Day Three - Disney's Animal Kingdom

Today was HOT! The recorded temperature was in the 90s, but it felt like over 100. It was a good day to do the smallest park with the ride that gets you the most wet!

We started out in Dinoland riding the Triceratops. I knew the kids liked that Dumbo-like ride. We went on it a few times. Then we tried out the small roller coaster there. Kyle and Ella loved it so we went on again. It was tame enough even for me.

We saw the Nemo Musical. I was really impressed with the puppets (I grew up with Sesame Street and have loved puppets since I learned what they were). Ella really enjoyed it - couldn't take her eyes off the stage. Kyle not so much, but it was inside and air onditioned and even at 10:30am that felt great.

After Nemo we went on the dinsaur ride. It was intense, good thing I knew what to expect from reading my huge unofficial Diney guide. I may have been scared by the dinsaurs. Kyle shows no emotion at all on the rides, it's hard to tell what he thinks. He either says "all done" over and over again, or points to go back on.

After a short stop for lunch we headed out to Africa for the Kilimangaro Safari. If you haven't been to the San Diego Wild Animal Park it may have ben something exciting, but since we used to live in San Diego, this was not. Ella thought it was cool - 6 years olds have a diffrent perspective on things.

Then the really fun parts - we went on the Kali River Rapids ride and I did not get all that wet. So I thought we'd go to the Everest Expedition ride - it's a "train" and Kyle LOVEs trains. The guide should say THIS IS A ROLLER COASTER not "fast train". I saw what it was and decided I would go - just so much easier when only 2 seats and pass that gets you to the front.

I DO NOT like roller coasters and did not plan to go on one. I think the heat was affecting my better judgement. I survived, but can't wait to get back to my craniosacral therapist - I'm sure I hurt something in my neck and shoulders!

We arrived back at the loading dock and Kyle said weeeee and wanted to go again. So I have not one but TWO thrill seeking roller coaster junkie children - obviously from their father's side. Ryan took Kyle back on it 6 times and took Ella one more time. He and Kyle were ready to go the 7th time and the ride broke down. I don't know how long those poor people were stuck going up the peek of the mountain. It was at least 15 minutes before we left.

That was it - we headed home. I had frozen our tea in bottles the night before and it was still partially frozen. We were all a bit dehydrated. We had an early dinner and went swimming.

At 7:30pm Ella and I headed out for the Illumintions show at Epcot Center. Epcot is having a wine and beer festival of some sort - lots of adults drinking heavily. But we found a nice spot to watch the show near Germany and some great pretzels to eat while waiting.

Six minutes before the show at 9pm it started to sprinkle. Three minutes before the show it was a downpour (I learned 2 inches/hour). Ella and I had moved to a spot under a cafe unmbrella, but we still got soaked.

After the show we had to walk all the way back to the car - almost 20 minutes and we were really drenched by then. She was a pretty good sport about it. She was cold and wet and admittedly, this was not fun. I don't think I've been that wet from rain since college band practices. It was the one time so far I had not packed the umbrella or raincoat along!

Tomorrow is our day off. We plan to go out for lunch and spend time at the pool. Maybe I'll hit that nearby outlet mall :-)