It’s Wild Out There

So we actually went to somewhere that wasn’t Epcot or Magic Kingdom…

Animal Kingdom 

Now, I’ll admit that AK is not my favorite park. But living here, it’s kinda grown on me. 

For today’s adventure, we were tackling all the walking trails.

And as soon as we walked in, we were greeted by DiVine. For those not in the know, she’s a performer that usually hangs around the entrance of the park. She usually on the right side as you walk through the Oasis.

Unfortunately, we have missed her everyday since moving here – but not today. She was front and center.

Before hitting the trails, we had to hit the stores. Here’s something new, a Pluto and Figaro care kit for your budding veterinarians. Okay, I may be 40ish, but I want this.

If you ever go to Wat Disney World, always look up. I found these constellations in the Island Mercantile.

Look who join us… Kevin!

Okay now to Asia.

As we crossed the bridge, I wanted to check out near the riverbed.

Look at these boats! Another great detail that many people overlook.

Since we did get here a little later in the day, it’s snack time. Mr. Kamal’s seasoned fries are absolutely delicious. Even Mom who doesn’t like spice will fight me for this.

They’re cooked fresh to order and you get a generous portion of spicy mayo.

This is a must-do snack!

Since the whole Asia area was slammed, we enjoyed these babies in the Africa seating section, just outside the Sweet Shop.

Now that’s how you spell Kwaherini! I always thought it started with a Q.

Speaking of sweets… I don’t want one, but I was peered pressured. I have a bad habit of picking non tasty treats. Mom had a Mickey Cupcake…

And I picked the chocolate and peanut cookie. It was okay by cookie standards. Not bad, but not remarkable either.

Getting back to the point of the day: the trails. First stop: Gorilla Falls.

Always checked out the signs. Getting to the animals are fun, but there are plenty of hidden Easter eggs hidden in signage throughout every park. 

And if you wanted to learn about termite mounds, here’s your chance.

Watch out for Buffaloes!

So this is an Okapi, better know as the ghost of forest. Why is this one standing by the brush? She’s waiting for her baby.

That’s Elijah! I had to wait to get his picture. He was a little camera shy!

Hey look, more Okapi fun facts!

Off to the bird sanctuary. Everyone was in a flutter because it’s spring and there nest building to be done.

Can you find the hidden Mickey? It’s actually blocked by a bird feather.

More birds in action, or just resting for now.

Check out the hairy hippo story…

And that’s what the hippo thinks about it… :/

Possibly my favorite picture of the day. There was a loud group of people near the zebras, and these guys just gave them a judgemental look that we’re all thinking.

Even the meerkats weren’t having it.

And if you haven’t noticed, spring is in full bloom!

Next we headed over to Rafaki’s Conversation Station for the Animation Experience. Yes, you have to take a short train ride, but the center is a fascinating place to learn about the healthcare needs of all creatures at Animal Kingdom.

But first, trying to draw Simba.

The animator was interesting… He kept saying how it doesn’t matter how your drawing turns out because you’re not getting hired at Disney Animation. Yikes!

Yeah, I don’t know what happened here.

After that, we checked out the rest of the area. Did you ever want to know what rhino pooped looked like, well, here’s your chance.

Neon frogs.

Reptile skins in a Mickey shape.

Even the food is Mickey shaped.

So this spot you can ask questions to an animal nutritionist. I asked about the diet of manatees because all I see is romaine lettuce. Apparently, they eat spinach, sweet potatoes, and apples. Plus, Lil’ Joe is very fussy. He doesn’t like tightly bunched romaine lettuce. it has to loose leaf or he won’t touch it.

Next on the agenda, the Maharajah Jungle Trek. Starting off with the Komodo Dragon.

And all the tigers, you can imagine.

Tiger paintings

A tiger yawning

More tiger art

A tiger watering hole

Oops, sorry sir.

After he did whatever, it was time to smell the flowers.

Next it was the bird area. Here are the Victoria crowed pigeon and Marvin.

As the Cast Member said, Marvin thinks he’s one of the pigeons, but he’s just a wood partridge.

We wanted to take it one show, and Nemo was it for the day.

Since Dinoland USA will be going away in the near future, I’m trying to document everything in this area. So here is some Dino spam!

We enjoyed a very colorful lunch/dinner. Mom had the kid’s pulled pork with graham crackers and a Cutie. I had the chicken, ribs, and pulled pork sampler. Yes, there’s another cupcake: a strawberry flamingo. And two drinks that we didn’t order. It was a “magic” moment or the cast members had an extra to pass off.

All the meat here was super dry. Even with sauce. The ribs were also overcooked that is was almost inedible.

Here’s the cupcake. We always order this one, and you have to watch out that the squirrels don’t try to grab it. One time, we dropped the head of the flamingo, and a squirrel dashed over and ran off with it… before I could even pick it up.

Our views for the evening. We like to head towards the back of Flame Tree BBQ. Since it was at the end of the day, no one else was around.

Before the park closed, we wanted to get in one more trail – the Tree of Life.

Plenty of kangaroos. Why do they hang out in this spot? There’s a door to their enclosure. They’re waiting to go in and get some chow.

The Tree of Life in the evening glow.

At the end of the trail, you will find the lemurs. I guess they are the grandmother, mother, and daughter.

Ending the evening with the pink flamingoes.

With that, we concluded our day at the Animal Kingdom. Like it said, this hasn’t always been a favorite park, but the more I visit, the more I appreciate it a little more each time.

That’s it for now. Until next time…