Epcot From A to Z (Part 1)

Epcot.

As a kid I really wasn’t excited about it. And now to think about a day there leaves me longing for more time.

This time out in a search for my favorites, we’ll start with all the soda you can drink and end with a Gran Fiesta Tour starring three well-known Disney birds.

All the Soda Pop You Can Drink at Club Cool

If you want to know more I wrote an entire blog devoted to Club Cool a few months ago that you can probably find at The Mouse for Less Blog.  I love it because they have my favorite soda, Kinley Lemon, from Israel, there and I can have all I want for free.  The other types available are:  Smart Watermelon from China, Lychee Mello from Thailand, Vegibata from Japan, Fanta Kolita from Costa Rica, Mezzo Mix from Germany, Krest Ginger Ale from Mozambique, and Beverly from Italy.  One of these is usually not well-liked but I’d hate to ruin it for you so try them all!

Behind the Seeds

I think Behind the Seeds, a small- group behind the scenes tour is one of the best deals we’ve found at Disney.  For less than $20 each we spent over an hour walking through the greenhouses and labs of Living with the Lands, learning how Disney uses plant cultures to grow new plants in hydroponic gardens, and beneficial insects for pest control instead of harmful chemicals. It’s fascinating, more so for my husband who always comes out with big ideas for our garden at home!

Coral Reef

I don’t like seafood.  Yes, they have a fine steak but I am here for the view.  Coral Reef Restaurant at The Seas with Nemo and Friends Pavilion is an experience where as you eat you feel like you are under the sea looking at the Caribbean Coral Reef.  Large windows allow you to look out upon the largest inland saltwater environment ever built.  It contains a turtles, sharks and all of the other creatures you’d find on a real coral reef.  Now we’ve only gone when we were on the Dining Plan.  I’d have to admit, for me, this would be a pretty pricey choice without the Dining Plan.  We don’t go every trip and when we do it’s because we love the setting!

Doing Kidcot

Kidcot FunStops are a FREE (yes, FREE) stations in Epcot where kids can design a mask and choose items to decorate it with.  They can also get autograph books or Epcot passports stamped.  They may even learn how to say hello in a different language.

Now I think this is great way to help make World Showcase more fun for kids but if you’re a little older and want to participate you won’t get any strange looks.  I’m thinking of collecting the stamps on my next trip.

All eleven countries have Kidcot Stations and they are clearly marked with a red K on the Epcot map.

(EO) Captain

Although I’ve written about this to a lengthier degree Captain EO still has to make my list.  Growing up I was a huge Michael Jackson fan and it seemed right to me that he would be a part of the Disney magic.

I also think the entire movie is very Disney and a little inspiring.  The fact that a group of misfits are able to find the good in someone bad and to help her see it too-We are here to change the world!

You leave feeling like we all can if we try.

Fountain of Nations

Built with the original park in 1982, Fountain of Nations contains 200,000 gallons of water.  At the opening ceremony of Epcot representatives for twenty-two different countries poured one gallon of water from their home country into the fountain.

Since then it has been updated a bit.  It is now synchronized to different pieces of music.  At night it also includes a fabulous night show.  Water can shoot up to 150 feet into the air so be careful on a breezy day or you may get an unexpected shower!

Gran Fiesta Tour starring the Three Caballeros

Maybe I love this ride because our first trip to Disney together my husband and I were obsessed with finding the Three Caballeros pin set.  I don’t know, but it really is one of my favorites.

Inside the World Showcase Mexico Pavilion is a musical, festive boat ride.  As you float around a Mayan pyramid then enter a tunnel you see many scenes of Mexico while being entertained by Panchito, Jose, and of course, Donald.

It reminds me of a Mexican version of It’s a Small World.  The Three Caballeros keep me coming back.  I guess I keep trying to figure out why Panchito and Jose put up with Donald!

So as Donald leaves us sailing along in Mexico, we’ll be back again next time to pass the hours at Mouse Gears and marvel at Miyuki’s candy making talent.

My Winning Memory

My favorite memory at WDW happened almost 25 years ago. Those were the days when you didn’t have tho wait in line with autograph book in hand. The characters actually actually freely roamed the parks. There were no crazed masses. People would calmly visit them and go on but it seemed so genuine.  I wanted nothing to do with it.  It wasn’t because I was 13. It was because I was terrified of anyone in a costume. The last picture my parents have of Santa and I is when I was 2 (and that was my dad). Well on this particular day we were on Main Street at Magic Kingdom and somehow Pluto snuck up on me. He didn’t hug me. He stuck my head in his mouth and hugged me.  It was great. Somewhere a 25-year old picture exists and I’m smiling.  I won’t say that there aren’t some that still don’t scare me a bit but on that day Pluto helped me overcome my fear. I really wish characters were still that accessible. But I do know that on our trip this summer, for the first time , my husband and I are doing character meals (7 of them actually!) and I’m going to try and catch up for some of the things I missed out on when I was afraid as I a child.

Animal Kingdom From A to Z (Part 4)

Animal Kingdom From A to Z (Part 4)

A-Z left off with The Tree of Life and starts up again under the ground…

Underground Habitat of Mole Rats

This may seem like a weird one to like.  When walking through the Pangani Forest you will come to a hut.  Upon entering you will notice a glass observation area.  It is not brightly lit.  It is filled with tunnels and small caves.  Those caves and tunnels are filled with the
only hairless rodent in the world.  It lives its life entirely underground.
The mole rat is not attractive but it is interesting to watch.  Its social structure is much like insects with a queen, a breeding male, soldiers, and workers. Watching for just a short time, we can get to see how their society works together or doesn’t, through a sheet of glass. 

Visiting the Past- Dinosaur USA

We went on “Dinosaur” first thing the first time I went to Animal Kingdom several years ago. It was less than earth-shattering for either my husband or I. So why “visit” the past now? I think for years now I’ve judged an entire section of the park on a poor experience. We hardly even know what else is there.

We’ve going to start by giving “Dinosaur” another chance. It wasn’t so bad I’ve put it on my Can Not Do List, so we’ll give it a shot. Then we’ll dig into the past and explore. I’d love to try Primeval Whirl but that is unfortunately on my Can Not Do List. At the very least, there has not be an unexplored shop or two that we should trade pins in. I hear Chester and Hester have some real treasures.

Wildlife Express Train

This 1.2 mile round-trip train ride is the only way to get to Rafiki’s Planet Watch. It leaves from the Harambe, Africa area every 5-7 minutes. It is a relaxing behind the scenes ride through the area where many of the animals are housed when not in the park.  After enjoying Planet Watch, a second relaxing train ride is in order.

X-Ray Vision

Up at Rafiki’s Planet Watch is a veterinary observation area. This is a place where small animals and birds can be x-rayed while guests watch. During one trip there,  we saw a stork that was diagnosed with a broken wing. A Cast Member outside attempted to answer out questions as well.

Yeti from Expedition Everest

The Yeti, in the mystical realm, is a protective force.  I believe this because no matter how many times I go on Expedition Everest and the tracks are broken by the Yeti, I still get back safely.  Therefore the way I look at it he must use this force to keep riders safe!
Whatever it is, Expedition Everest is one of my favorite Disney coasters.  I’d love a picture of myself on it, but I’m always doing something weird with my face.  I guess some cute Yeti pins like the new 2011 cast lanyard pins will have to do.

Zebras on Kilimanjaro Safaris

Zebras are only one of many different animals you’ll see while battling poachers that have taken a baby elephant from its mother. And while that scenario stays the same each time you go on this ride, that is the only thing that will remain the same. Each time I have been on safari, I am struck by how unique it is because I never know what animals I will see or where.  Crocodiles. Giraffes. Elephants. Sometimes it’s not seeing them but how interesting the animal is being. Lions like to sleep and that just does not make for as good of a photo opp. as Simba on Pride Rock.

I do recommend Fast Pass for the Safari. The queue should be seen once but just standing there is not a good use of anyone’s time.

Well that’s my Animal Kingdom Top 26. I thought it was pretty wild, but let me know your opinions. I’d love to hear them! Coming soon: Epcot A-Z

Animal Kingdom From A to Z (Part 3)

Animal Kingdom From A to Z (Part 3)

Our A-Z Journey left us exploring the flora and fauna of the Maharajah Jungle Trek. This time we start out under the sea for letter N:

(Finding) Nemo: The Musical

A fishy musical at the end of Dinoland, USA seems a little off but once you’re there, Dory will be the only one who’s confused.  The 30 minute Broadway-esque musical is entertaining.  It’s enough like the movie to be familiar with a little new thrown in to keep you guessing.
One of Nemo’s greatest assets is its performers.  They are singers, dancers, actors and puppeteers.  Each time I see it I am impressed. I’m also a huge fan of the bubbles and jellyfish. 

Oasis Exhibits

I remember when I first visited Animal Kingdom.  I spent much more time in the Oasis Exhibits than a seasoned visitor probably would.  They would be off to Safari or Everest but I knew no better.  I just took in the beauty around me. I still like to try and remember that now when I’m there.  I love the orchids that creep out of the lush greenery.  We don’t see a lot of those in Wisconsin, unless they are in a pot. Aside from the people going by, it may be one of the most beautiful places there.  It’s even lovelier at twilight when leaving the park.
It’s not a big draw but instead a fitting close to a day spent with lions, tigers, and Yeti’s, oh my!

Pizzafari

Is it wrong that I never really care about eating when I go to Pizzafari? Don’t get me wrong, the food is fine. I’ll have some breadsticks and have a drink (I’m not much of a mid-day eater unless LeCellier is part of the plan.) But this restaurant is still a lot of fun. Okay, it’s usually crazy and busy when I’m there but the building itself is fun.

I love how colorful it is. The animals painted on the walls whisper to me each time I’m there telling me Hidden Mickeys reside among them. I refuse to cheat and look in my book when it comes to Pizzafari. There I must find them on my own.

Because I am a very “limited” eater (I’m sick of the word picky), this is one of the few places at Animal Kingdom I’ll eat and I’m glad it’s such a vibrant place to be. It feels like lunch is part of the entertainment.

Questions Answered

In every Disney Park I have ever been in, there has never been a shortage of Cast Members ready to help. At Animal Kingdom these Cast Members are able to answer your questions about the animals they work with. Some are even given cute names like “research assistants.” Others work at Kids’ Discovery Clubs, which are stations where kids can try small animal adventures and ask questions. Also, in a manner similar to Epcot, some of the shops are staffed by people from the countries that part of the park represents. They are a wealth of knowledge and most are very friendly about answering your inquiries.

Rafiki’s Planet Watch

I am a true animal lover. Before our last trip we had to arrange for someone to take care of our 14 pets. I think that’s why Rafiki’s Planet Watch appeals to me so.
When you get off the Wildlife Express Train and walk to the top you can’t miss the giant animal mural. Bright, colorful, and large. Rafiki’s Planet Watch is all about unique animal experiences. This is the place that gives you hands-on and interactive opportunities. Sometimes that might be matching the “feces with the species” but it’s clever. Food preparation can be observed. There is even a viewing area for exams and surgeries. Veterinary staff is available to answer your questions. Conservation is a huge theme throughout and education is an important part of the fun.

Signs

From the creative movie posters at It’s Tough to be a Bug such as Beauty and the Bees and Barefoot in the Bark, to including the names of the imagineers responsible for the design of the park, to authentic Asian and African language you can never know what to expect from a sign at Animal Kingdom. What you can expect is that most signs have more going on than may meet the eye. Some of it will be obvious and others may take some detective work, exploring books written by Imagineers or true Disney fans that have done their homework. Even if you don’t know their meaning I think it’s fun to know they have some.

Tree of Life

The tree.

It is the symbol of the park.  It is an amazing creation.
That must be why I have pictures of it from every possible angle.  From every trip we’ve taken there.  That’s a lot of tree pictures.
I like that tree.
How can you not?
325 animals hide carved into the trunk of this one-of-a-kind tree.  My only regret is that we aren’t able to get closer to really check it out.  (It’s Tough to Be a Bug gives you a small taste.)

Next time find out why I like mole rats and what I look for on safari.

Animal Kingdom From A to Z (Part 2)

Animal Kingdom From A to Z (Part 2)

 I left off with my A-Z look at Animal Kingdom with a stop at the Gorilla Research Camp. This time we’ll swoop into letter H:

Hanging with the Giant Fruit Bats

I don’t really care for bats. I’m not afraid of them (unless one gets in my house), but I just don’t find them all that appealing. Until … I go to Animal Kingdom.

The bats are part of the Maharajah Jungle Trek, which is in the Asian- themed land, the Kingdom of Anandapur. As you walk along the Jungle Trek you come to an enclosure where at first your eyes lead the mind to believe that you are completely separate from the bats, but if you look carefully, there is no caging, wiring, or screening. You do not need to worry. Just take in their size (an almost 6- foot wingspan on their paper-thin wings) and watch them sleep, eat, and hang in the vines trying to stay cool. For some reason I especially like this area when it rains or they turn on the sprinkler system that they have. The bats look particularly beautiful, yes, beautiful, to me when their wings are slightly wet.

There are often research assistants here as well, ready to help with any questions you may have about the bats.

If bats just aren’t your thing, there is a bypass to skip this section and move on to the tigers.

I Spy –Finding Hidden Mickeys

Now that it’s common knowledge that Hidden Mickeys are out there, we all see them here and there. But I think Animal Kingdom is a great place to look for them because the park offers so many self-guided opportunities like The Oasis, Maharajah Jungle Trek, and Pangani Forest. You have as much time as you like to look for Mickey.

I also think Rafiki’s Planet Watch and Conservation Station are  great places to look. There seem to be a lot that I can find and I’m not an expert  seeker!

Have a long wait between shows for Nemo or Lion King? Keep your eye on those bubbles or the stadium seating.  You never know where Mickey will pop up!

Jiko

I am not an adventurous eater. But I am adventurous when it comes to trying new Disney adventures. That can sometimes lead to a bit of a conflict.  In the case of Jiko, I believe I’m up to the challenge.

I haven’t yet been there, but on anticipation alone I feel comfortable putting it on my list. Jiko means “a cooking place” in Swahili. I most look forward to seeing the back wall as it has been described to me to change like the sunset. It sounds like a beautiful setting for an unbelievable dining experience.

But let’s face it, we’re there for the food. I’m going to stretch my picky habits and try a little African-style fare. I may not be up for Wild Boar but I think I’ll start with Taste of Africa (dips and assorted breads). Safe with just a touch of adventure.

One of Jiko’s most well-known entrees was the Oak-Grilled Fillet Mignon with Macaroni and Cheese. In 2010 the menu changed and the filet is now served with Fingerling potatoes. I have heard you can request the Mac and Cheese. Both sound good to me!

Usually desert is tough for me- I’m so full I can’t do it justice. It seems like the menu has been in flux a bit lately but I’m sure there will be something there I can at least try- especially if it’s chocolate!

The worst part about writing this in January is having to wait until July to find out about Jiko myself!

Remember you can find the menu for Jiko athttp://www.themouseforless.com/tripplanning/menus/wdw/jiko.shtml

Kali River Rapids

Giant inter-tube rides where a group of people move together down a rapids and get wet is great fun. At Disney’s Animal Kingdom there is also excellent theming and a bit of education thrown in as well.

We ride down the Chakranadi River, which is Sanskrit for “river that flows in a circle” and as we enjoy our splashed-filled ride we see and hear the destruction of logging companies around us. We see the environment eroded and burned away. We wonder what might have been.

All of this is happening quickly while you are having a blast. It’s not until you get off dripping wet, that just for a second you realize you’re part of the problem. We’re why they clear cut.  The lumber gets used by us every day. It doesn’t ruin the ride. It does however usually make me give a donation to the Disney Conservation Fund.

Laughing (In Spite of Myself) at It’s Tough to Be A Bug

This is one of the attractions I don’t want to like, but do. I’m not a big fan of A Bug’s Life characters (hence the title, I suppose), the 3-D glasses aren’t a favorite of mine, and I know all the gags that are coming.

So why is it on my favorite list? Because everyone (including children who are old enough not to be frightened by mildly scary things) should experience it once. You won’t forget it. I guarantee that something will be memorable enough that you’ll still talk about it, at least in passing, years later.  (We still try and figure out some of Disney’s secrets on that one, although they can keep their stinkbug secret.)

Maharajah Jungle Trek

What I most appreciate about the self-guided tours at Animal Kingdom is that you can be in the park on a very busy day and yet areas like this remain quite peaceful. It’s a great place to go and recharge when the crowds start to get to you.

I enjoy looking at the plant life as much as the animals. Trees, shrubs, flowers, grasses: all of it; even the mosses have a relaxing beauty to them.

But I know in this Indian jungle palace, the real stars are the animals. The gibbons, tapir, Komodo Dragon, and giant fruit bats all lead up to the real attraction- the tigers. Many people stop at the first viewing point but there are several along the way and many are often prime spots for watching a tiger taking a walk, catching a snooze, or even going for a swim. I always have to remind myself at this point that I am still in Central Florida. Look around. It won’t look like it.

Maharajah Jungle Trek

What I most appreciate about the self-guided tours at Animal Kingdom is that you can be in the park on a very busy day and yet areas like this remain quite peaceful. It’s a great place to go and recharge when the crowds start to get to you.

I enjoy looking at the plant life as much as the animals. Trees, shrubs, flowers, grasses: all of it; even the mosses have a relaxing beauty to them.

But I know in this Indian jungle palace, the real stars are the animals. The gibbons, tapir, Komodo Dragon, and giant fruit bats all lead up to the real attraction- the tigers. Many people stop at the first viewing point but there are several along the way and many are often prime spots for watching a tiger taking a walk, catching a snooze, or even going for a swim. I always have to remind myself at this point that I am still in Central Florida. Look around. It won’t look like it.

After the tigers are some Elds Deer, which are endangered species, and some Blackbuck Antelope. You’ll notice their twisted horns. You’ll also notice several different birds. In the bird sanctuary, be sure to use a color guide to identify some of the birds. Last summer I could have sworn I found 100 of the same kind and none of the rest. Maybe you’ll be a better bird watcher than me!

Next time we’ll look at singing clownfish and the wild tree in the center of it all.