Day 5
Today we managed to get up relatively bright and early to head out to animal kingdom. It was very, very hot…but still a fun day. After heading in (where the man working the gate congratulated us and commented that Andrew must be the hardest working man in Disney World) we went straight for the It’s Tough to Be a Bug ride, which had both of us laughing and screaming at the special effects (especially the bugs exiting the theater). A long trek towards the back of the park brought us to Expedition Everest, where we grabbed fast passes for about 3:30. Next we agreed to brave the heat and walk the maharajah jungle trail, seeing some birds, bats, and slightly sleepy tigers. After a quick peek towards kali river rapids, which proved the line to be over 90 minutes, we headed toward Dinoland USA. We both loved the spinning and quick drops of primeval whirl, though the young boy in the car with us and his mother had a very different opinion. Jess laughed as the first words out of his mouth were I am NEVER going on that ride again!
Next we braved what looked like a very long line for a ride on Dinosaur. It was very exciting and well-done, and even Andrew yelled when the last dinosaur popped up from above us as we shot through the meteor shower.
After deciding we were both getting a little hungry and in need of a break, we managed to find a table at Tusker House and, after Jess braved the crazy lines, enjoyed a quick lunch in air conditioned comfort. Feeling re-energized, we headed for the Pangani Exploration trail, spotting some okapi and gorillas as we walked. Finally it was time to board expedition everest! As we got into the car and started climbing...and climbing...and climbing what Jess is convinced was the largest roller coaster hill in the world, we were both a little nervous about what we had gotten ourselves into. Jess spent most of the ride with her face hidden in Andrew’s shoulder as the train hurtled through pitch dark caves and Andrew’s shouts gave away when scary parts were coming up. It was, however, very well themed and interesting…just too intense for our tastes. We did get a few beautiful pictures when we were safely on the ground, however.
We wrapped up the day with a very thrilling, and very wet, ride on Kali River Rapids, before heading out for the day. After getting back to riverside we spent a much needed hour at the pool before returning home so Andrew could work on this journal and Jess took a well deserved bubble bath. After unsuccessfully trying to find any dinner reservations in any of the parks except Epcot, we decided to try out Boatwright’s dining hall at our hotel. It turned out to be a wonderful dinner, preceded by cocktails in the lounge where the servers all wanted to look at our honeymoon gift card. Our waitress was excellent, as was the seafood and steak we enjoyed at her suggestion. Andrew also ordered a magnificent bananas foster for dessert, though we agreed the angel food cake that came with it was a little odd. We then finally returned to our room to rest up for our last big day in Disney world!
