Disney's Animal Kingdom

The last theme park we visited in Orlando was Disney's Animal Kingdom. It's basically a combination of the SD Zoo, Wild Animal Park, and Disneyland all rolled into one. The great thing is that the weather was sunny and warmish, making it a nice day to check out the animals.

Pretty bird

Lion King show which had great costumes and music.
Keira loved pointing out all the big animals around the set (lion, elephant, giraffe)

Mount Everest, Orlando's version of the Matterhorn, complete with the fierce Yeti (aka abominable snowman)

Watcha lookin' at?

Wassup?

Gorilla munching on leaves

I think this was called the Tree of Life...

Jungle jingle parade

Wow, Mom, did you see that?!

Mickey is waving at Keira!

Komodo dragon

Awesome tiger exhibit

Look at the colors & patterns on this bird!

Keira's first driving lesson!

Dino-spin!
Wheeeeeee!

It's Pluto again!

Hanging out with our favorite doggies.
Keira was not too sure about Goofy putting his arm around her.

And that concludes the Wardrip adventures in Orlando. Thanks to our friends and family who followed this journey with us! We had a great time exploring the Disney theme parks, despite the fact that it was quite an exhausting week! Maybe we'll actually get to relax a little more during our Christmas break with our families.

The Magic Kingdom: Take 2

Our 2nd experience at The Magic Kingdom was much more pleasant because the weather was perfectly mild! On the downside, there were a TON of people at the park today. :(

When we first got in the park, a few characters were out taking pictures and Pluto was one of them. If I were to guess Keira's favorite animal, I'd have to say dog. When I asked if she wanted to go say hi to the doggy, she said, "yesss."

She took her eyes off him for a second and Daddy was able to get this pic!

Checking out the oven at Minnie's house

Dumbo, a big favorite

Flying on Aladdin's Magic Carpet

Driving the boat on Tom Sawyer's Island

Fun on the tree house

The last ride of the evening, another favorite

Pretty castle, beautiful family!

Main Street Christmas

The castle in all its Christmas glory!

Epcot

Epcot is an interesting theme park. It actually doesn't have many rides at all, but more exhibits/movies/interactive museum-type things. There wasn't a whole lot for Keira to do, but we made the most of the day and got to see most of the park.

Take a look...

The famous ball that Epcot is known for

One of the rides they do have is a Nemo ride.
It's actually way better than the one at Disneyland!

When you get off the ride, there's a huge aquarium with TONS and TONS of fish.
Keira loved looking at all the fish, bubbles, and even dolphins!

It's Dori!

And Nemo, of course!

As long as she could run around freely, she was a happy camper!

Notice we're not bundled up--it wasn't quite as cold!

Around this lake is called the "World Showcase." As you walk around the lake, each area represents a different country. The buildings/architecture, food, souvenirs, etc. all represent the country in that area.

China...

Germany...

Italy...

Japan

Apparently this cat is some Disney character, but I don't know who it is. All I know is that Keira was so excited to meet the kitty and get a picture! She couldn't take her eyes off her!

This isn't the best picture, but this one's for Laura!
We saw Mary Poppins on multiple occasions!

There was a great Christmas concert in the evening, hosted by Steven Curtis-Chapman
(we didn't stay for the whole thing)

A cool shot

Dusk

The End

The Magic Kingdom

When we started planning for our trip to Orlando, I always thought DisneyWorld referred to the Disneyland-type park out here in FL. In fact, DisneyWorld refers to 4 Disney Theme Parks and 2 Water Parks within this huge DisneyWorld Resort. So, the park that is similar to our Disneyland out in CA is actually called The Magic Kingdom. Did you get all that??

On Tuesday we braved the frigid temperatures and checked out Orlando's version of Disneyland! Here are some pics...

I can't emphasize enough how cold it was!

To get into the Magic Kingdom, we had to take a ferry boat to the entrance.
Brrrrr!

Fun!

Keira LOVED Small World!

The Dumbo ride was a huge hit too!
Look at her smile!

And, of course, the carousel!

Winnie the Pooh!

The castle here is much more elaborate than Disneyland

Who doesn't love Mickey and Minnie?!

We are still freezing!

Anyone remember the Bear Jamboree at Disneyland?
They still have it in Orlando!

Noah's photography skills.
These birds are all over the park!

Honest Abe at the Hall of Presidents exhibit

Merry Christmas!