Disney's Animal Kingdom Experience

Disney's Animal Kingdom was our first destination. There are more shows than rides at this theme park that is suitable for my boys' age. Since it was our first theme park, we learn as we go in terms of how to fully make use of the free fast pass. Each Disney's ticket comes with 3 fast passes and scheduling starts 30 days before you arrive at the park (that's for off-site stay). By the end of your trip, you probably will become really good at scheduling the fast pass to your advantage. We feel like a pro towards the end of Disney trip (more on that at a later post), or maybe just our luck.

Following is a list of attractions that we did at this theme park in no particular order. We did concentrate in a section at a time to limit our walking back and forth throughout the park. Keep in mind that these were our experience at the park when the crowd level was projected around 7 out of 10.

Discovery Island

It's tough to be a bug - this 3D show does have a fast pass option if you choose, but not necessary. It is being played underneath the iconic tree of life at the Animal Kingdom. If you look closely, the artificial tree is made up of different animals.

If you have extra time, take a stroll around the tree at the Discovery Island trail.

Tree of Life Nighttime Awakening - is a projection shows at the famous iconic tree. The show starts at 8.40 P.M. The best viewing spot is towards the front entrance. You'll have a better view of the whole nighttime display in far distance than closer up.

DinoLand U.S.A. where we met Goofy and Pluto.

The Boneyard playground is quite fun for kids to take a break from rides and shows, and to have their normal kids play.

Tricera Top Spin - Great for little ones as it is similar to the famous dumbo ride at the Magic Kingdom.

Dinasour - this ride has a height limit so only gege and daddy went on to this dark and a little scary (for little boy) coaster ride to meet the famous T-Rex.

Africa

Kilimanjaro Safaris - fast pass a must, unless you do what we did. We went straight to the safari as soon as the park opens. The line moved relatively fast at the beginning. We rode on these big trucks to tour around the safari. The experience is far better than the one at San Antonio.

Pangani Forest Exploration Trail. The experience of the trail is quite similar to a zoo. Not that we have not walked enough, but we missed the Wildlife Express Train at the Rafiki's Planet Watch so we got time to spare at the trail in front of us. It was somewhat disappointing that we did not get to experience the locomotive train ride as we did not expect it to close as early as 4:30 P.M.! (Lack of planning on that part). The train ride was totally out of my radar as we had last minute changes to our itinerary.

Camp Minnie-Mickey

Greeting Trails - We chose this park to meet Mickey and Minnie assuming the wait time to be much shorter, which it wasn't too bad.

Festival of the Lion King. An outstanding live musical performance celebrating Simba the lion to be king with beautiful colors, music and acrobatics.

Asia

Expedition Everest - daddy went by himself for this coaster ride when the kiddos were napping in their stroller. Should you use a fast pass for this ride? Answer is a big fat yes!