Dreaming of a Disney spring break - part three COMPLETED About This Page:

[chezp]

Welcome to the third (and what will be final!) part of our trip report from our April trip. It started off with our pre-trip report and our first week at Walt Disney World and went on to cover our first ever cruise on the Disney Dream.

Now we’re back at Walt Disney World for our final week of fun!

[chezp]

Sunday 17 April – part two: this is one busy park!

All checked in, it was off to Animal Kingdom. My goodness, the car park was packed, when we got there. It’s been a long time since we’ve seen it that busy. Thank goodness for my Guest Assistance Card, so that we can get parking close to the entrance. That is such a bonus, especially on hot days like this.

I lathered up as soon as I got out of the car with sun tan lotion and we headed inside, getting some Photopass pictures on the way and some of our own as well.





The park was packed. It was absolutely thronged with people, although the wait times on the tip board weren’t too bad, with Expedition Everest showing just 35 minutes at 10am.

We headed straight for Kilimanjaro Safaris and walked on, using the Guest Assistance Card. I asked for the front row of the vehicle, as my body doesn’t like being jerked around too much anymore and that happens a lot more at the back of the vehicle. I’m glad that I did, because this was a jerky ride, although at least the truck in front of us kept stopping, which meant that we had to as well, ensuring that we had lots of good photo opportunities.

It was a very good safari, with lots of activity, particularly the elephants and rhinos. The only slight letdown were the giraffes (we did see a baby giraffe, but it wasn’t on the side we were on) and the lion who obviously didn’t fancy posing on his rock today... Our driver was clearly not a fan of the soundtrack and only did as much as he had to do, focusing instead on animal spotting, which works for me.



When we came off there, we found another Photopass photographer.



We also found a nice mist effect, which is very cool (literally and it looks cool as well). A Cast Member told us that was a recent addition over the last couple of months.



We walked through the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail and my goodness, certain parts of it were insane. I have never seen so many people in the aviary before or the hippo viewing area, so we raced through those quickly. Fortunately, the rest wasn’t too bad and we had some good animal sightings, especially our old favourites, the gorillas.



We started to wander back to the entrance, as we didn’t have long in Animal Kingdom today. We walked through a couple of shops and took the longer route through Asia and Discovery Island, so that we could see if there were anymore Photopass photographers and we did find another one.



Again, it was so crowded and people were driving so mad, cutting in front of us all the time. We were glad to be heading for the exit, as this was starting to get to us and we’re used to crowds at Disney.

We headed back to the car, relieved to have escaped the madness. The parking lots really were looking pretty full by now and we wondered whether it would reach capacity today. It’s certainly the busiest we’ve seen this park in a long time.

Next: will it be a roaring good time at T-Rex?

[Alex'sMummy]

Great photopass pics- I like the Animal Kingdom borders. I can't get over it being so busy. I don't think i've ever been to AK when it's that busy. It's great that you were able to see so many animals on the safari.

Rachel

[buzzspal2]

Nice photos. Sorry it was so crowded.

[DisneyLuv]

Great photopass photos! We were in the World over spring break too, although I can't remember at the moment which park we were in on 4/17, I'll have to look at my notes!

[DSNYD]

I love all the pictures! Can't wait to hear more!!!

[Big Baloo]

Too bad about the crowds--but you sure got some nice pictures!

[CinderAbby]

Great start to your third installment of your trip. I find AK even on a good day to be very busy and crowded. I can't even imagine what it would be like at peak or near peak capacity. As usual I love all the photos but I have to ask about the Photopass ones - are those new borders for 2011 or specific ones just for the time you went (because the F&GF was still taking place, correct?). I think the foliage borders are cool and would love to be able to use them when we go in a couple of weeks.

[lauriep]

AK can really get uncomfortable when crowded and hot! You got some beautiful photos, though, and some good photopass ones as well.

[BelmontBelle]

I can't believe you had breakfast were off the ship, back in Orlando checked into BLT and at AK by 10am! Did you debark early or does DCL have all their passengers off that early?

I love the photopass pictures in front of the waterfall, it looks like you're in the middle of a jungle...beautiful!!

[lindawdw]

It sure sounds like a very busy day at AK!!! I have found the parks the most crowded during the Easter Break and it seems like your day was similar to my experiences. On those type of days, I'd rather just enjoy the resorts or do some shopping. Can't wait to hear about your room at BLT! So glad you still had a week left at WDW

[kingfamily1129]

great pictures!!!

[mpwife153]

You got some great photopass pics & in some spots I've never seen a PP photographer too! More please

[B.M.]

Sorry AK was so busy; but it sounds like you guys were still able to enjoy it!
Looks like a great safari ride; looking forward to more...

[jenseib]

I'm so excited to read more. it looks like a busy day!