Tuesday--Animal Kingdom

Last time we came we didn't make it to the Animal Kingdom so that was our first stop today.

In our room---Micky Mouse ears out of beads.

For the Disney Parks, this was the magic way that you got into the parks, bought your meals, and even could make purchases in the park stores and shops.  It kept track of what rides you had fast passes for.  It was so convenient. 

Tuesday morning, we entered the Animal Kingdom.  This park is divided up into different areas of the world--Africa, Asia, etc.

There was this huge tree craved with lots of different animals.  From every angle, you could see more animals.  Pictures don't do it justice.

 A closeup to the tree for an example.

There were live animal shows as well.  This was a Bird Show.

African drummers in downtown Africa.

The details throughout the park were fun.  Two stone statues from the movie, "Up!"

This is not us, but we did enjoy our ride down these rapids (and appreciated our ponchos which kept us a bit drier than the rest.)  For a hot day, water is good.

People were moving too much to get good photos, but the Lion King Show was great.  The music, dancing, and the acts were all top quality.

I loved the acrobats! 

This ride was actually done in old trucks over a bumpy real dirty road.  We got to see lots of animals in this wild life preserve where they are studying about animals and working to make a difference for wild animals everywhere.

Gary, I think I want to go to Africa someday and see these amazing animals in their homelands.

Heading to the Finding Nemo show--it began to sprinkle and then it started pouring down rain.  We were grateful for the ponchos that Gary and Vonette had bought for us. 

We were glad to have a show to see and get out of the rain.

This was a fun play area made mostly for children but we enjoyed popcorn and ice cream and a break from walking around for a minute.

Again, all over the park where fun things to see as well as the rides and shows.  Many times I was struck by the talents and passion displayed throughout the parks--in music, dance, but also in staging, food, costumes, productions, signs, and art work.  Every little thing we saw was first an idea in someone's head.  People are truly amazing.

Tuesday evening we caught a boat and headed down to another Disney Resort to enjoy a luau--dinner and a show.

Food was good and there was plenty (meaning too much) of it!

Somewhat of an indoor-outdoor dinning experience.

They had some traditional island dancing and drum numbers which were great.  The fire dancer was amazing.  No photos of him but the things he could do with the lighted sticks were amazing.

We were able to catch the Monorail back to the shuttle to take us back to our hotel.  It was the first time that Gary and Vonette had taken the Monorail so we were proud to do something new with them.

 And home again to our hotel---

Where game playing commenanced almost immediately--because afterall, we are on vacation!

We played Five Crowns tonight and Gary Kerr pretty much skunked us all tonight!

Vacations--they are great!