Trip Report: Kite Tails (Day 5, Part 2 | December 2022)

 Then, we headed to the Safari because we had a Genie+ reservation. We saw the apes being very active on our way. Maybe there was something in the air, because the animals were also very active on the safari. There was even a hippo out of the water which I’m not sure I’ve ever seen before. 

When we got out of the Safari, a musician was playing in Harambe so we listened for a few minutes. I also booked a LL at Na’Vi River Journey for 3:50 PM. 

It was time for lunch so we did a mobile order at Flame Tree Barbeque. As we waited for our food to be ready, we saw the penguins from the Merry Menagerie.

For lunch, I got the salad which is always a good choice. It’s lighter and I was pretty hungry so I also got an order of onion rings. Full disclosure: I’m always on board for onion rings.

The Lion King Kite Tails show was going on while we ate so we could see it a bit.

After we ate, we did the Maharajah Jungle Trek. There was a fairly active tiger here, too. They normally sleep all day so that was exciting. There was also a peacock walking around, too. One of the CMs said he was looking for his girlfriend, Frieda. 

Then, it was time for us to watch Kite Tails for the first time. We sat in the AP viewing area which had no shade so I wouldn’t recommend that. This was the Jungle Book version. I was happy because my dad loves the Jungle Book. It was a very fun show that lived up to the hype. 

A showing of the Animation Experience was coming up at 2:10 so we took the train to Rafiki’s Planet Watch. We got to draw Heimlich which I was very excited about. Although I started getting tired-I think it was the dramamine hitting me. 

We went into the Affection Section to see some animals and then took the train back to the park proper.

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