• Travel & Vacation: Interesting Characters at Animal Kingdom (Orlando, FL)

    Daisy Duck at Disney Animal Kingdom

    Hanging out with Daisy Duck!

    We met some fun Disney Characters while at Animal Kingdom.   There were a few that we did not get an autograph or picture with because the line was too long or we were headed to a specific activity.  We did get a few which was another fun experience while at the park.  At Animal Kingdom we met and got pictures as well as autographs from Daisy Duck, Chip & Dale, and Rafiki.

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    Daisy Duck autographs

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    Chip & Dale were mischievous and fun.  They tried taking a sip of gatorade from Karlie’s camelback hose, using Brina’s hand sanitizer, and other silly actions.  These two were probably the girls favorite characters they met because they were so funny and the cast member helping them was very good interacting with them too.

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    Rafiki getting ready to give Brina a big hug!

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    Autographs and picture with Rafiki!

  • Travel & Vacation: Amazing Kilimanjaro Safari at Animal Kingdom (Orlando, FL)

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    Brina ready to head out on the Kilimanjaro Safari at Animal Kingdom

    The fast passes were gone for the Kilimanjaro Safari at Animal Kingdom before we decided which day we would be going to the park which is a sign that this is a popular activity.  We waited in line for about an hour to go on the safari, but it was very worth it.  This is the longest we had to wait for any activity while at Animal Kingdom.  During this safari we were able to see real animals in their natural habitats during the expedition through the Safari.

    We got to ride out to the safari where many animals were living in the wild.   We went through mud, standing water, on “shaky” bridges, and more while seeing animals at every turn.  Many of these animals I would not want to meet out in the jungle, however, the animals in this jungle looked well fed, peaceful, and relaxed.  It was a wonderful experience.  The kids LOVED this and rated the Safari as one of their favorite activities while at Animal Kingdom.  If you are ever at Animal Kingdom don’t miss this activity if you like seeing a lot of wild animals fairly close!

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    Karlie on the lookout for animals!

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    An okapi which is half zebra and half giraffe!

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    Hippo sunning itself on the bank by the water.

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    A group of hippo hanging out in the water.

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    Beautiful scenery!

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    That’s a lot of alligators in one spot!

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    Thankfully that big guy is heading that  direction and not our way!

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    Life is rough!

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    Very tall termite mound!  Surprised at how many of these were around in a variety of different sizes and shapes.

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    Giraffes nibbling on the tree!

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    Grazing!

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    Friendly elephant!

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    The elephants were covering themselves with mud to keep from getting sunburned.

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    A cluster of elephants rooming around.

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    The upside down tree (looks like the roots are growing out of the top).

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    Pink flamingos hanging out around the water.

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    Rhinos munching on hay!

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    Had to stop our drive through the grasslands when a rhino decided to cross the road in front of us.

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    Meandering along!

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    A gathering of rhinos helping themselves to some delicious rhino snacks.

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    Cheetah napping in the shade.

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    Lion sleeping in the cool rocks.

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    Zebras munching on the grass.

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    Warthogs resting

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    Ostrich eggs?

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    Zebras were pretty!

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    The animals were so peaceful!

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    Relaxing!

  • Travel & Vacation: Kids Wilderness Explorers Program at Animal Kingdom (Orlando, FL)

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     Learning about the Wilderness Explorers program!

    While at Animal Kingdom the girls participated in their Wilderness Explorers program.  It was a great having a chance to stop at the various stations throughout Animal Kingdom, get a sticker, and learn about a variety of educational animal topics.  They quickly figured out that they just needed to look out for workers wearing the Wilderness Explorer uniforms (brown, tan, and orange).  They wore the orange bags with stickers.  In order to get their sticker for that activity they had to participate in an activity and / or listen to a presentation.

    It was fun and educational.  The only thing that we had problem we had was occasionally with missed a sticker because we couldn’t find the worker.  This is a wonderful program especially for kids who can read or enjoy learning about various animal educational items.  You can get a Wilderness Explorer book, your first sticker, an explanation, and a Wilderness cheer.

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     Looking through their Wilderness Explorer books to check where we need to go next.

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    Learning about a variety of animal sounds!

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    Standing in front of the Tree of Life looking through their Wilderness Explorer packets!