Howdy! Today was a beautiful morning in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. I saw our favorite animal friends, found some new merchandise, and enjoyed the theming of the park before having a shopping spree in Disney Springs.
Good Morning from Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Good morning from Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The weather was perfect, and although it may look a bit crowded, it wasn’t that bad. The crowd in this picture is more interested in becoming a Wilderness Explorer.
New Youth Shirts – $26.99 each
In Riverside Depot, there were two new youth shirts featuring a very clean design. The shirts feature an embroidered design with a printed Mickey on the blue shirt and Minnie on the pink shirt. I wish they would make something like this for adults. I think it would do really well to match family shirts. Plus, it’s one that you could wear again and not look like a missing puzzle piece.
‘Zootopia: Better Zoogether!’ Construction Update
This morning, on my little walk through the gardens of the Tree of Life, I noticed that the areas with plywood marked “hole” have been filled in with fresh concrete that is themed similarly to the surrounding concrete. It must be fairly fresh, given there is still caution tape around the new concrete spots.
For now, this is the only progress seen from the exterior of ‘Zootopia: Better Zoogether!’, but be sure to stay tuned to our website to stay the most up-to-date.
Tree of Life Animal Friends
Along the walk, I saw that the Great Galapagos Tortoises were having breakfast. The Abidims Storks were the classic married couple, with the male trying to fix up the place while the female was focusing on keeping the nest nice. Finally, the Cotton Top Tamarins were already bouncing around their enclosure before 8:15 a.m.
Crocodile Warning
Living in Florida, you get used to living among some of the most exotic animals. Usually, that means iguanas, snakes, and the occasional alligator, to name a few. However, crocodiles are different. It’s not a warning I see often, but I still respect it, even if it is just for show.
I don’t think modern Disney would make the same design choice these days. I feel like even alluding to potential Croc or Gator attacks would be an easy pass.
Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail
I can’t cope in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. I love the animals so much, and Gorilla Falls was the spot this morning. All the animals were super active around 9 a.m.
Even the Okapi was out having breakfast. The Bachelors in the Gorilla habitat were running around on their own. The birds were stunning as usual. And like the trail was scripted, the Meerkats were a hoot. Speaking of hoot. The next trek has some experts in hoots.
Maharajah Jungle Trek
The Great Horned Owls are still in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. They come every year to have their babies, and Disney can’t touch them since they are protected. This morning one baby was poking its head up and staring at passing guests. Look at those sleepy little eyes! How could you not love the fluff?
Bakso, the baby Sumatran Tiger, is now over 70 pounds! He was running behind the bushes under his mom’s watchful eye.
Good Afternoon from Disney Springs
Howdy from Disney Springs. I usually park in the Lime Garage, and today is no different, but today I noticed this sign, and I can’t help but feel like it’s missing something. Maybe I’m missing something. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
Disney Ever After Chip ‘n’ Dale Merchandise
My first stop was in Disney Ever After, where I found new Chip ‘n’ Dale merchandise. There was a new coin purse with a gold-plated clip. Chip is on one side, and Dale is on the other, with his signature tuft of hair. The coin purse is available for $19.99.
There is also a tote with a similar design available for $44.99. The tote also comes with a small plush acorn keychain.
I love these plushy-like accessories, but they are so hard to keep clean, especially when I’m down here begging for a rainy day. I can’t imagine what that tote looks like when the sky downfalls.
Happy Mother’s Day!
Hey Mom, I know you read these, so Happy Mother’s Day! Disney Springs has started setting up for the upcoming holiday. This floral patterned “Mom” photo op can be found just outside the Orange Garage.
Last year, Disney had cards you could fill out, and they would mail them to you before Mother’s Day. I hope they do something like that again. I thought it was pretty cool, especially in a free space like Disney Springs.
Disney Style Finds
At Disney Style, there was a really cute sweater and shirt that I had never seen before. The clean design of the sweatshirt reminds me of something my mom would have worn when I was a kid. That lady still knows how to style a sweatshirt. The classic style sweatshirt is available for $59.99.
The white shirt is embroidered on the front and then printed on the back. If Disney reprinted this design to be on the front of a shirt, I would be more likely to buy it, but white shirts are a rough battle when you live in the parks.
House of Blues Presents Mayday Parade in Concert
Tonight at the House of Blues, Mayday Parade is performing to a sold-out crowd. There wasn’t anyone waiting when I passed by this afternoon. I know that sounds wild, but there are some concerts where people literally wait before the sun even rises on the day of.
I guess my crowd is getting too old for that craziness, because, at thirty years old, I am upset that I missed this concert.
Once Upon a Toy
Please excuse the blurry closeup, but OH MY GOSH! What have they done to Raja? This isn’t a new toy, just one I have rarely gotten to see open. Who gave Raja, Jasmine’s Tiger, these goofy eyes? I almost need to know if they are all like this or if this one is just…well…special.
Co-op Finds
In the Co-op, there were two particularly interesting finds. There is an older Disney Cruise Line kitchen collection now available, and a few Disneyland marathon pieces. Why? I have no idea, but I guess if you’re in the market for these random pieces, you’re in luck.
World of Disney Updates
Welcome to the sixth level of Hell. I’m kidding, but sometimes it can certainly get busy and overwhelming in this giant store. I found a bunch of new things, but these items above are a few of my favorites.
There is a new design of the Disney Once Upon a Story miniature playset. These have always reminded me of the Polly Pockets and Little Pet Shop toys I had growing up. I like that the new setup has the house as a carrying case instead of the clear front cases they used to offer, and they are now on sale.
I also found a new adult Moana shirt with the same design as the sweatshirt from Disney Style on a backpack.
Perhaps the most important thing to report is the fact that Princess Aurora is still missing from the front of the World of Disney while Cinderella holds down the fort.
Volcom CLOSING
Currently, everything left at the Volcom location in Disney Springs is marked down to $5. It is very sad walking through what is left of the shop. I am curious to see who takes this prime spot near World of Disney when Volcom does close the doors.
I hope you enjoyed our day in Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney Springs. I had a lot of fun today, but my favorite part was seeing the baby Great Horned Owl in Animal Kingdom. Let me know in the comments below if you have a favorite moment from today.
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