Another Family Day

Our day began yesterday with the guy from the garage door company arriving to install our new door. He made pretty quick work of it and I'll share the finished pictures once we put the trim up we want to install.

Kevin got the garage cleared out and garage door is ready to install.

Kevin's brother Patrick and his wife Jennifer took her aunt to the airport and then were heading over to Disney's Animal Park.  We stayed there 6 years ago when we flew to Disney World for a visit. After the garage door was installed we decided to drive over to meet Pat and Jen at the park and finish our day exploring the Animal Kingdom.

Entrance to Animal Kingdom

Six years ago we flew into visit Disney World and stayed at the hotel at this park.  Hannah was not quite 3 then and Cameron was 12, Amber was also still at home and came with us.  So being there yesterday with Lauren for her first time and having Aunt Jen and Uncle Patrick was so different and really a lot of fun.

We started our tour of the park taking a nature walk where the girls were thrilled with all the animals and close up views or interaction with them. We saw a lot of pretty colored fish in large tanks and ponds.  A couple of ducks that seemed to be performing for us in a large tank where they were inches away from them.  A family of gorillas with dad taking an afternoon snooze and mom and baby treating everyone to a view of them.

From here we headed to the Kilimanjaro Safari Ride and took a really fun and BOUNCY safari ride seeing lots of great animals as we travelled through. The girls oohed and ahhed their way through this ride.

Next we took a train ride to the research and care facility where we checked out the animals on display inside, the girls had their picture taken with Rafiki and then headed out  to the petting zoo outside.

Our next area of exploration was "Asia".  We arrived as a parade was just coming to the end, so we caught sight of and waved to Mickey before entering the various lands represented by Disney's designers.  There were buildings designed to look like areas of India, then as we moved on past the "Tree of Life"  we arrived at the area and ride called Everest.  I'm always impressed by the detail that is on display at these parks.

Disney's Mount Everest

After moving through this land where we didn't do any rides just looked at the sights, we arrived in Dinoland.  Here we rode the ride that is supposed to take you back in time to retrieve a dinosaur and bring it back with you. It was fun and Lauren who was sitting with Pat and Jen behind me was squealing with delight at each twist and turn.

The girls had stamp books given to them at one of the teaching stops where you have interactive talks or activities to learn about plants, animals or dinosaurs in the various land you pass through.  So they participated in these and got all but two stamps filled on this trip.  Will have to complete it on another visit.

After our last Disney visit when we found all the restaurants so crowded,  Pat and Jennifer had thought to make reservations so we could dine at the Rainforest Cafe and enjoy a nice dinner before it was time to head home. Again the fish tanks were incredible and kept everyone entertained as we waited for our table.  Then as the animals "come to life" and the rain storm sounds could be heard at various times throughout the meal we all enjoyed "dinner and a show" as Hannah announced on the first of several of these events during our meal.

Our day ended a bit earlier as this park closes at 7 PM.  It  was perfect though, and we all really enjoyed another family day out.  We'd thought to buy strollers after our last Disney trip so that piggy back rides wouldn't be necessary.  Both girls did really well with all the walking and with the exception of a brief ride from Dinoland to the restaurant they managed to walk the majority of the time.  Still best to be prepared!!

Lynda