Disney World - Animal Kingdom

A couple of weeks before our trip, we received an offer from Disney, an opportunity to be part of the testing phase of the very new Magic Bands and FastPass+ service. We agreed to try them out since they seemed fun and convenient. Each member of our family received a personalized wrist band in the mail. With the FastPass+ service, Sean easily chose specific rides or shows that we wanted to see using his iPad at the resort. We arrived at each location within our chosen time slot throughout the week, used our Magic Bands, and jumped ahead in line... I realize we got very lucky with this. It made life with two tired kids in the hot sun much, much easier.

Our first FastPass ride was the Kilimanjaro Safari at Disney's Animal Kingdom. We boarded our safari vehicle for a tour of the Harambe Wildlife Reserve. One of the highlights was seeing a group of giraffes, which included a few babies. When we drove past them, I could have literally reached out my hand and touched the neck of an adult giraffe. The safari was a neat way to see the animals in their own space.

The Tree of Life - a celebration of nature and the creatures who inhabit it. 

I loved seeing this groups of hippos. They were a happy bunch, bubbling away under the surface of the water.

The tour was beautiful, but not only because of the animals. The trees, the natural landscape, it all came together beautifully.

Our driver waited patiently as this guy strolled across the path in front of us.

Giraffes are my favorite African animal. I love them at the zoo and I loved them here. I caught this mommy's new baby nursing. The way they walk and move and interact with each other - they were so peaceful to watch.

After our tour, we stopped by to meet Mickey and Minnie. They were the first to sign Gracie's autograph book. We then headed to The Festival of the Lion King, which was a colorful, action-packed show. There were acrobats and singers and dancers and stilt-walkers and huge floats with the characters from the Lion King movie. Somehow, in the middle of all that, Ethan fell asleep.

While Ethan napped away in the stroller with Memaw, Sean, Gracie, and I stopped by to visit Donald Duck! Gracie was a little shy around the characters, but enjoyed having them sign her autograph book.

Donald was feeling playful and gave Gracie a kiss.

Seeing Pocahontas was a nice surprise! She was very sweet to Gracie. 

Exploring the Animal Kingdom for the day was lots of fun. There were many other animals to see throughout the park. Upon entering the park, Gracie received a booklet that gave her things to look for and do and questions to answer during our visit. She then received badges (stickers) in her booklet for completion. 

A late afternoon parade was a great way to end the day (while Ethan was still sleeping). For dinner, we headed back to Downtown Disney to eat at the Rainforest Cafe, which was another fun, entertaining dining experience for our family!