Vacation Day 2 - Animal Kingdom

Orlando, FL - What a fun day at our first Disney park.  We started out early (after a breakfast in) to see Animal Kingdom.  The landscape was beautiful, very tropical and green with a sprinkling of colorful flowers.  When we activated our tickets, they gave us buttons for our first visit and a button for Mommy because it is her birthday week.  (If you ever want anyone to wish you a Happy Birthday, wear that in a Disney park all day and every Disney employee will recognize your special day...I mean all of them). 

We headed straight to the back of the park and took the Kilimanjaro Safari.  There we saw birds, elephants, giraffes, lions and hippos.  The animals were so close, even a giraffe was right outside of our truck.  It was an awesome experience.

After the safari, Ryan met his first character.  We found Terk from Lion King.  He was the first to sign Ryan's autograph book.  Ryan also met Baloo and the King Louie from Jungle Book.  We also watched the Finding Nemo show.  It was a half hour version of the movie done with live action characters and puppets on sticks.  It was really cool.

After Daddy rode Exhibition Everest and eating lunch, we headed to DinoLand.  A first stop was to meet Goofy and Pluto.  They were very lovable and were also excited for Mommy's birthday.  Ryan and Mommy got in line to ride the little dinosaurs and then it started raining...and it poured and poured...and poured.  We had to buy a towel because Ryan's stroller got soaking wet and we hung out in a rides covered waiting area for 30+ minutes waiting for the rain to clear out, and it did.

Once the sun came out, it was time for the parade.  The parade was full of beautiful floats and other things that were like animals.  We also saw lots of Disney characters drive by.  Goofy, Donald Duck, Minnie Mouse and Mickey each had their own car.  Many that walked past came up and said hello to Ryan.  Even several wished Mommy a Happy Birthday while parading by.

We finished the day in Camp Mickey and Minnie.  Ryan had a chance to FINALLY meet Mickey Mouse.  He was excited to get his autograph.  He also met Goofy (again) and Donald Duck and then met Thumper and Pocahontas. 

We arrived back to our condo for a night of relaxation and lasagna.  Ryan ran around like a crazy man and then took a bath in the biggest tub he has ever been in.  We are excited to venture out again tomorrow.