![\"MFLAKMain\"](\"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/MFLAKMain-267x400.jpg\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
In June, my husband and I took our two kids (daughter-9 and son-6) to Walt Disney World and were joined by my parents, sister and her husband. \u00a0We stayed at Disney\u2019s Caribbean Beach Resort, had the Disney Dining Plan and park hopper tickets. \u00a0Our first day was spent at Epcot<\/a>; however, our first full day was spent at Disney\u2019s Animal Kingdom.<\/p>\n Waiting at Rope Drop<\/strong><\/p>\n Disney\u2019s Animal Kingdom<\/a> opened at 9:00 a.m. on the day of our visit and we all met at our Aruba bus stop at 7:30 that morning. \u00a0When we arrived at the park, we had over an hour before the park opened which allowed us to head to the bathroom, munch on breakfast and go over the plan for the day. \u00a0Around 8:45 a.m., they opened the Oasis (the first part of the park) allowing guests to move through to the Tree of Life. \u00a0Our plan was to head right to Expedition Everest so we headed to the right to be held here by the rope. \u00a0Prior to opening the park, Disney\u2019s Animal Kingdom has a great surprise for all of those at the park that I don\u2019t want to ruin but make sure you look towards to sky to enjoy! \u00a0Once we were given the magical words, we were off to Expedition Everest.<\/p>\n Loving Expedition Everest<\/strong><\/p>\n I was surprised that we weren\u2019t walked to Everest, but we headed towards Asia on our own and were loaded onto the second car for Everest. \u00a0Our six year old son was not happy so once we got off it was decided that a few of the party would wait while some of us jumped right back into the standby line which was at 15 minutes at this point.<\/p>\n Rhino on Kilimanjaro Safari<\/strong><\/p>\n Following riding Everest for the second time, we all headed towards Africa to use our FastPass for Kilimanjaro Safari. \u00a0This ride loads quickly so we didn\u2019t have much of a wait and were able to really enjoy all of the animals in their natural environment. \u00a0Our daughter really liked being able to take her own pictures of the animals so if you have younger ones this is something to consider. \u00a0We were even able to see the lion get up from his rock and move around. \u00a0Although we didn\u2019t get to see any giraffes, it was still an amazing ride and a lot of fun to be able to sit and just look at all of the animals.<\/p>\n Searching for Animals<\/strong><\/p>\n By the time we got off of the safari we had been at the park for almost four hours and everyone needed some down time. \u00a0We split up allowing everyone to get drinks, bathrooms breaks, and go to either see the gorillas, tigers or Tree of Life. \u00a0My husband and I took the kids to get Mickey ice cream before they decided they wanted to see the more of the Tree of Life. \u00a0This is one of my biggest frustrations at Animal Kingdom. \u00a0\u00a0I find it so difficult to actually get close to the Tree of Life. \u00a0We finally ended up at the front of the tree and our kids used a scavenger hunt I had brought with to hunt for animals. \u00a0Our son absolutely loved this more than I ever would have thought. \u00a0I wish we would have had more time to allow him to just look and take it in, but we had to make our way back to Expedition Everest for our FP+ reservations.<\/p>\n Dinosaur<\/strong><\/p>\n When we got to Expedition Everest, it was decided that Grandpa and Isaac would stay out and wait for us. \u00a0The rest of us headed on and had very little wait. \u00a0From Everest we went right to Dinosaur where we had another FP+ reservation. \u00a0We did not want our son to ride as we were worried about it being too dark and scary for him. \u00a0Instead, the two of us headed to Finding Nemo to wait in line for seats to the 12:00 showing. \u00a0This worked out perfectly as we were able to get seats for the rest of the crew who came into the auditorium right behind us after they got done with Dinosaur.<\/p>\n Finding Nemo is one of my favorites at Disney as I really am fascinated by the use of the actors and puppets in one show. \u00a0Everyone really liked this too as it was not only air conditioned but also we were able to sit down for a while.<\/p>\n Daisy at Tusker House<\/strong><\/p>\n Our lunch was scheduled for 1:00 p.m. at Disney\u2019s Tusker House<\/a> back in Africa so once we came out of Nemo we had to make our way around towards Africa. \u00a0I was worried we would be late, but once we got there they were running around 15 minutes behind so we found a spot to watch the street performers.<\/p>\n Once our name was called, we were quickly seated and were ready for our first table service meal at Disney. \u00a0As Tusker House is a buffet and a character meal, I was worried that it would be a little overwhelming after a long morning in the park, but I thought it went really well. \u00a0I would highly recommend the Jungle Juice as it was extremely refreshing after a hot morning in the park. \u00a0The other favorite was the mac and cheese and corn dog nuggets. \u00a0I know, go all the way to Disney to enjoy mac and cheese and corn dogs, but they were so delicious. \u00a0Meeting the characters was a lot of fun for everyone especially on our first day. \u00a0We were able to meet Donald, Daisy, Goofy and Mickey while eating. \u00a0Our server was extremely helpful as it was our first meal with our dining plan and having three different room reservations we weren\u2019t 100% sure what to do, but she handled it like it was no big deal which was nice and reassuring.<\/p>\n Loving Animal Kingdom<\/strong><\/p>\n After eating everyone was done for the afternoon. \u00a0We stopped for pictures in front of the Tree of Life before heading to the bus and back for showers and rest time at the resort.<\/p>\n One of the hardest things about Disney\u2019s Animal Kingdom, I think, is that it is so hot. \u00a0No matter how much I try to prepare for it I am always surprised at how much hotter and humid it feels at this park compared to the other three. \u00a0Make sure you take advantage of all of the free water that is offered at the different quick service locations. \u00a0Taking advantage of this really helped us stay cooler and hydrated during our morning.<\/p>\n Fun at Magic Kingdom<\/strong><\/p>\n The rest of the day we split up after rest time. \u00a0My husband, kids and I headed to Magic Kingdom to get supper and just see the sights. \u00a0The adults headed to Disney Springs<\/a> to get supper at D-Luxe Burger<\/a> and to shop of course.<\/p>\n Our first day was full of magical memories and went really well as we had a good combination of together time, alone time, breaks and rides all mixed into our day!<\/p>\n![\"MFLAKRope\"](\"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/MFLAKRope-300x400.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"mflee\"](\"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/mflee-1-400x302.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"MFLAKSafari\"](\"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/MFLAKSafari-400x300.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"MFLAKSca\"](\"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/MFLAKSca-400x300.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"MFLDino\"](\"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/MFLDino-266x400.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"MFLAKTusker\"](\"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/MFLAKTusker-262x400.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"MFLAKphoto\"](\"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/MFLAKphoto-400x267.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"MFL](\"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/MFL-MM-Magic-Shots-267x400.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
![\"Quote1\"](\"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Quote1-400x99.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\n