Animal Kingdom - In the details. Guest Blogger

So my mom was fortunate enough to go to Animal Kingdom and celebrate the 15th Anniversary this past Earth Day while I was working. Here is her take on what she saw and her general love of all things Disney.

Guest Blogger: Suzi ( My Mom!)

Some people just don’t get it.  They never have, they never will.  Why do I have such a fascination with Disney?  And why don’t I have the same appreciation for other theme parks?  One day we had some family friends over for dinner, they had just returned from EPCOT after a 20 year hiatus, and said nothing had changed.  They rode the same five rides as last time.  Then there’s the friend that loves Disney, and will go to 4 parks in a day, only for one signature ride at each and be done.  I guess it’s them that I don’t understand.

Yes the theme parks have awesome rides for the motion part of it, but rather it’s the details that keep you riding again and again.  Every time I go to the park, I discover a new detail.  Sometimes it’s something I went specifically to see because someone else mentioned it.  Sometimes it’s something that I think only I have seen, and it’s just happened.

Everyone who is a true Disney fan knows to look for hidden Mickey’s.  Most everyone knows about the plates on the table in Haunted Mansion – you do now if you didn’t.  So I thought it was interesting that the last time I rode it, the plates had been moved to traditional table settings, and were not in the hidden Mickey.

Monday April 22^nd 2013 was Earth Day, and this signifies the anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom.  This year was a milestone 15^th Anniversary, and they threw a party.  Quite by chance, I found out about a group of Disney fans that were meeting for the weekend WDWCelebrations .  I had never heard of them, but they looked like they had an amazing agenda planned, for a very low price.  So I registered and off I went to Disney, by myself.

We arrived at the park at 7am, 2 hours before opening.  New thing #1 they were using the new Mickey turnstiles for passholders and resort guests.  #2, right before opening the person in charge of the cast members letting us in went down the line and told the cast members to check their zippers!  Even the cast members said that was a first.  #3, the group that I was with knew a cast member, and we all started chanting Mikey, Mikey, Mikey.  The cast member in front of me (I was first in line) said that Mikey couldn’t do anything to get us in early, but Ron could.  So we all started chanting Ron, Ron, Ron.  He came out with a microphone and said that chanting his name wouldn’t get us in early, but money would.

Many people have already blogged about the ceremony and merchandise so I shall skip forward a few hours.  As we were enjoying our Earth Day cupcakes, the leaders of our group mentioned that some of the answers to the upcoming scavenger hunt were within view.  I tucked this info away for later, same as when they leaned over a bridge to look at something.

I discovered several new things this day.  The main thing being that there is nothing in Animal Kingdom that is there without reason and that so much has gone into the design of the park to make it authentic to the areas that they represent, albeit some of this tongue and cheek.

Looking for something different to drink?  Try the Jamba Juice.  I found out that the walk up refreshment stands have some pretty unusual food and drinks.

Scavenger Hunts are an excellent means to learn about the park.  Again, look it up, you can probably find several.  But for a teaser, here are a few of the things that I searched for. 

Dina Sore’s phone number, the number of painted fish in a pavilion, the country that bricks were made from, survey markers, information that could only be found on a menu, or on a tiny scrap of paper plastered to a pole.  I discovered that bulletin boards had a lot of fun information posted.  I also discovered that if there is a small path that looks like you shouldn’t go on it, it’s ok as long as there isn’t a barricade.  Often times these paths lead to little known gems.  The queue lines have a lot of stuff, check out Kali River Rapids, you can exit the line just before the ride if you want.  Having never been on the ride, I couldn’t believe how much detail that I missed.

So what keeps me returning to Disney?  It’s the attention and care to the little details.  Enjoy the rides.  But the next time you are standing in line take a look around.   

PS -Did you know that you can get free baked samples at Big Top Souvenirs in Magic Kingdom?

We hope you enjoyed this update and as always, Have a Magical Day!

Disney's Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom, in actual size, is the largest Disney park. Containing 7 different areas which consist of the Oasis, Camp Minnie-Mickey, Dino Land, Discovery Island, Asia, Africa, and Rafiki's Planet Watch. If there was only one thing I could recommend it would be to walk through every path that comes up. I discovered several unmarked trails while on Discovery Island which brought me to quiet areas with no people and lots of interesting animals.

I would highly recommend seeing the shows that are available at the park. The Lion King Musical allows flash photography and the best seating is up a couple of rows if you can manage it, the actors mostly perform on a raised stage. Finding Nemo is another good show to see. A little secret I learned is that the "Tusker House Restaurant", a buffet, has priority seating at the Nemo shows if you eat during noon and 3; just make sure you ask! There are lots of side shows that happen in the Africa section of the park, drummers and dancers.

The most popular ride in the whole park by far has to be Everest. With the twists, turns, several seconds of backwards mayhem, and other such wonderful attributes, this ride is definitely not for the faint of heart, or stomach. The ride does not go upside down but there are some tight curves that cause some serious G-forces. If the line is not long i whole-heartedly suggest taking the time going through the full line to see the props that are so artfully scattered through out the queue. If you are in a hurry to make some reservations/show times, or you just don't want to wait for an hour, there is the Single Rider line. I personally think this is one of Disney's smartest additions. If you are in a group they will separate you at the end of the line and put you in the empty spots left on the ride. Usually this takes much less time than standing in line but you also do not get to see all of the accessories in the full line.

 If you are getting tired of the animal, and human, noises take the train to Rafiki's Planet Watch. Once at the the Conservation Station go in the building and along the left hand side, from the main entrance, are small rooms where you listen to the sounds of a rain forest for a few minutes. If you need to use the restroom while here, I will only give you the warning of be ready to be startled!

Dino Land is perfect for small children. There is a dig site, small roller coasters, and arcade style games to play for prizes. The counter service restaurant in the area is a very neat place just to spend a little time in the air conditioning checking things out. It always amazes me how much detail the Imagineers put into every area. Every room is dedicated to a separate living or work space and you'll find different quirky puns or memorabilia related to each area, and don't worry it's quite alright to stare around the rafters I bet you won't be the only one!

What ever area of the park you find to be your favorite always remember:
Have a Wild Day in Disney's Animal Kingdom!