Day 4 Disney World - Animal Kingdom

Dillon and I have both been to Disney World in what seems like another lifetime and I *think* we both came before Animal Kingdom was in existence (it might have just opened when I came in my sophomore year of high school). We weren't really sure what to expect today, but after going there today, we both agreed that this is our favorite park on property.

We started off our day at 5:45 this morning getting ready for our breakfast at Chef Mickey's over at the Contemporary Resort. We've used Disney transportation the whole time, but they don't offer it from resort to resort. We drove ourselves to the other resort then caught the bus over to Animal Kingdom. I was amazed at the size of the Contemporary Resort and it's proximity to the Magic Kingdom. It would definitely have perks being that close!

We went up to the fourth floor, got our picture taken and then were seated. Luke was a little cantankerous this morning as I think he woke up tired. It was hard to keep him seated because he constantly wanted to see Mickey and his friends. The breakfast was delicious and we got to meet Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Goofy, and Donald, which was super awesome to see them all at once and not have to wait in a line. We filled up on yummy food (I had a lox and cream cheese bagel and some other goodies) and the we headed off to the bus. Luke's favorite thing about the resort was taking the escalator downstairs.

We got to the Animal Kingdom and it was beautiful. All the greenery and walking through the nice walkways. We meandered our way back to the Africa area where we rode on the safari. I loved the trucks they used and we got to sit in the back where it was really bumpy! Luke didn't like it at first, but then when he realized the animals stayed far away he was really excited to see them. After the ride we went through the trail area where we got to see the animals a little more up close. Then it was onto the train! We rode on it and walked around on the other side and when we got back on Luke wanted to ride again, so we did! By the end of the second train ride, his eyelids were droopy and he was a little fussy. We tucked him into his stroller and by the time we walked away from the stroller pick up, he was out.

Dillon and I were going to have lunch but we decided just to grab a snack and walk around while Luke slept. We went through the Asia area and looked at monkeys and tigers and enjoyed the pretty day. We got to the dinosaur area and Luke was still sleeping so we continued around to the front of the park. By this time Luke had been asleep for almost an hour and a half so we decided just to get back to the hotel. Luke had asked all week to swim in the pool so we figured when he woke up he would be happy to do that. When we got to the bus stop, Luke was awake. :P

We spent the afternoon in the pool (even though I about froze to death) and Luke was so brave and swam with us out into the deeper end, which he wouldn't do last year. He loved to lay on his stomach and kick his legs like he was swimming, so he may be ready for some swim lessons.

This evening we went back over to Disney Springs since it poured rain on Saturday evening when we were there. We stopped at the Lego Store (AGAIN) and bought him some new sets. I think this may be his new favorite toy. We ate at Wolfgang Puck Express and marveled at how big Disney Springs is.

Now we're back at the room packing up to go home tomorrow. We are tired (and broke) but we've had a lot of fun. Luke has been spoiled immensely and I'm afraid it may be hard for him to get back to reality. HA. We'll be leaving early tomorrow morning and I hope we can make it back in the snow. Ta-Ta for now Disney!

Pretty sunrise

Me at 7:15 thinking about our vacations where we slept in until 10:00. HA!

Mickey!

When we left Octonauts was on. Luke wanted to stay and watch instead of going to the park. :p

It was hard to get clear photos because the ride was so bumpy.

Mr. Hippo

Poor buddy was tired at the end of the train ride and only wanted me to snuggle him.

Snack time!

Calling it quits...

After swimming, getting warm under the covers!

And a pretty sunset...

At the Lego store!

He wanted to carry his HUGE bag out of there and was running over everyone leaving the store. We had a minor meltdown because we had to let mom or dad carry the bag.