Animal and Magic KINGDOM 2023

Orlando, Florida

11/3-11/6 2023

I was able to meet up with the guys from Tulip these few days. As I am still in Melbourne after the Nashville trip. It's only about an hour drive from our place in Melbourne to the home of Mickey and Minnie, so after a day of relaxing, I eventually decided to take the drive. We all connected eventually and I helped the group get settled into the hotel. The next day was one full of Disney's Animal Kingdom. 

Walking up over the ridge and getting that first view of this giant tree never gets old. Hello old beautiful friend. 

We were lucky to catch these Up characters as they passed by. HELLLO Russell and DUG!!! 

More fun characters along the way. We are heading to Bug's Life. A favorite for all of us. 

How many animals can we find in the tree of life as we walk to the attraction. There are reported to be over 300 animal carvings through out the 145 foot tall structure. 

Wow, this is a first. Owls are my game, and there are at least 6 animals in this shot alone. Can you find them?

Another hidden gem of animals. I love how the octopus blends into the wood. 

The "It's tough to be a bug" is always fun, Best parts; the stink bug and the critters exiting the theater. LOVE IT. 

Lets head to Africa. It is here where we find some of our favorites. The Safari and the Lion King show. 

First a little entertainment. 

and a stroll through Gorilla Fall's Trail. 

Found one....

Cute little Gorilla butts....

Next we make our way to possibly the best Disney stage show, The Lion King.

The costumes are awesome. 

The monkey's are always my favorite part of the show. 

But this guy is pretty awesome too. 

Can you feel the love tonight? 

We are now entering the jungle of Kilimanjaro safaris. 

We got to see several of the animals on this trip. 

Next we headed to the land of Pandora. 

Just the atmosphere is different from the rest of the park. Love the aesthetics. 

We hopped on to the Na'vi River Journey as our final attraction with in the park. Lovely. 

We never seem to make it to all of the parks area's but that's okay. We generally get in the most loved rides/attractions. We soon made our way out of the park after some shopping and headed to a late lunch/dinner at The Golden Corral. Wonderful day. Tomorrow we go to Magic Kingdom.

Is it just me or wasn't just the 50th year of Disney?  Now they are celebrating 100 years. I'm confused, but I still bought into the 100th year celebration merch and bought myself a 100th year backpack. Anyway, here we are. The classic, the OG of the four Orlando theme parks. Magic Kingdom. 

Enjoying the Christmas themes. They have got to be super fast. I read that the Disney staff change OVERNIGHT from the Not so Scary Halloween theme to the Christmas theme all in just about 7 hours. It truly is MAGIC. 

The clean up crew....

There she is...the Castle.

Each time Tulip and I have been to Magic Kingdom has been a little bit different, today we started with The Little Mermaid ride. 

We then made our way to It's a Small World. The song sticks all day long. 

Up next, my favorite of the park. The Haunted Mansion. Home to 999 Happy Haunts. 

After we were able to catch the Disney's Festival of Fantasy Parade.

Its Belle and the Beast leading the show. 

and more princess fun as Cinderella and Prince Charming (Does he have a name?) usher by.

Tianna and her Frog Prince. I have actually never seen this move. 

100% Girl Power as Anna and Elsa wave from their FROZEN stage. 

The mermaid that made us fall in love with the sea,  or land, hum? Ariel.

Look, it's my namesake. Wendy Darling. 

That girl can dance....and I just thought she knew how to fly.

It's the captain. 

Peter.

Don't forget Tink.

Here come some more favorites....

Wow what a great parade. We enjoyed a few more rides and before long the day was coming to and end. Our last stop before we leave is a visit with the mouse himself. 

Val, Chris, Annette, Me and Dorie. Great fun. 

Farewell MK...until we meet again. TTFN