Animal Kingdom at Disney World

Our family vacation at Disney World in May included a visit to "Animal Kingdom," a varied section of the park divided mainly into an Africa and Asia section and a distant petting zoo. We got to see some ginormous bats, a family of an endangered species of deer (above), and more.

Calleigh and Ryder enjoyed climbing on a statue of elephants (above) in one of the train stations.

We got to ride an actual train to and from the petting zoo area of the park.

And Calleigh and Ryder got to brush a couple of the goats in one of the enclosures. Unfortunately and disappointingly, those were the only animals we got to interact with, and just in time, too, as they put the goats away a few minutes after we arrived.

We caught the last train back to civilization. Turns out Animal Kingdom closes at 6 p.m. Guess the animals have an earlier bedtime than us.

Epcot

I'm pretty sure the hottest day of our recent family (well, half-family) day at Disney World was the day we visited the Epcot Center. We were sticky and dehyrdated by the time we paused just inside Epcot for a family picture (above). But we still had fun. 

Our whirlwind trek through Epcot included a Finding Nemo ride (from which Aubrey and Calleigh abstained; Calleigh was still traumatized by the "Lili and Stitch" and "Pirates of the Caribbean" ride a day or two earlier). But the aquarium was a joy for Avery (above), and for the whole family. So much to see.

The rest of our family experience in Epcot went so fast I could hardly snap a picture. But a day or two later, the lovely Robin and I returned, just the two of us, and took time to enjoy each of the countries on the world tour the park presents. In England, we met two of our oldest and dearest friends (below). 

We also got to hear a "British invasion" band, watched three big screen films featuring the wonders of Canada, France, and China, had a delicious lunch of fish 'n' chips (which a local couple who shared our table said was the best in Orlando), and more. I was even tempted to buy a gift pack of assorted soaps in the Canada gift shop (below). But I refrained.

Breakfast with the Characters

Our family visit to Disney World last week included "Breakfast with the Characters" at the Hollywood & Vine restaurant in Disney's Hollywood Studios. 

Jake (of Jake and the Neverland Pirates) was the first to stop by our table (above), and the only character Ryder would--briefly--have anything to do with.

But Calleigh got into it. She got a hug from Sophia the First....

And allowed Mimi and Avery to get in on the act for a photo with Handy Manny....

But I think her favorite visitor was Doc McStuffins, who she already knew well from T.V.

The event was expensive, but at least it was a high quality breakfast buffet of eggs, bacon, fresh fruit, sausage, pastries, and more (for which I broke my new eating regimen a little. After all, my get-my-money's-worth gene is stronger than my gotta-lose-weight gene).

Pool Day at the Westgate Town Center

Last week during our family vacation in Florida, Mimi and Crappaw enjoyed a day with our three youngest grandkids all to ourselves while their Mom and Dad went to Universal Studios.
We had a blast. Calleigh is a fearless swimmer, and Ryder was thrilled when another family let him borrow one of their shooting water toys.
Avery took a more serene approach, napping and floating throughout her time at the pool.

And thanks to Crappaw's diligence, we mostly avoided sunburns. Calleigh got a little red on her cheeks but otherwise we stayed as white as a Mormon missionary's shirt.

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Black Angus Steakhouse, Kissimmee, FL

Last week during our visit to Kissimmee and Orlando, Florida, with the eastern half of our family, the lovely Robin and I had Monday evening all to ourselves while Aubrey, Kevin, Calleigh, Ryder, and Avery were at Disney World. So we made our way just around the corner from our resort to Black Angus Steakhouse at 7516 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway in Kissimmee.

Black Angus is a chain of three restaurants in the area that boasts "the best steaks in Orlando." We were seated immediately and served attentively. 

Robin enjoyed her filet medallions, which were cooked just right. 

I thought my prime rib should have been tastier, and the vegetables were blah. But then maybe the head chef has Mondays off. Or something like that. 

In any case, the company couldn't have been better, and we had a great time. Black Angus might not be my top choice when I'm in the area, but I wouldn't hesitate to give it another go. 

The Liberty Tree Tavern at Disney World

You know what's really expensive? Disney World. You know what's really expensive, even for Disney World? Dinner at the Liberty Tree Tavern. But we ate there anyway on our visit last week.

Baby Avery fell asleep sometime before we arrived there so while the rest of the family waited for a table inside, I stayed on the curb next to her stroller. Two women walking by saw her and then saw me and breathed a sigh of relief....I think they were about to report an abandoned baby to the Disney World Police. 

Once we got our table, though, I was allowed inside, where the reproduction of a colonial-era tavern was fun to see. 

Colonial artifacts surround diners and of course the servers are all dressed in period costume. The menu is influenced by New England fare but not confined to it. The meal of pork, turkey, brisket, whipped potatoes, baked corn, green beans, and more was served family style. Mmmmm mmm good.

Not cheap, though: $32 per adult and $15 per child. But all you can eat. So there's that.

Still, it's not every day we get to Disney World, and it was a delicious and memorable experience. And a refreshing respite from the heat and hecticity (yes, I made that word up right on the spot) outside.

Magic Kingdom

Just over a week ago, the lovely Robin and I ventured out with our family (Aubrey, Kevin, Calleigh, Ryder, and Avery) to Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom in Orlando, Florida.

Calleigh and Ryder had no idea what to expect and were clearly overwhelmed by the experience. They had never even been to an amusement park before (though I'm sure they'd been to a carnival or two). So, although the sights and sounds and activity were a sensory overload, they took it all in and had a great time (though Ryder took a couple days at least to decide whether he liked the idea of riding things, etc.). 

Calleigh and Ryder rode the Dumbo ride numerous times, along with Little Mermaid and Winnie the Pooh and more. Avery rode a few of them, too. 

Not surprisingly, one of their favorite activities was trying out all the toys and merchandise in the shops all over the place. One after another. Shop after shop. Toy after toy. 

And though they were utterly exhausted by the time the Electric Light Parade started, they saw it all, and even made it to the fireworks (on one of the nights); they watched mesmerized as the sky over the Magic Kingdom exploded with color. 

What a joy it was to be invited along to share in these kids' first visit to Walt Disney World.