Animal Kingdom Walt Disney World

Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World in Orlando Florida is our favorite park. I appreciate the creation of a massive garden with a creative blend of natural and artificial plants.

We were with grandchildren so our day wasn't just about the animals. We all enjoyed the Avatar ride in the Pandora section, which we headed for as soon as the park opened (called "rope drop").

Photo provided by Disney

We were wowed by the wood carvings in the baobab tree sculpture known as the Tree of Life. There are more than 300 animal sculptures. Our grandchildren delighted in finding them.

The animal safari ride is a must do attraction. This is the only time in our 5-day visit that I carried a small camera with a zoom lens instead of relying on my mobile phone.

Suggestion- walk past the falls to see the gorilla.

There's a petting zoo too.

If you need a break, there are shows throughout the park. My wife particularly liked the show from the lakeside arena.

Photo by Sandy*

And keep an eye out for character parades.*

After our grandchildren left, my wife and I walked the Tiger Trail.

 And we sat down for a sesamee chicken dinner before taking the park bus to back to our unit in the Caribbean Resort. The best part of this meal getting quick service without having to plan ahead using a mobile app.

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Magic Kingdom Walt Disney World

Park Notes based on our visit in 2022

Animal Kingdom is the first of the parks to open. Hours vary. For us, the hours were 8 to 8. By staying on property, you get in a half-hour early.

We did not use  Genie+  at Animal Kingdom and still got Avatar Flight of Passage and the Kilimanjaro Safari without excessive wait times.

I set my Lumix camera on the recommended sports scene setting to capture quick shots of animals during the safari ride. It's the only time I carried a camera so I could have a decent optical zoom lens but I wouldn't carry a heavier camera.

* Photos by Sandy Sutton using a Google Pixel 4 phone camera

We stayed at the Caribbean Beach Resort. It was a short ride to Animal Kingdom.

Silver Dollar City Branson Missouri

Massive skillet at Silver Dollar City

Silver Dollar City (SDC) is an 1800s themed amusement park in Branson, Missouri USA. My wife and I have visited the attraction many times since 1972.

You will find the most recent schedule of rides, shows, and other attractions on their website. Despite it's old-time theme, SDC stays current by adding new rides--including some serious coasters. You can also download the SDC app for current showtimes and waiting times on rides.

Here's a brief look at The Outlaw Run coaster- I took this after my ride 27 November 2016.

A new and exciting ride is Time Traveler, which I rode several times since this video from 9 October 2018.

The shows vary with the season so if you frequent the area, you will profit from a season pass to see different shows. On a one time visit, I'd recommend Christmas- the lights are spectacular and the productions of It's a Wonderful Life and A Christmas Carol are well done.

SDC is clearly a family-friendly place. There are separate areas for children's rides and activities. Also, many shows are either child-friendly or designed specifically with children in mind.



One unique attraction for an amusement park is a guided tour underground through Marvel Cave. This is an old photo (1980) but tours still go on.




In keeping with the 1800s theme you will find a candy maker (free samples), glass blower, blacksmith, carpenter, and many more.

Here's a video of an old lathe.

At Christmas time there are two special program events that draw a big crowd near the Christmas tree. The tree lights pulse to Christmas tunes at 5:00 pm for a fifteen minute show and nearby you will see a parade (weather permitting) at 6:00 pm. These events are repeated later. We recently went on a Sunday and the park hours were 1:00 to 9:00 pm. Check online for daily openings and hours.

Here's a video clip showing part of the "tree" show.

About the park- Ratings where 10 is high.

Coasters 8-9; The best are: Outlaw Run a "woodie" (68 mpr) and Wildfire (66 mph), Powder Keg (64 mph)
Food = 6-7- smells great and many items taste good for theme park fare
Food and Drink Prices = 5 - Expensive for the area
Restrooms 8- clean, well-stocked
Shows-hard to rate because they vary in quality, length, and each person has a different taste. Some are worth a 9-10 rating for sure e.g., It's a Wonderful Life.

Nearby Attractions: Many shows and additional activities in Branson Missouri. www.branson.com
Website = http://www.silverdollarcity.com
SDC App =  http://www.silverdollarcity.com/theme-park/Guest-Services/Mobile-App

Tips

Lines can be very long on weekends and holidays so choose alternate days if you can.
If you go often, you can purchase a drink mug and save money on refills.
You can bring your own food and drinks into the park. Picnic tables are scattered throughout. Tip- No glass containers or alcohol.
Parking is free as are shuttle rides to the main entrance. There is a fee to park near the entrance.
Changing and nursing stations are available.
Strollers can be rented onsite.
You can enter early for breakfast at 8:30 on open days.