Animal Kingdom Day 3 Part 1: First Time Seeing Pandora

It was finally the day we would see the much talked about Pandora at Animal Kingdom. I was excited to see what all of the hype was about but not so much being at Animal Kingdom in the August heat. This is the one park we would probably explore more if we came in the winter time. I just do not do well with heat and for some reason Animal Kingdom is that one park I can't seem to find a place to stay cool. We arrived just as they opened the park.

Everyone was making a mad dash straight for Pandora even though the CM had warned them not to run. Didn't really matter because by the time you got around the corner towards the new land you realized that there was a sea of people just like you waiting to get in. It was the craziest thing I had ever seen. As the crowd started to get larger (yes, there were just as many people behind us as there was in front of us) the CM's started asking everyone where they were headed. We had a fastpass for Flights of Passage so our plan was to see the Navi River Journey first and then come back when it was time for the other ride. Lets just say I was never so glad to have a fastpass for a ride as I did that morning! The cast members directed us towards our ride while it seemed like everyone else was directed to a very, very long line for Flights of Passage.

The Navi River ride is cute and great for small children who can't get on Flights of Passage but it can appear spooky of your child does not like "dark" rides (we encountered one child who was not happy that her parents were making her ride lol). I agree with everyone who said its too short, but if you get there first thing in the morning and you are looking for something relaxing after fighting the crowds just to get in this area then its not that bad of a compromise. I know for me it was a great relief to not have to stand in line with all of the other people waiting to get to FOP. And we walked right on (later that day the wait time was ridiculous for both rides). As I am writing this post on June 12th the wait time is 60 min. for Navi River and 135 minutes for Flights of Passage. When we went people were waiting up to three and four hours.

When you come out of the Navi River ride there are these cool drums built into the "tree" formations. Be sure to check them out. At night (and maybe even during the day) I think you have an opportunity to be a part of a presentation that they do with them.

We walked around and took some pictures but we wanted to hit Its Tough To Be A Bug before coming back for our fastpass at Killimanjari Safari at 10:35.

There were people lined up so far back that they were on the bridge between Pandora and the bridge that takes you to Festival of the Lion King.

My daughter being serenaded for her birthday.

One of my favorite shots from that morning! 

Us exploring (aka getting lost lol).

Found this wall by accident even though it was on my bucket list for this trip. We kept getting different directions from the CM's as to which was the best way to get to the Tree of Life.

Found it! 

Another favorite shot. I love the scenery at Animal Kingdom (just not the heat lol).

I was really surprised at how many animals we got to see on this trip. Sometimes when its this hot (I believe it was in the high 90's) the animals are not as active. Can you blame them? I have to admit nothing takes a candle to our first time doing the Safari. We had a guide from Africa and his accent made the ride seem more realistic. And I actually miss the poachers scene. All in all its still a great ride for someone who knows she will never go to Africa, but some of the magic seems missing with some of the changes that have been made over the years. 

I didn't take any photos on our way back to ride Flights of Passage. We went through the Fastpass line pretty quick (our pass was for 11:45). And we were so excited to not have to wait in line that it didn't even cross my mind to document it (you can't videotape the actual ride anyway, and I was too busy holding on to the back of my "Banshee" to snap a photo with my phone LOL. ) But we did take photos at the famous Moss wall (Tip: which you can find right after you exit the ride and have come down the steps in front of the restaurant and shop). 

We popped in the shop briefly. Grabbed a snack and some water out of our bags before making our way back to catch the Festival of the Lion King at 1:30. 

I love, love, love the Festival of the Lion King Show. But again I was a bit disappointed this time around because I noticed some changes to the show (clearly I don't do well with change lol). I can't put my finger on it and may have to go back and look at one of my old trip videos but I think they have eliminated some of the songs because there seemed to be something missing. Also this was our first time seeing it in its new location. A few years ago I got to see the Broadway version of Lion King when my daughter and husband surprised me for my birthday. At the time I remember saying I actually liked the park version better. Now I am not so sure.

Before heading out of the park for lunch, and a bit of shopping we thought we would go and visit our favorite (well my favorite) Disney couple. It was the first time I have gotten to see them in their Safari gear and also (I think) the first time I have taken a picture with them together. Something else I can take off of my Disney Bucket list (I may do a video about this next week so stay tuned). Also if you haven't seen it you will have to go and look at a video my daughter Quisha and I did. It was my first Disney tag video. Stay tuned for the next trip installment when we head to Epcot for a fun filled evening. Thank you to those of you who have been supporting my blog and youtube videos!

Disney Target Haul (Mother's Day)

Its bad enough that Target seems to suck you in when you go into the store and you find yourself buying things that were never on your shopping list. But now they had the nerve to go and stock the store with all of those irresistible Disney merchandise. LOL The family indulged my love of Disney around Mothers's Day and I got to go on a little shopping spree. 

Go and watch my youtube video to see what the inside of this beauty looks like (and yes that was a shameless plug). 

I'm still kind of sad that I wasn't able to find the clear cosmetic bag. But these two bags are pretty cute in their own right.

Of course a girl needs to have Mickey and Minnie corn holders. 

I looked at these pins for the longest time before picking them out. You can't go wrong with classic Mickey. And the bandanna is too cute. I searched several Target's before I finally found the Mickey earrings! 

I have special plans for these but you will have to go to my YouTube channel to find out (link below). 

You have to have lotion and mints when you go to the parks right? Tin (purchased along with Mickey Hand sanitizer a week before when I went Target hunting lol) was filled with jelly beans but I ate them all.

How do you resist a Minnie Mouse t-shirt when she looks at you like that? LOL

And of course my prized possession. My Mickey Mouse rug. My Disney Target Haul video is now up, so please go and watch. Subscribe and like the video! And don't forget to hit that notification button if you would like to know when more videos go up. 

Disney Birthday Haul

A crown from my mom when my family surprised me for my birthday. If you all knew my mom, you know this was a big deal. LOL 

Bags from my cousin who can't resist buying me something when he see's Disney stuff. LOL

Also from my cousin. 

I love the restaurant Ohana at the Polynesian Resort at WDW. So this shirt is perfect for me. 

Minnie Mouse wallet from Loungefly. 

The Disney watch is also from my cousin. Lillian and Co was a gift to myself to remind me I am braver (and stronger ) than I know. I also have a Disney Mickey Alex and  Ani bracelet from the hubby. 

I think I shared this on my facebook page but not here and so I included it in the video. This was a surprise gift from some very special people in my life who know how much I love Disney. I wa in shock when I got the box with this beautiful Pandora scarf and Minnie Mouse charms for my bracelet. I think I am still in shock. LOL

Stuffed animals from my sister in law.

These are not in the video (not sure how I forgot them). But they are from my oldest daughter. I love Disney socks!! 

She also got me this cute patriotic shopping bag to add to the collection of Disney shopping bag I now seem to be collecting. LOL 

Love, love these buttons from Parkbound Buttons. 

Disney Birthday Haul video is now up. But here on my blog I included some items I forgot in the video! Oops!!! Including this Minnie Lip Smacker. Isn't she adorable?

Geyser Point Bar and Grill Review

Thought I would write a small review of the Geyser Point Bar and Grill. We ate there for lunch one afternoon after leaving the Magic Kingdom. I had seen a few videos on YouTube about the restaurant and after my husband said he wanted to try out a Bison Burger I thought this would be a great chance to try out a new eating spot. It became a favorite for me and is on my list for the next trip. 

Q and I had the turkey club sandwich with waffle fries (in all honesty we could have shared because the portions were huge. And the price wasn't half bad). Much better then a plain ole hotdog or hamburger from inside the parks. 

Marc's Bison burger. The food was really good and the service we received was excellent. 

After you select your meal at the counter you can go sit down and it will be brought to you when its done. One small tip: If you stay on property bring your refillable mug with you so that you can fill it up at the drink station. 

My favorite part of the whole experience was just getting a chance to sit and eat outside (considering how hot it was that day, it was surprisingly breezy and comfortable to sit under their pavilion) and slow down and enjoy a meal without all of the hustle and bustle of the parks. I would highly recommend this restaurant for lunch. It is only a boat ride away from Magic Kingdom and if you have time be sure and go explore the resort as well.

Disney Target Sightings

It started with a photo from one of my Disney friends. And then I saw the Mickey rug on instagram and I had to go look for myself. 

When I first went to Target I thought I had missed the boat, but turns out our Target hadn't actually put the items up yet. I went back the next day (Mother's Day) and my daughter brought the rug for me. 

So of course I had to take photos of all of the other neat stuff. LOL 

There was a set of bookends that I don't know how I missed snapping a photo of. But I was so excited to see the rug I missed a few things. 

I don't need anymore party stuff in my house but these were mighty tempting. LOL 

To bad I don't grill on the barbecue. 

Cute table linen.

They even had sandwich bags! 

If I was a beach girl I would soo get this chair! 

Giant Windmills 

Beverage dispenser

I almost brought these pins and some really cute Mickey earrings (forgot to take a pic of the jewelry). 

Like my daughter said while we stood in front of the shelf...I need another mug like I need a hole in my head! So I refrained. All bets are off if they ever get a red sale tag. Just sayin!!! 

I did end up getting the hand sanitizer bottle and this cute tin filled with jelly beans (I plan to put breath mints or pills in it and keep it in my park bag when we go again) for a grand total of $6.00. The one thing I regret not getting and may still go back and try to find is the Mickey earrings and a cosmetic bag I had my eye on. I suggest if you are interested in any of these things you run, don't walk to your nearest Target before its all gone. 

Life Change

Three weeks ago my hubby suffered a stroke. Needless to say this has forever changed our world. He is probably about 80 % better physically, but his speech is at about 78% at the moment.  I'm not sure when I will be able to resume blogging or updating any videos. Please keep my family in your prayers.