Day two of our trip got off to a really rough start. Our plan was to get up early, eat breakfast, and hop on the bus to Animal Kingdom to get there by rope drop or close to it. We did manage the get up early part, but we were slow to get moving and get to breakfast. JC woke up convinced he had strep and started researching urgent care places in Orlando. Addie woke up with one red eye that looked very suspiciously like pink eye. Things were not looking good.
For reasons that are too complicated to bother explaining, we had a reservation for a one night stay and a separate reservation for a five night stay. I had to go by the front desk to check out and check back in again to our same room. That sounded simple enough. We got checked in and ate breakfast. Nina choked on her hashbrowns and threw up on the table. Then as we were leaving, Addison tripped, fell, and skinned her hands. We got back to the room, prepared to grab our backpacks and head to Animal Kingdom. The key didn't work. None of them did. Addie started bawling because her blankie was locked in the room, and JC went back to the front desk (NOT a short walk) to get new keys. When he finally returned, only one of the five new keys worked. I was actively hating Port Orleans Riverside at this point. We went back to the desk to get keys yet AGAIN, and finally got to the bus stop a good hour or so later than planned. Once we got to Animal Kingdom, I realized we had forgotten the autograph books. At this point, that was hardly a surprise. So little had gone right that morning. We were determined to make the best of the day though.
While I jetted off to get fastpasses for Everest, JC took the girls to see some characters (sans autograph books),
and ride Triceratop Spin.
When I returned to Dinoland, we took another ride on Triceratop Spin,
and Primeval Whirl (Addie was not a fan of this one!).
After that, JC and the girls headed off to Everest while Addie and I checked out the Boneyard.
Next up was lunch at Flame Tree BBQ. Our meal was quite good, but it wasn't until halfway through the meal that I realized I hadn't planned our restaurants very well for that day - Flame Tree BBQ (ribs and chicken) for lunch, and Whispering Canyon (ribs and chicken) for dinner. Oops. So much for careful planning! I enjoyed Flame Tree though... good meal. I just wouldn't go there the same day as Whispering Canyon again.
After lunch, we happened to be walking past the Flights of Wonder show as it was about to start. I had remembered that Josh at easywdw.com had called the show, "one of the best shows in all of Disney World and certainly one of the best kept secrets", so we popped in to watch it. I loved it! Who knew that a bird show could be so fun and entertaining! If you haven't seen this show, I highly recommend it. It isn't one I ever would have thought to go to without the advice from easywdw, but it was wonderful.
After that, we caught a glimpse of DeVine.
I find her so intriguing!
After grabbing fastpasses for Kilimanjaro Safari, we headed over to the Festival of the Lion King show. There were rumors that this show was going to close permanently in January, so I was thrilled that it was still open in March. It is possible this was the last time we would be able to see it. It is such a great production!
Last on the agenda was Kilimanjaro Safari. I don't love this ride, but the kids think it is wonderful, so it was a must-do on their list.
After the safari, it was time to race over to Wilderness Lodge for dinner. Unfortunately, we were delayed by the parade. Parades are fun when you are in the mood for them, but when they are blocking the path to where you need to be, they aren't quite so entertaining.
Despite the parade, we made it to our reservations on time. Whispering Canyon was one of our favorite places on our last trip to Disney. The wait staff was hilarious, food was great, hijinks were entertaining, and we all enjoyed the meal. I had read reviews that it had declined a bit in the last year or so, but we decided to return to it anyway. I have to say I agree with the more recent reviews. The food was fine, but not as good as I remember. The wait staff didn't do nearly as many funny tricks and taunts with the diners. It seems as though the "ketchup gig" is the only remaining prank. We enjoyed our meal, but I'm not sure I would make a point of going back there again. One thing that hasn't changed there though is the yummy bottomless milkshake! Heaven!
After dinner, we hopped in a cab to head back to Riverside and get sleep for an early, early morning the next day.
Day 2 Favorites
Addison: "Dumbo" ride (Triceratops Spin)
Nina: Primeval Whirl, Expedition Everest, Festival of the Lion King, Flights of Wonder
Elise: Expedition Everest, Festival of the Lion King
Ann: Festival of the Lion King, Flights of Wonder
J.C.: Expedition Everest
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