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Animal Kingdom
This new Kingdom was a wonderful surprise. We spent a month at WDW last year between
Thanksgiving and Christmas. We had not been to WDW since 1989, so there were two new parks to
explore in addition to the Magic Kingdom and Epcot. We decided an Annual Pass was the only way
we would be able to get "the job done" and be able to ride EVERYTHING and see every show. And
we were right...........it took the entire month to "get the job done!" It is a little pricey, but
considering there are 4 parks, no blockout days at all and free parking, it worked best for our
circumstance. We feel we got our money's worth and we may even go back for another month in
October 2008 while our Annual Pass is still valid.
We first went to Animal Kingdom "just because it was there" thinking it would probably be a one
day experience. But after seeing it and finding out a little more about it, we were very impressed
with what Disney has done there. The park is quite beautiful. Very tropical for the most part. The
new Expedition Everest ride is quite an experience!!!! The new mountain looms over the Land of
Asia and dominates the scene. It is very beautiful, and the inside of the mountain is full of surprises
you will not expect!! Excellent ride!!!!! (but for those over 65 like we are........maybe just a once a
day ride.) There are plenty of rides, shows and other experiences to keep you busy all day here.
Animal Kingdom does close early, so maybe a "park hop" to Epcot to catch their Fireworks might
be a nice end to the day. If you plan to have a "short day" and get a little rest for the next day,
Animal Kingdom is a good choice.
The Lion King Musical is a must see. It is a very high energy show and the music is wonderful!!! If
you have the time, it is a show you will want to see more than once.
The Florida version of Grizzly River is at Animal Kingdom.........BUT it is NO Grizzly River and we
were so glad to get back to Anaheim last month to the REAL Grizzly. The ride in Florida is more
about getting WET, not creating excitement and thrills.
We had the privilege of time that most folks sadly do not have at WDW. We saw many people very
frustrated and frantic and we just think they were totally overwhelmed with so many things to do
and not enough time.
So, if you are planning a trip to WDW, please give yourself as much time as you possibly can to
really experience it. Do your homework and make some sort of plan before you even think about
stepping foot on the property. Try to stay either on property or in a hotel as close to WDW as
possible to cut down on travel time. TIME is the most important thing at WDW..........don't waste
it!!! The WDW Official Guide book is a big help when going for the first time. You can buy these
books at Disney stores and also most AAA offices will carry them. They are well worth the money to
get yourself aquatinted with how to get around and have some idea of where you are going, etc. If
you have young children, it tells you what to expect on a ride. This book is updated each year.
Also, be careful not to Park Hop too often. It costs extra on the ticket and we feel it is a BIG time
waster. This place is HUGE and going from park to park is not just a walk away. You ride a bus,
boat or the Monorail and often have to stand in line to even get on the transportation system. Try to
take one park a day. If you have a 5 day pass, do your favorite park again on the 5th day. Try to
buy as many days as you have time for and can afford if you truly want to get a full experience.
Summer can be brutal and even November-December we experienced some pretty warm days, so
take that in to consideration also.
If you go..............you can have a "magical" time, but it will be up to you to do your "magical"
homework................
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