Trip Report: Feisty Sheep (Day 1, Part 2 | July 2021)

 As we’ve been doing lately, we were starting at Animal Kingdom. The bus came quickly which is always a happy thing. Before heading in the park, we stopped at Guest Relations to activate our recently renewed annual passes.

Once we entered the actual park, we placed a mobile order at Flame Tree Barbeque since we were hungry and wanted lunch. We both got the salad. It’s good and on the lighter side. I would recommend a bit more to get you through the day. 

While we ate, 2 of the character flotillas went by. I love sitting on the water at Flame Tree and those boats are a great reason why. We also made a rough plan for the day and looked at things like Touring Plans. 

After we finished eating we tried for the next Lion King show since it recently reopened. Sadly, it was already full so we’d have to wait for the next one. We thought about it, but decided not to wait since it was awfully hot.

Instead we took the train to Rafiki Planet Watch. I love going out there especially since it has one of my activities-the Animation Experience. The next class was in 10-15 minutes so we hopped in the line for that.

We drew Grogu/Baby Yoda. It’s a fun character to draw, but he’s not an animal. The video was about baby animals. He was pretty hard to draw and my dad’s was definitely better. I painted him at Painting with a Twist which was better. Although they did give us a stencil so that could have played a role.

Then, we popped in the Affection Section/petting zoo area. Most of the animals were tucked away. They probably wanted to stay in the shade where it was a little cooler. I 100% support and respect that choice. There was one sheep who really wanted to see her handler-it’s so adorable to see that connection. 

It was a quick train ride back to Harambe and then we went through the Gorilla Trail.

When we got out, we decided to get in line for Kilimanjaro Safaris since it's right there. It was about a 30 minute wait, but we didn’t mind since it’s in the shade. Plus, you get to sit for a good amount of time at the end of the line. We got to see some baby flamingos which I’m not sure I’ve seen before so that’s exciting. There were a lot of animals that I’m used to seeing that weren’t out. Maybe it was close to dinnertime. 

Before we left and the park closed, we went on a journey to the past. No, we didn’t watch Anastasia (now on Disney+), but we did ride Dinosaur. I just love this attraction so much. It’s funny and thrilling.

Up Next: More BBQ & Apple Pie

Trip Report: Affection Section (Day 4, Part 2 | January 2021)

 Then we were off to Africa-my favorite land in Animal Kingdom. Really we were just passing through because we were going to Rafiki’s Planet Watch for an animation class. From the train, we got a quick look at Ranger-the newest rhino. Dad and I feel a connection to him because we met his dad when we did the rhino tour.

I checked out the displays while we waited for the animation class to begin. Someday I’ll be able to see a surgery or animal treatment.

Then, it was class time. We were drawing Dumbo. Dad and I drew him last time. Sadly, I didn’t really improve from my past experience. I still gave him chunky legs. But it’s a fun time and I would always recommend it.

My parents stopped in the bathroom so I went outside to wait. There was a sheep with her handler out there. The sheep even opened the door. I was happy to see them because I always like seeing the handlers and animals. They used to do little demonstrations on the stage. Hopefully, those will come back, too. The animals love working with their handlers. That’s why this one was out to begin with. 

After my parents came out, we headed to the Affection Section which is the petting zoo. There was an alpaca being pretty sassy with the keeper feeding it-it was pretty funny. The alpaca kept spitting on him. We walked around and looked at the other animals. 

We returned to Africa and decided to get a snack. Denise got a dole whip. Dad and I got the grilled street corn which we heard good things about. The flavors from the seasoning was good, but the corn felt a little old-it was a bit shriveled up.

Since we were already in Harambe, we got in line for Kilimanjaro Safaris. It’s always a good time. I love seeing all the animals, but I do miss the storyline. And the song from the elephant section. That was one of my favorite parts-I still listen to the song at home.

Up Next: Animal Trails