January 25th:
We had fast passes set for today at Animal Kingdom but we had hit all the rides the night before and we just would have needed to hit the shows. After some contemplation we decided to just stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge and explore. The kids really wanted to do more of the conservation activities and collect more of the beads. Plus it was going to be hot and we really wanted to do some swimming!
So I got up and went down to the store to pick up some breakfast which we ate in the room before starting our wander.
Heather and the kids did some medallion rubbing – they have a large (6+ feet diameter) medallion set in the floor near the entrance with various stylized animals on it. A cast member (who is on an exchange program from Africa) comes out with paper and crayons and will sit on the floor with the guests as they rub imprints of the animals on the paper. He/she talks with the guests about the area of Africa they are from – it is an interesting and informal way to learn more about Africa – a very cool idea.
Heather and the kids did 3 different environment activities to collect beads including one where they set up feeders for giraffes.
We sat in the lobby talking supper plans for a bit – during this time our son heard some people playing on African drums and went to find out what was going on. He got to play a little and then came to tell us. We all went over – our daughter did some time that we videoed and then Heather and T did some together that I recorded.
That after noon we swam in the pool for a good hour and a half or so and the kids pretty much did the slide non stop. The pool area was very nice – lots of activities and surrounded by lots of greenery – not too far from a flamingo pond and easy views of the savannah.
We spent time in the room looking out at the savanna and saw many animals come by – including giraffes essentially right outside our window. Lots of pictures and some video.
Lunch was at the Mara by the pool and it was pretty good – there was a decent selection to suit many tastes.
For supper we decided to cab over to Old Key West and try Olivia’s for the first time. Food was great but the atmosphere was more casual than we were expecting – overall a good experience though. Old Key West is very cool at night.
We thought about getting to Magic Kingdom for magic hours until 10 but instead boated to Disney Springs, shopped a bit and then took the bus back to Animal Kingdom.
Back to the room to rest and pack for the hotel move the next day.