After experiencing the most perfect day ever, I had zero expectations about Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park. We did not pick up a map, nor did we do any research beforehand, we just decided to go wherever we felt drawn. Some of the tips that I recommended for the Magic Kingdom Park apply to this park as well, thus I suggest reading that post if you have time.
When you first walk into the Animal Kingdom you are greeted by the enormous Tree of Life. It is the main icon of the park. It is 145 feet tall, 50 feet wide, and all human-made. The tree has 103,000 leaves and each and every one was attached by hand. Incredible, right? Most people realize that there are animals carved into it, but they may not know how many. Disney places the number at “over 300”, while other sources claim that there are more. The animals can be found in the roots, in the trunk, and in the branches. For a better look at the animals, bring binoculars into the park with you. You may even find a hidden Mickey!
Joaquín had fallen in love with Belle after meeting her at the Magic Kingdom. So, we ended up buying him a little Belle at Disney Springs as a Birthday present and while we were at the Animal Kingdom he was determined to show every single animal he encountered, “his beautiful Princess.”
Like the previous day, since we did not have a Fast Pass, we were only able to partake on one ride due to the long lines. Please listen to me when I say: do not go to any of the parks without a Fast Pass. You will be making a huge mistake! We chose to ride the Wildlife Express Train and it was fantastic no matter what your age is. You will “cross the African savannah for a backstage journey through the park on a peaceful 7-minute, 1.2-mile journey from the heart of Africa to Rafiki’s Planet Watch, a park area dedicated to the preservation and conservation of animals.”
Joaquín’s favorite part was the petting zoo!
After the train ride was over, we went to look for lunch, and of course stumbled across even more interesting things along the way.
We could all of a sudden see how exhausted Joaquín was becoming, so we decided to visit one more attraction. Little did we know, it would end up being the best thing we saw all day. We came across the gorilla exhibition. We were absolutely delighted when the gorillas started interacting with each other. They were playing peekaboo with blankets and everyone who was watching in that moment was laughing. We must have stood there for an hour! It really inspired me to add seeing these gorgeous creatures in the wild to my Bucket List.
As we were leaving, the park put on their daily performance. It was as if they knew we were leaving and were saying a proper goodbye. While we watched, Joaquín fell asleep peacefully in his stroller. When you are a parent, that is definitely a win! I could only imagine what he was dreaming about.
Our time with Disney had officially come to an end, however we still had some extroadinary adventures in Kissimmee left.
You have shared so beautiful pics. I also love photography, but I am a professional man that’s why I don’t have time for this. I am very happy to see your amazing skill. Thanks for sharing these pics with us.
Thank you so much, hope you can find some time to shoot! Even if it only on the weekends in a nearby park. 🙂
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What a destination!
I agree!!!