several large statues of fantasy carousel animals situated atop half walls and surrounded by plants and they are beautiful. The buffet here had an international flair and the most famous dish here is the Chilled Strawberry Soup which we did not like. There is also a separate buffet area for the kids. Just as we tucked in, Prince Charming escorted Cinderella into the room. They made their rounds about the room in solo but they did a Waltz together while the kids watched in awe. After Prince Charming danced with Cinderella, he saved some dances for the kids in the crowd. Ashley danced with him and was on cloud nine when she returned to the table. Other characters that appeared during the dinner were Cinderella’s stepmother Lady Tremaine and stepsisters Anastacia and Drizella. Together, they were really hilarious as they entertained the diners. When Drizella came by our table, she asked Jarod if he was rich and available. To which Jarod replied a no. She was really comical and we made Jarod take a photo with her. This is definitely one of the best character dining we have done so far, even ZA and Jarod enjoyed it.
After dinner, we returned to our hotel’s concierge and had our dining credits sorted out. The service we received at Disney so far had been impeccable. We lamented that our stay in Orlando is coming to an end. Jarod commented that he truly enjoyed Disney and it was not just for the food. I am certainly glad that the trip turns out enjoyable for all of us.
