Disney 2012, Part 3, Animal Kingdom

On our second full day in Disney World, we ventured to the Animal Kingdom.


Given how much Aven loves animals, our first stop was the Animal Kingdom Safari.

Rory had a good time too looking for the flamingos, elephants, giraffes, and cheetahs.



Rory poses and ...

... her little sister spots a tiger! And it's sleeping. Boy ...

... that looks comfortable. Maybe I should take a nap like the tiger.




The Animal Kingdom is an homage to animals living and extinct. Here, the triceratops.


The highlight of the day was a production of the Lion King.

Rory -- out little gymnast -- was particular enamored with the monkey antics on the bars.

Aven enjoyed the show too ... until she peed in her pants. You've got to hand it to Disney. Only place on earth that you could change a child in the middle of a theater production.


The sisters pose for the camera.

And the sisters show off their necklaces featuring Disney pins.

But before the day is over, my ladies enjoy a drink on the house.

Disney World 2013

We were fortunate to be able to make our annual trip to Disney World (2012, 2011). The Magic Kingdom was our first destination ...   

... But we added Epcot to the itinerary this year. Both kids had more fun that expected traveling through the World Showcase.  

But before the fun, we had a lot of traveling to do. Fortunately, Disney knows how to entertain kids, placing TVs in the plane and bus terminals. 

Aven and Mommy are super excited about their first day in the parks. Aven is especially excited to see her favorite princess, Cinderella. 

We waited for the park to open in our favorite little spot with "vacation cereal" to munch on (corn pops). 

The crowds were a little bigger this year, but still a fraction of the summer crowds. We were able to jump all of our desired rides with little wait. 

Aven was excited that she was big enough for her first rollercoaster, the Goofy Barnstormer. Here's Rory on this ride two years ago. 

Rory and Aven battle the troll in Norway. 

Rory and Aven gear up for another spin on the Mad Hatter.

Rory was excited to dine in New Fantasyland's "Be Our Guest" dining hall.  

Here she is on Dumbo. Check out the same shot from two year's ago. 

Rory designs a car at Epcot's Test Track. 

Back at the Saratoga Spring's hotel, Rory and Aven take turn telling jokes. 

One of the best things about these trips is the time spent with our little princesses.

Disney, Magic Kingdom

On our first fully day in Disney World, our destination was the Magic Kingdom.
Rory was the first in line to ride the classic Dumbo the Flying Elephant.

Aven enjoyed the ride almost as much as Rory did. She especially liked the view of the castle in the background.

Mommy called it the "most fun our little family has ever had together"! We simply must recommend the "Unofficial Guide to WDW" as your guide to the Disney experience ...

... we had virtually no wait in lines during the first few hours of our day.

With the help of her Daddy, Rory was brave enough to try her first roller coaster, which she loved!





Rory also enjoyed the classic Country Bear Jamboree.

Aven was a trooper for our entire time in the park, although it helped to have a pack horse for assistance.

Aven was quite sanguine about the rides, drawing comfort from her Mommy's grip and her Daddy's camera.

Here, all three of my ladies prepare for their first 3D movie experience!

Fortunately, we had enough time to slow down, enjoy a few shows, and hydrate ourselves.

We also had enough time to take turns sending the parents onto Space Mountain. Here, Daddy poses for the camera on the ride ...

... this is Mommy after her solo adventure on the famous roller coaster.

And this is our daughters after a long day in the park!

Disney, The Lodge

To escape the cold and dark days of February in D.C., we simply relocated to the happiest place on earth for a few days!

We decided to stay at the Animal Kingdom Lodge so that Aven could surround herself with her favorite things ... animals!

And from our balcony, we had a view of the savanna, in which lived antelope, yaks, giraffes, colorful birds and ...

... Bambi! We checked into our room just as the animals were being fed by their keepers.

From the lobby, we discovered the "Big Giraffe!" as Aven called them.

Meanwhile, Rory had laid claim to her bed ...

... and her African drum.

Outside, Aven could hardly be contained by the fences in her attempts to pet the animals ...

... Fortunately, we had Rory to prevent her sister from throwing herself over the fence.

Each morning, the sisters enjoyed breakfast in bed!....

... and before leaving for our adventures, Rory would sit and meditate in the lobby of the Lodge.

Just kidding, Rory would catch a few cartoons on the televisions that were ever-present in Disney World!