Howdy! Today I had a beautiful morning at Disney’s Animal Kingdom where I found new merchandise and said hello to a few of our furry and scaly friends. I spent the afternoon shopping around a relatively quiet Disney Springs.
Good Morning from Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Good morning on this beautiful day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The weather really does not get better than this in Orlando, so soak up the sun if you can before it tries to melt us in a few weeks.
Island Mercantile Finds
In the shop on the left as you face the Tre of Life, Island Mercantile, there were two new items we have yet to find. The new Lion King Loungefly mini-backpack is available for $80 and the accordion Loungefly wallet featuring Winnie-the-Pooh for $40. Neither one really spoke to me, but I get the vision and “respect the drip,” as the kids say.
Riverside Depot New Merchandise
Riverside Depot had a few more exciting new items. The new hot pink collection now has matching ear headband-holding bags that match the sparkly pink crocs, ears, and even the Starbucks bottle.
What really surprised me was the amount of new hats at Riverside Depot. There is an adult-sized Lady & the Tramp hat, a Hakuna Matata Lion King hat, and a Simba look-alike hat for $29.99 each. There is also a youth Lion King bucket hat for $24.99.
Animal Fun Begins
The Cotton-Top Tamarins were enjoying some fresh breakfast. The local Tree of Life rabbit was enjoying the less fresh grass in front of the Tamarin’s enclosure. It’s been really fun watching this rabbit grow up I remember last year the tiny fluff was only a peanut.
Disney is Disrespecting the Abdim’s Storks
The Abdim’s Storks have certainly made their new space a home over the past few months. However, Disney continues to disrespect the couple by not putting an informational sign at the front of their enclosure. It genuinely hurts my feelings when people just walk by these guys because they are sort of hidden in the right corner, and with no sign, most folks have no idea what they are missing.
I love watching this couple because they are so relatable. The way they mess with each other when one finally settles is palpable.
Tortoise Thursday
I have never seen a Tortoise move so quickly as these guys do for their breakfast. They are funny to watch and sometimes they even pose for the camera. There are four in this enclosure and usually by mid-afternoon, they all find their own spaces to hang out.
Compost Bins Everywhere on Mo’ara
The Valley of Mo’ara, better known as Pandora World of Avatar, has increased its compost bins almost entirely throughout the land. I think this is cool, personally. I’m a tree-hugging Earth-loving gal and making it easier is always nice. Plus I think it’s good to spread awareness too.
Mr. Mutumbo’s Missing Momento
There is a missing advertisement from Mr. Mutumbo’s facade. Granted this is a facade of a bathroom near the Lion King show so I doubt it matters. Honestly, it almost gives it more of a story. What happened between Mr. Mutumbo and this advertisers?
Mombasa Marketplace Finds
Mombasa Marketplace had some fresh new styles for mom and baby. The new Lion King onesie is adorable and available for $21.99. The cheetah print adult-sized top is $49.99 and the spandex biker shorts are $39.99.
I am not the one to ick anyone’s yay, but that fit is not for me. Let me know in the comments below what you think of the adult.
Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail
Gorilla Falls has one of the most picturesque enclosures I have ever experienced for their Gorillas. I also love that it’s not just Gorillas. There are tons of other animals to see along the trail.
Animal Spottings
I won’t geek out too much over how much I love the animals, but I LOVE the animals. I could live in Disney’s Animal Kingdom if they would let me. I am certainly not qualified, but a nice hut with some air conditioning and some indoor plumbing and I would be ready to go.
My favorite find in the Gorilla Falls was the little bird gazing at the hidden Mickey rock formation.
Replacement Posters
Throughout the park, some of the themed posters have been tearing and ripping, and it appears that some of them are slowly being replaced. My favorite update has been the Sassy Yeti poster and the Yeti sporting a scarf and hat. These were just outside the entrance to Expedition Everest.
Maharajah Jungle Trek
Since the baby Tiger, Bakso, was presented to the public, I have gotten used to walking this trail the most. I would seriously recommend this shady trek. You will smile at some point between the meerkats and the birds alone. Bakso is always a nice bonus.
Animal Friends
Momma Duck was also walking the trail this morning with her two remaining babies. It’s the worst part of the job, but also the best. The mommas always start the season with a few babies and then only a couple survive, but that’s the circle of life they say.
Disney Springs Shopping Spree
Disney Springs was pretty empty for a Thursday afternoon. Usually around lunchtime, any day of the week is rough, but today seemed pretty tame. Also, whoever decided to put Polite Pig in the entrance from the Lime Garage thank you, but how dare you. It smells delicious at all times. I think it’s baked into the walls now.
Disney Style
In Disney Style, I was tempted by the Disney Devil and almost purchased this Walt Disney World trucker hat. I don’t know what it is but I really like this hat. If there are still any available you can go snag one for $29.99.
Corkcicle Moana Bottles
Only a few weeks ago Corkcicle released the Snow White and Tiana-inspired bottles. Today I saw they have released Moana as well. During the Princess Marathon, a representative from Corkcicle told me Moana was coming and would be in pink. I didn’t think I would like it, but I do. It’s more peach than pink.
World of Disney Finds
In the World of Disney, I found a few new items but these are the few I felt were worth showing.
First of all, I don’t know who approved this Disney Channel shirt, but it reminds me of an oversized shirt I wore to bed as a kid. It really has all the heavy hitters of my Disney Channel Era, however, Even Stevens being left out was a huge miss since it was the first Disney Channel show. The shirt is available for $29.99.
There is now a Walt Disney World shirt featuring Goofy. I was wondering why all the other characters had a shirt like this and not Goofy. I was happy to see that resolved. The adult-sized shirt is available for $34.99
Finally, there is a Play in the Park Rubiks cube available for $19.99. This wouldn’t be interesting other than the fact that it came out months after the collection was released.
I hope you enjoyed our day exploring Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney Springs. I enjoyed just being out and about today. The vibes from the other guests were good, the weather was pleasant, and there was nothing truly pressing to get to. These are some of the best days at Walt Disney World.
Let me know in the comments below if you prefer unplanned go-with-the-flow Disney days or planned itineraries perfectly scheduled. I can do both but prefer a chill unplanned day with pleasant surprises.
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