Animal Kingdom (2+ days)
Our favorite park for multiple days!
Kilimanjaro Safaris – Definitely, is the attraction to schedule for an early morning excursion when the animals will be more active.
I love seeing animals! So excited! We grabbed the backseat to be able to turn around for more possible picture opportunities.
Hippopotamus
(From hippo viewing area later:)
Hippos wiggle their ears to expel any water that may have gotten inside while submerged. Typically their ears and nostrils fold shut to keep most water out, but evidently not 100% for their ears.
And back on the safari ride…
OKAPI – look like they must be related to the zebra, but in actuality, their closest relative is the giraffe!
In this short video you can see the okapi’s long tongue.
A Baobab tree or “upside down” tree. It is called this because without foliage it appears as though it is upside down The short fat limbs resemble roots!
African Painted Dogs take a siesta in the shade of the cave.
We bought a soft stuffed animal of one of these painted dogs for Mona when we were here in 2019.
Sable Antelope and a shy Bongo
The more solitary bongo LOOKS like it might be related to a giraffe, but it is actually related to the giraffe! Watch this video clip to see this one’s long, long tongue like a giraffe’s.
I took a picture of these animal identification charts on the safari vehicle because I knew I wouldn’t remember the names of a lot of these animals. Some we saw, but couldn’t get a quality picture.
Other animal areas within the park:
Komodo dragon
Siberian Tiger – While categorized as a carnivore, a Siberian tiger may eat soft grasses & plants to add additional vitamins and minerals to their diet. Or is it just a little play as he walks through these tall grasses?
Wildebeests came along the edge of the safari area that could be partially seen opposite one of the viewing areas the tiger.
Chimpanzees – I love watching these guys! When there is a baby chimpanzees it is truly delightful watching their interactions.
Settling down for a nap…
Southern Giant Anteater – and YES, this guy was big! The big, bushy tail keeps the anteaters warm and dry by curling their tail over their heads. This was the first and only time I’ve seen this guy.
Favorite Rides (other than the Safari which is a morning priority)
Kali River Rapids – Great to plan during the heat of the day!
I think it’s funny even when it is a hot day that so many people choose to go on this ride, but then CHOOSE to wear plastic raincoats. Before Abby arrived, Barry and I were the only ones on our “raft” without raincoats. We judge the quality of the ride by how wet we get. A few days later when the three of us went, we were with other “brave souls”. LOL The raft next to us were ALL in raincoats. 🙂
Another FAVORITE is EXPEDITION EVEREST: LEGEND OF THE FORBIDDEN MOUNTAIN! We always hope we can escape the grasp of Yeti! Riding is the very front is the best. 🙂
Transport to a different world in the Land of Pandora! Here is the Na’vi River Journey. The great technology used makes this slow-moving boat ride in the dark very enjoyable.
But hands down…the BEST ride is Avatar Flight of Passage! It is a MUST DO!! And as often as you can!! It is a 4-d ride where you feel like you are riding a wild banshee. WOW! (No pics possible of the thrilling part of the attraction.). Pics below are from the engaging queue (skipped with the Lightning Pass)
Boarding instructions to our individual banshee.
We felt like this was us! Phenomenal technology to create a 4-d experience.
TREE OF LIFE – (a Baobab tree model)
This feature is lit at night, but we didn’t stay to catch it this trip.
There are supposedly 337 animal carvings on the main tree, branches and roots that extend quite far. The animals are existing ones as well as some that are extinct. Here are just a few.
IT’S TOUGH TO BE A BUG – Found in the Tree of Life Theater.
This was a very cute presentation with humor, but was scary for little kids. We laughed a lot. You wear 3-d glasses to get the best experience of the bugs.
The overall attraction may be considered 4-d because you smell the stink bug, feel others things…You have to watch the video. LOL
The majority of people seemed to either not notice these “Broadway” show posters that were in the queue area, or they didn’t get the insect play on the Broadway title. Each poster made me smile, and look for another one. Disney parks are full of attention to details everywhere. I know I’m unaware of a lot – like all the hidden “Mickeys”)
2025 update: This attraction permanently closed on March 17, 2025. I’m sure the “Zootopia: Better Zoogether!” will be amazing when replaces “It’s Tough To Be a Bug!” in winter 2025.
LION KING Live Show – This was AWESOME!! Disney productions are the BEST! Top notch quality in all parks and their cruises. Be sure to catch all that they offer!
Loved these gates! Written in Swahili, “Can you feel the love tonight?”
Disney 2022 Trip – part 4 at Magic Kingdom is coming next!