Howdy! Today was another hot day, but any day spent in Disney’s Animal Kingdom is a great day. I visited with a lot of the Animal Kingdom creatures before I went to Disney Springs and found some new merchandise.
Good Morning from Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Good morning from Disney’s Animal Kingdom, where it is already busy and a bit warm. I do not care how hot or how crowded this park may get, it will be my favorite because nothing is as incredible as the animals. I hope you are prepared for your most relaxing photo report of the week because I was on a mission today to see the animals.
Riverside Depot
After the long walk from the parking lot to the front I dipped into the first shop, Riverside Depot, for some much-needed air conditioning. There wasn’t much new in the shop, but I did find a pink Boba-themed keychain for $14.99.
The Animal Kingdom-themed Disney Tech has been printed as well. This design debuted last year at various Disney Made Dtech locations and can be personalized before printing.
Cinderella Moment
When I left the shop I noticed an adult shoe was left in the middle of an empty pathway. I don’t know what happened to this Cinderella, but I do hope they had alternative footwear. I’m certainly used to seeing toddler shoes thrown randomly around the park, but an adult shoe is new to me.
Red Kangaroo Meeting
This morning I noticed that the Red Kangaroos at the bottom of the Tree of Life were having a meeting. They were as hidden as they possibly could be from guests trying to see them from the front. They didn’t seem to mind me passing by, but I thought they were very funny and cute standing there watching the sunrise together.
Pride Gate
Disney has always boasted an inclusive environment, and with Pride coming up decor has started arriving. This backstage gate has been transformed into a photo op for anyone celebrating love this pride season. I love it when Disney adds art to a normally invisible space.
Cotton-top Tamarins Missing
The Cotton-top Tamarins are missing again. I was told by a Cast Member that they were just backstage again, but every time they remove this sign I panic. I love those tiny primates. Hopefully, they will be back soon.
Abdim’s Storks
The Abdim’s Storks are still doing well, but don’t have a sign. The male stork was very actively roaming around the exhibit, while the female held down the nest. I hope these two have the baby they have been trying to have soon. Maybe not being in the middle of Dinoland and in a more quiet space will help.
Tortoise Breakfast
There is nothing more precious than watching these tortoises enjoy their vegan breakfast. I don’t think I have ever seen any other living creature enjoy lettuce more. It is the little eye squints that truly send me over the cuteness edge.
The animals are usually most active in the morning because that’s breakfast, so if you are looking to see as many animals as possible be sure to rope drop the animal exhibits.
EYELASHES
When I was checking Mombasa Marketplace I noticed that this ostrich that they have sold for ages has exquisite eyelashes. Nicer than mine! How is that okay? This plush has nicer eyelashes than me. Worst of all, they felt like false lashes.
Gorilla Falls Trail
I ran through the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail to see if anyone else was enjoying their breakfast. The Gorillas were certainly enjoying some green leaves this morning. I love the little one sitting with her family.
The zebras were very disinterested in anything that wasn’t each other. They are still just weird to look at. My brain doesn’t like the striped horse.
Maharajah Jungle Trek at Animal Kingdom
In the Maharajah Jungle Trek, I stopped to say hi to my reptilian friends and check on baby tiger Bakso. I remember when that tiny little tiger was the same size as my dog. Now he’s almost 100 pounds!
Tigers – Sohni and Bakso Move Habitats
Sohni and Bakso have moved into a new habitat. Well, not new, just new to them. Bakso and Sohni traded with Tiger Dad. Now Tiger Dad is living where they were. This morning Bakso was up to his normal kiddo behavior playing with Mom.
Animal Kingdom Birdie Bunch
So picture this. I was getting a cute calm video of the bird at the bottom left when this big ol boy came up behind me like I was in his way. I was so focused on the other bird that I overlooked it until another guest whispered over, “he’s on your right – don’t move fast.” He was a great model and posed for the video before I continued on my way.
Disney Springs Shopping Spree
After that close encounter, I decided it was time for a much-needed shopping spree at Disney Springs, but I can’t get too much because I have a staircase to walk back up. The up escalator of the Lime Garage is currently being worked on.
Disney Style – New Corkcicle
At DisneyStyle, I found a new Corkcicle Stanely-like bottle. This bottle is nicer than a Stanley. I love the beige and classic Walt Disney World stamp with Mickey Mouse. This bottle is available for $54.99. The last thing I need is another cup, but Disney and Corkcicle like to tempt me.
More New Corkcicles
See what I mean by tempting me? Corkcicle has also released a new Star Wars Grogu collection along with the Princess collection that keeps expanding. I can honestly tell you that out of all the insulated bottles I have tried in the parks in the summer heat, Corkcicle is the best. I often have ice still in the bottle even after six or seven hours in the park.
New Canvas Loungefly Backpacks in the World of Disney
My last stop was the World of Disney, where I found a pair of new canvas Loungefly backpacks. I like the canvas bags more than the normal mini backpacks, mostly because you can at least fit a bottle in these.
Obviously, as an employee of WDWNT, the Figment bag has to be my favorite, but I love the Disney snacks on the brown and Tiffany blue color palette. Each bag is available for $80.
I hope you enjoyed our morning exploring Disney’s Animal Kingdom and shopping in Disney Springs. I can’t choose a favorite moment when there are so many adorable and fascinating animals in Animal Kingdom.
Let me know in the comments below if you have a favorite animal friend from today’s visit.
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