Category Archives: Walt Disney World

Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Pangani Forest Trail

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Animal Kingdom GorillaI’m a little perplexed about something.  (If you can clear up my confusion, please do!)  Why do so many people skip the exploration trails at Disney’s Animal Kingdom?  Is it because they think it’ll be too much like a typical zoo experience and they want more “Disney” things to do?  Maybe some folks are afraid there will be unpleasant animal smells? (There aren’t)  Is it because there are so many other things at Animal Kingdom to see and do they think they don’t have time? (That one I could sort of understand)  I have a theory about it…I think people skip the trails because they don’t think they’ll be exciting or that there’s nothing new or different to see.  Of course, if that’s the case, they’d be WRONG!  Perhaps I could dispel that nasty rumor once and for all…Naked Mole Rats at Disney's Animal Kingdom

Ladies and Gentlemen, I give to you, FIVE great things about The Pangani Forest Exploration Trail:  (Don’t worry, I will devote an entire future post to the Maharajah Jungle Trek).

1.  Naked (Nekkid!) Mole Rats.  Somewhat (okay, VERY) disgusting, always fascinating!  Along the trail you’ll come to a research building full of fascinating exhibits – none more interesting than those mole rats!  They’re like some sort of horrible oddity – you know what I’m talking about – the kind of thing you can’t look away from but you’re freaked out by.  Want to know more?  See these Fun Facts at the Smithsonian’s site.

Meerkat at Animal Kingdom2.  Meerkats – These little guys (and girls, I suppose) are so fun to watch!  Popping up and down, playing sentry for their mob.  They are cute and funny and wonderful to see.  Why would anyone pass up this opportunity?  Need more convincing?  Check out National Geographic’s Meerkat facts for kids here.

3. Hippos!  There’s an underwater viewing area.  You can see hippos in the water on Kilimanjaro Safari, but seeing them from below the water’s surface is just spectacular!  Really!Hippos at Disney's Animal Kingdom

4. The Aviary – Birds take so many different shapes and sizes!  They’re also smaller than some of the other animals on the trail, so the stroller set may find them more interesting.  Of course, if you’re scared of birds you should avoid this area at all costs!  Me?  I think they’re just ducky.  (See what I did there?)

5.  THE very best part of this experience – Western Lowland Gorillas.  Incredible.  Fascinating.  Also so fun to watch as they go about their day – and seem to be interested in watching you go about yours.  If you’ve ever Disney's Animal Kingdom Gorillabeen to a stinky primate house at a zoo, forget about it!  These amazing creatures are right there in front of you – with no bars or glass obscuring your view.  See the gorilla in the picture?  He had a metal dish/bowl for drinking water, but he stopped drinking to stare at me…while I looked at him.  I think we really connected there for a while.

So, those are my reasons for visiting Animal Kingdom’s Pangani Forest Exploration Trail on every visit.  You should give it a try!  Especially if you’re looking for any sort of educational opportunities on vacation (if you took the kids out of school to visit Walt Disney World, these trails are the stuff research reports are made of!)

Have you explored the Pangani Forest trail?  What was your favorite animal along the way? 

 

Western Lowland Gorilla at Animal Kingdom Disney's Animal Kingdom - Naked Mole Rat Sign

 

Disney Fans from Louisiana

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Louisiana Disney FansOne of the best things about taking Disney vacations is getting the opportunity to meet fellow Disney fans from all over the world.  I’ll strike up a conversation with people waiting in line for rides, sitting next to me for a parade or Fantasmic, and shopping in gift shops.  I seem to have one of those faces that invites people to talk to me.  I get stopped and asked for directions, asked about the pins on my lanyard, my Disney tee shirt, etc.  Raymond, Megan and Joseph are used to this and find it funny, if not highly entertaining, more often than not.  It means I’ve had the opportunity to meet people from all over the world!

I like learning about different cultures.  Even within the United States, there are regional WDW Parade Friends!differences in certain words for things, how we raise our children, how we interact with strangers and each other, what kinds of foods we cherish and so on.  These differences gave me the idea for today’s post.  We’re from Louisiana.  The South has some very strong regional traditions, cultural norms, and firmly held “ways” that make us easy to spot when we travel.  While not originally from the South (I’m mainly a Midwestern girl), I’ve been here 26 years which means I’ve lived in Louisiana longer than I’ve lived anywhere else and there has been plenty of time to adapt!

Next time you’re at Walt Disney World, you can recognize Southerners (and Louisianans) by a few telltale signs:

Meg and Joe at Disney's Hollywood StudiosOur children always say “Yes, Ma’am or Sir / No Ma’am or Sir” to every adult.  This is not because we’re especially strict parents – it’s a cultural norm so strongly prevalent and extremely important – children would be considered incredibly rude if they didn’t say it.  It’s an absolute must, just like please and thank you.  I’ve found that some non-Southerners find the ma’ams and sirs a bit alarming and may say, “Oh, you don’t have to say that to me.”…Southern kids DO have to say it.  To all adults, all the time.  That’s just the way it is here.

We rarely refer to our elders (or superiors at the office, even) by their last name.  Mr./Mrs. First Name is completely acceptable with the exception of school teachers.  Our children’s friends have always called us Mrs. Lisa (pronounced “Miss Lisa”) and Mr. Raymond.  It’s that way for everyone.

We rarely call our grandparents Grandma or Grandpa.  Oh, there’s a lot of variety in Waiting for Toy Story Midway Maniagrandparent naming, but those aren’t usually among the choices.  Mamaw, MiMi, Ma, Granny and PawPaw, Pa and Pops are pretty common.

In these parts, Soda/Pop is “Coke” like tissues are “Kleenex”.  You say, do you want a Coke?  Then follow up with which kind it will be if other varieties are available…Dr. Pepper, Sprite, Diet Coke, etc.  Also, a shopping cart is a “buggy”.  If inquiring whether or not you’re about to do something (like have lunch) we may say, “Are you fixin’ to eat?”  “Fixin'” to do something may be even further shortened to “F’in'” by some folks.

We make eye contact with everyone, we smile and wave to strangers, we stop in the middle of walkways and store aisles if we run into someone we know – we stop and visit.  We strike up conversations with complete strangers nearly everywhere we go.  Annoying?  Maybe, but since we move a little slower and take life a little easier than people in other places, it’s just the way we are.

Famly Pic on Rock'n' Roller CoasterWe don’t usually yell at one another in public.  Southern gatherings are pretty quiet affairs – although booming laughter, happy squeals, and good-natured teasing about rival football teams are completely normal.  Having a public disagreement would be considered completely unacceptable.  Yelling/lecturing children (or spouses) in public is rarely seen – we tend to use “the look” with our children to stop certain behaviors with the unspoken promise that misbehavior will be dealt with as soon as we get home.

On our last visit to Walt Disney World, we were in Epcot when I spotted a bad situation – a family in the middle of an argument.  Normally, I would never become involved, but I could tell what the problem was right away – they were lost.  The mom (of the formidable, robust variety) and kids (looking mortified and miserable) were walking several yards away from the dad (who was clearly distraught) – angry words were being hurled from the mom towards the dad.  Seriously, I wouldn’t normally butt in, but I was embarrassed for them all and feeling the waves of hostility passing back and forth (with me in the middle)…I found myself close-ish to the dad so I quietly asked (very tentatively)…”Could I maybe….help you find something?”  The relief on his face was almost funny – it seems they were looking for Soarin’ and we were almost to the Dad's Birthday at Walt Disney World (Disney's Hollywood Studios)entrance for the World Showcase on the Mexico side.  I turned around and (I know pointing is rude, but desperate times and all that) pointed toward The Land Pavilion, giving directions.  He thanked me and turned around to gather his family…while listening to his wife yell, from 10 yards away, “You were WRONG, weren’t you!!!!!”  Oh, well….One thing I can tell you for certain.  They were not from Louisiana.

How would we spot Disney guests from your part of the world?

For more information on Southern Slang – this is hilarious (and educational!).

 

Disney Resolutions – Mid-Year Checkup

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1900 Park Fare - Meeting Pring CharmingAs hard as it is to accept (time really does fly when you’re having fun!), 2014 is half-over. Can you believe it?  Mid-way through the year is an excellent time to look back at those New Year’s resolutions and give a status report.  Maybe you resolved to eat cleaner, lose weight, or exercise more – Me?  I resolved to complete a list of Disney-related activities – this way, I’m guaranteed to have fun, eat delicious food, and be greatly amused all while feeling good about actually sticking to my resolutions!  See how that works?  No dieting or exercise required and I feel happy and productive!

So – Let’s look at the old January 1st list and see what’s been accomplished thus far….

1.  See These Movies:

  • Million Dollar Arm Ticket StubMuppets Most Wanted (3/21/14) – Been a huge fan my whole life – this is a can’t-be-missed movie for me!  The unresolved romance between Kermit and Piggy keeps me coming back for more. Complete!  Read the movie review here.
  • Captain America:  The Winter Soldier (4/4/14) – I’m diggin’ all the Marvel movies and I think the Cap’s aces.  Enjoyed it!  Read about it here.
  • Million Dollar Arm (5/16/14) – I am just a girl who cannot resist a good baseball movie.  Unexpectedly delightful and the review is here.
  • Maleficent (5/30/14) – Looks darkly intriguing – I think we will love to hate her!  Oh, Yeah!  I was entertained by this new twist on an old favorite and shared my thoughts here.
  • Into the Woods (12/25/14) – Have heard so much about this show – can’t wait to see it! Still on the to-see list!Disney's Maleficent Movie Poster

2.  Book a Cruise – I’ve got a place-holder (aka “dummy”) cruise burning a hole in my pocket.  Since August when we re-booked onboard (while sailing on the Magic in the Mediterranean) – We are anxiously waiting to Disney Cruise Line's Wondersee what the rest of 2015’s sailings look like before making a final decision.  Wishing for Baltic (tie in to Frozen).  As of right now, we are set to sail the Fjords of Norway on the Disney Magic next summer.

3.  Attend Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party – I have wanted to do this forever.  2014 is the year!  Tickets purchased, we will knock this off the list in 108 days.Trying Different Disney EarHats

4.  Buy a Fancy New Earhat – sounds easy enough, but I have the most difficult time deciding on one – I always walk away with a Disney baseball cap instead.  Not this year.  No, sir.  After much trial and error, the winning (dare I say PERFECT) hat was located and purchased just a few weeks back.

5.  Eat This Food – I’m up for passing up old favorites and trying out some new places in 2014.  I’m thinking about these:

  • Be Our Guest – I know, right?  Everyone’s Disney's Flying Fish Cafe Exteriorclamoring to get in there – I’ll be lucky to score a visit, but I’ve heard so much great stuff about it.  I’m at least resolving to try my best to get in!  Scored dinner ADRs for October.
  • Flying Fish – I’ve never eaten here.  Chime in if you think I should ditch this plan in favor of something else.  Can’t believe it took so long to discover the incredible food and service!  Yum!  Read all about it here.
  • 1900 Park Fare – For a character meal it has always been Chef Mickey’s but now that we have “adult” children, I thought Lady Tremaine and the Steps might be a bunch of fun.  And fun it was!  We were not disappointed by the food or the company – see what happened here.
  • Hollywood Brown Derby – We have never eaten here and have always heard great things.  IMG_2382Even if we just sit in the new outdoor patio lounge – I’d like to give it a go.  We went and now we know – it’s got great atmosphere, good food, and abysmal service.  Sigh.

6.  Find and Trade a Pin to Complete This Set!  I love pin trading and in 2014 I’m gonna be in-it-to-win-it!  Yeah, Baby!  Watch out flying Orange Bird – you are mine!  A bird in the hand…makes me happy!!!  My collection’s complete.Disney Pin - Flying Orange Bird

7.  Ride the Seven Dwarfs’ Mine Train – Ugh.  Feels like the Fantasyland expansion has been going on forever!  I am riding this ride, dadgummit – get out of my way.  It was cute, it was fun, and it was discussed completely right here, YouTube video here.

8.  Try These Recipes:  (You may have seen my other posts on cooking Disney food here and here and here)  I like to cook – why not make it Disney food?  Thanks to AllEars.Net for the recipes.

9.  Try a Dole Whip:  They say confession is good for the soul – so now you know my darkest Disney Secret (one of them anyway)…I hid it way down here at #9 so maybe no one will notice.  I have never eaten a single bite of Dole Whip in my life.  Don’t judge me.  I did it!  I tried a Dole Whip and…..watch the video here.

10.  Take Better Disney Pictures!  To my shame, my Disney pictures are mediocre at best.  The great computer crash of 2009 cost me dearly and I just need to learn to be a better Pineapple Dole Whipphotographer overall.  I buy really small cameras because they’re easy to carry.  I’m not sure if I’ll actually dish out more cash on yet another camera, but I’ll do what I can to make the most of what I’ve got.  Promise.  Three cameras, my iPhone, and a new GoPro video rig allowed me to capture all the magic in a big way in May and I cannot WAIT to go crazy with the pics again in October.

So, there you have it – the mid-year status report!  Did you have any Disney resolutions on your list?  How’s it going for YOU?  

Wishing you a Happy, Healthy and Pixie-Dusted Rest-of-the-Year….Lisa

Disney’s Animal Kingdom – So Long Mickey’s Jammin Jungle Parade

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Mickey's Jammin Jungle Parade PuppetDisney’s Animal Kingdom – Mickey’s Jammin Jungle Parade

Twelve years is a pretty good run for a parade.  Mickey’s Jammin Jungle Parade, which debuted in 2001, took its last trip around Disney’s Animal Kingdom on May 31st – and that made me a little sad.  I’m all for change and everything, but it’s still hard to see the parade that had become such a normal part of a day at Animal Kingdom go away – I’m sure for good.

Let’s take a minute to look at the current Walt Disney World Parade situation…Animal Kingdom Parade Character

Magic Kingdom’s Festival of Fantasy and Main Street Electrical Parades, along with some special occasion parades (and the Electrical Water Pageant) are the only ones left at Walt Disney World!  There used to be a daily parade in ALL FOUR PARKS!  Tapestry of Nations (became Tapestry of Dreams) ran at Epcot (1999 to 2003), Hollywood Studios had a daily parade almost continuously from 1991 to 2013, which changed themes many times over the years (Pixar Pals Countdown to Fun was the final one).  And now we’ve said farewell to the parade at Animal Kingdom.  Do people just not love parades anymore?  Is this the result of Disney cost-cutting?  Is a parade too old Minnie Mouse at Animal Kingdomfashioned?  Too much maintenance and dependence on good weather?  WHAT?

Back to Animal Kingdom and Mickey’s Jammin Jungle Parade…

Since we were at Walt Disney World during the last week of May – and since I most certainly do love parades (and always will), I felt I needed to watch Mickey’s Jammin Jungle at Animal Kingdom one last time and bid it a fond farewell.  Sources say the parade route is being negatively impacted by new construction for Avatar land.  Ever since the daily parade at the Studios ended in 2013, I’ve always felt Animal Kingdom’s parade would be next on the chopping block anyway.  I DO want Animal Kingdom to get more rides and attractions.  I am also thrilled beyond words about the Mickey's Jammin Jungle Parade Birdprospect of getting to enjoy Animal Kingdom at night.  I’m still going to be sad about the parade.  But that’s okay – changes happen, sacrifices must be made, and, well, Disney is never more exciting than when there’s something new to see or do.

Weigh in – are you sad about the lack of a daily parade at every park or is it not important to you?

Donald in Mickey's Jammin Jungle Parade