Nov 7 – 14, 2022 – First Trip with 2 Kids Under 3 – Day 3

Activity Forums Travel Trip Planning & Reports Nov 7 – 14, 2022 – First Trip with 2 Kids Under 3 – Day 3

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  • #161084

    RocketEAR99
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    On the morning of our 3rd day we confirmed that Hurricane/Tropical Storm Nicole would be barreling down on us later in the day and Disney had made their first move of closing their water park and mini golf courses the following day. The weather outside was windy and wet. In other words, it was the perfect time to go to a theme park! So after a quick breakfast, we donned our rain gear and took the short bus ride over to Animal Kingdom. We had already planned to NOT have an ADR this day because AK has plenty of good options to offer for walk-up food. Going to the park in the foul weather was the best decision we could have made.

    We arrived with 15 minutes left in resort guest early entry time. FoP had a 40 minute wait, but we skipped it. Since the day before at Epcot, we felt like Ariel got gipped on attractions she could do, we decided to make this day mostly about her. We did Na’vi River Journey instead and walked right on! My parents as I found out had never done this ride before either. All family riders had a great time.

    From there, we walked up to Africa where we waited about 10 minutes or so before boarding the Kilimanjaro Safari. I’ve been on this ride first thing in the morning before, but even taking that into account, I’ve not seen so many animals so active before. Ariel was fascinated by all the animals she got to see and so was I. Afterward we walked through the Gorilla Falls Trail. This was yet another favorite of Ariel’s. Got to see the gorillas in particular being rather active. After that we went to Festival of the Lion King which held Ariel’s attention quite well too. Then we took the train out to Rafiki’s. Ariel spent some time in the petting zoo and we did some walking around inside too. We took the train back and hunted up lunch at Flame Tree BBQ. We all had tastes of the Rib/Chicken combo and the Pulled Pork Mac ‘n’ Cheese. The flavors were perfection. The chicken was juicy. The ribs were a bit overdone, but still really good.

    We then went to Asia and walked the Maharajah Jungle Trek. Ariel loved the Tigers. We ventured on to Dinoland where Christy and I did a rider switch at Dinosaur. Ariel got her picture taken with Chip, Dale, Donald, and later Mickey and Minnie! She didn’t know Chip and Dale before that day, but still liked meeting them. She was happier than I’ve ever seen her when greeting Donald, Mickey, and Minnie (and she’s a generally happy child too)! :) :minnie: :donald:

    We wrapped up our day by seeing and abbreviated version of the Feathered Friends in Flight and “It’s Tough to Be A Bug”, Ariel did okay there until Hopper attacked. :D We were at the park until 4:00pm. We heard shortly before that Disney had announced a phased early closure of the theme parks beginning with AK at 5:00pm due to the storm. Tomorrow was still up in the air. We could’ve done more if we wanted to. Kali and Everest posted 10 minute waits for much of the day. But we were satisfied and left to give our kids a nice late nap.

    Back at the room we cooked a pasta dinner in our kitchen, put the kids to bed, and watched Guardians of the Galaxy. My parents wanted a refresher since the ride the day before. That night, Disney updated that it would do a phased re-opening of the parks the next day starting with MK at Noon – which is exactly where we had booked our reservation.

    So in conclusion. Great day had by all! Was it uncomfortable at times due to the weather? Sure, but not enough to dampen our moods. We saw so much in one day and it made up for what we didn’t get to do the day before. The storm had become a blessing in disguise.

    #161086

    starbee
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    So happy you had such an amazing day! It sounded perfect! There’s nothing like the rain to get everyone to scram ;) I had a rainy AK day in February and it made for a much better day. Lower crowds and you don’t end up sweating hot in the park with the least amount of shade and indoor attractions. The storm helped even more I’m sure with people either not being able to travel or choosing not to. I’m glad it didn’t mess up your plans much when it rolled in. The animals are so much more active when it rains, it’s awesome! I had not seen it until my February trip this year, but that might be the best safari I’ve ever done!

    Love the family pictures! Ariel is so cute and look at that smile! So happy! She did amazing with It’s Tough to Be a Bug :heimlich:

    #161088

    Ferg
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    All in all, this sounds like a very perfect day even with the rain and clouds! You got to do everything you wanted and make some great memories in low crowds.

    #161089

    Nascfan
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    What a much better day! You got my favorite, Flame Tree! Since Kathy doesn’t care for ribs much we usually just go for the chicken and pulled pork mac & cheese. I have never ever been disappointed in the slightest by that place! The rain does bring out the best in the animals! One of the best safaris we’ve ever had was just after a rain, late in the day in September 2021.

    #161579

    eeyorepoohfan
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    Such a great day! It definitely made up for the previous day. I’m so glad Ariel enjoyed her day! And could your kids be any cuter?!

    #161729

    RocketEAR99
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    Such a great day! It definitely made up for the previous day. I’m so glad Ariel enjoyed her day! And could your kids be any cuter?!

    Nope, my kids are the cutest! :)


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