Jarvis - December 2005

Day 8: Friday December 16 2005
Weather: High 65, Low 53. Sunny and beautiful.

We had breakfast at the hotel and headed off to Animal Kingdom. We were there at 9am and first thing we got to meet Brer Bear and Terk. Chris gave Terk one of the treat bags and Terk went nuts. When his handler went to take his traets he held them very tight, put his head down and started to walk away!

As we were on our way to the entrance, we ran into Wes Palm. Chris got a big kick out of it as we had never "met" him before and didn't know that he talked. Pretty funny. We got some Photo pass pics snapped in front of the tree of life and then we met Lilo and Stitch. We had gotten Stitches autograph already so we had the page ready for Lilo. She started to tease stitch that she had her picture on the page and he didn't so we had to show him the page with his autograph. They were very interactive with Chris.

We went into Africa next and went right on the saffari, no waits. It was really wonderful and we saw loads of animals. The giraffs were really active and the lion roared for us. We were heading to the Pangani Forrest trail when Chris came across some native drummers and joined in. He loved that as there was a crowd growning to watch. Such a ham! We did the forrest trail and then headed to Rafiki's Planet Watch. We took the train over and were really surprised at how beautiful it is there. We met Pocahontas and Stanley and did some of the interactive things there. I really liked the booths with Pocahontas and the forest sounds. Chris liked the interactive part with the animal scientists. We went outside and did a bit of shopping at the little outdoor store while Chris went into the petting zoo. Everyone had brushes and most of the goats looked like they were falling asleep from being so relaxed. Next there was a small show about birds of prey with some beautiful owls. After the show Chris got some picures with them and asked the keeps a few questions.

We left Rafiki's Planet Watch and went off to Asia. We rode Kali River Rapids once, barely got soaked and were able to stay on the ride with out getting off. Mom got off and this time it was just me and Chris and I got COMPLETELY SOAKED! I hate the feeling of wet jeans! We tried to dry off a bit and then went on Maharjeh Jungle Trek. We love how close you can get to the Tigers. Great Photo ops.

We left Asia and went to the Discovery Center and did It's Tough to be a Bug. We made sure to look up at the end to see all of the bugs flying away. Next was Dinoland USA. Chris went on Primeval Whirl twice. I can't stand this ride! I hate going up, down and around all at once! It was just about time to get seats for the Jammin Jungle Parade. We got perfect spots! Right by Flame Tree BBQ, across the street and by the end of the curb. There is a little end section where no one can go behind you and you can sit down and lean against the fence. It was perfect. We got Chris a happy meal and sat down for the parade. Of course 5 minutes before, he's gotta go to the bathroom, so they go and then couldn't get back across. A very nice CM cut them a break and sent them over. Thankfully!

The parade was wonderful and directly after, we lined up to meet Pooh, Piglet, Tigger and Eeyore. We had just enough time for me to ride Dinosaur and him to ride Primeval whirl one more time. We left the park and headed over to Animal Kingdom lodge to check out their holiday finest. The cholocate village was pretty impressive and the Christmas tree was beautiful. We did a bit of shopping and then took a bus to the Magic Kindom just long enough to get on a boat to the Wilderness lodge. We got a bit of dinner at the counter sevice restaurant there (can't remember the name) and then checked out the huge Christmas tree. We took another boat back to the Magic Kingdom and got in line for the monarail. We got to sit up front so Chris got the Co-Pilot liscense for the monarail. At the Contemporary, we did some shopping and then went to see the Gingerbread/chocolate Christmas setting. We were very impressed with this one and Chris found all of the hidden Mickeys. After one more picure in front of the tree, we got back on the monarail, went back to the kingdom and took the bus back to Pop. a very long, exhausting, magical day.

Firsts: Characters: Does Wes Palm count? Attractions: Rafiki's Planet Watch, Jammin Jungle Parade. Hotels: Animal Kingdom Lodge, Contemporary and Wilderness Lodge with all of their Christmas trimmings. Another first was the front cab ride on the monarail and the co-pilot liscense.

view photos: Jarvis Photos (on Snapfish). If you have any problems viewing photos please email me off line.

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