Our Family: Where are the Real Aimals?

Wednesday we introduced Lacey to Sea World. This park remains a family favorite. We fed the dolphins, played in the kid's water park, watched the shows, saw the pearl divers and didn't suffer heat stroke. We asked Lacey which park she liked better and she answered, "Sea World. Magic Kingdom doesn't have animals." Well, Lacey, there are animals at the Magic Kingdom. But, they are the two-legged type.

A dolphin friend

Cassie said she'd never wash her hands again.

Enjoying lunch

Cassie and Lacey on the big screen - left side, fourth down

Yesterday, we made our inaugural visit to Disney's Animal Kingdom. The night before our visit we planned exactly what we wanted to see and plotted our course on the map. According to the trusty GPS, we needed to leave the resort at 8:30 to arrive as the park gates opened. This time, we would be armed with sunscreen, hats, water, spray bottles and ponchos. We planned for all scenarios. Oops! I went to give Cassie her cough and allergy medicine and discovered that our large bag of snacks and medicine was missing. Apparently, the housekeeping staff had tossed it. We had to file a loss report with resort security. Despite the delay, we had a great morning at Animal Kingdom.

We began by riding the African Safari. Next, we visited the Conservation Station and the girls learned how the 1500 animals housed there are cared for. We visited a petting zoo, walked on nature trails and had lunch. A kind lady reminded us to stay hydrated, as she charged us $2.69 a bottle for water. After lunch, we decided to see the Lion King Show. A Disney guide encouraged us to arrive 30 minutes before showtime to ensure seating. No need to check the map - we joined the mob of people massing toward the theater. Les decided to stride ahead to find a place in line, instead of dragging the girls down the dirt trail. When we arrived at the theater, we began searching for Les. Suddenly, Cassie leapt in the air as she was struck by a woman who was driving a motorized scooter. As the woman's hands flew to her mouth in horror, Les materialized, and began yelling at the woman. Instantly, her husband appeared, trying to shove Les away. As the volume rose, I did drag the girls down the dirt trail, explaining that when Daddy got kicked out of the park, I didn't want them to have to leave too. It turned out that the woman should have been escorted from the park. She had already run down Les twice. The first time, she was eating ice cream and looking back over her shoulder at her husband. I think she probably rented the scooter at the park for the day and was learning to drive. Maybe she should practice on an abandoned road instead of a crowded trail.

Thursday afternoon, Bill and Dorothea drove to Orlando and spent the night at the resort. We all went out to dinner, sat by the pool, and had breakfast together this morning. Time spent with Bill and Dorothea was truly a magical way to end our Disney vacation.