Thursday, April 19 - Animal Kingdom
This was a pretty relaxed morning because I didn’t want to get to AK too early and get caught in the FOP madness. So we took our time, and had great luck with the buses so arrived at the gate at around 8:50. We strolled to Discovery Island where we got in line for Russell (from Up). We were first in line - I don’t think Russell is a huge draw at RD. 
After we met Russell, we headed to meet Pocahontas. We were about three groups back so it didn’t take long at all. After Pocahontas, DD7 and I headed to EE. DH isn’t a fan of roller coasters which works out well because DD7 and I both love them! DD7 didn’t love EE quite as much as last year and I think it had to do with the fact that we did it so early in the morning.
After EE, we strolled through the Maharajah Jungle and got to see the baby tigers. They were so cute, climbing all over the mama tiger, and tugging at each other. I could’ve stayed and watched them all day, but alas it was time for our KS FP.
We had great safari marred only by the fact that DD7 didn’t get to see the baby hippo. She is such a rule follower that she refused to get out of her seat at all to look, even though we were stopped, so she wasn’t able to see him. Anyways, that lead to a few tears, but she got over it pretty quickly.
After KS, it was time for our FOP FP. I could hardly stand the excitement! I had loved Soarin so much, that I just knew that it would be unbelievable. We made our way to Pandora (which is so beautiful!). We all went up for our FP as I wanted to get a RS for DH. Even though he had a FP, I was worried that our first ride may take us past the FP window and I wanted to be sure he got to ride. The CM didn’t even ask about DH’s FP and gave us the RS with no questions asked.
I could tell that DD7 was finding the pre-show a bit intense - she was listening intently and trying to make sure she was right on her number etc. I leaned over to remind her this was all make believe and she relaxed a bit.
When we got onto our ride vehicles, I made sure she had lots of room and didn’t feel too pressed up against the front. She said she was good to go.
Unfortunately the man next to her did not get to ride. The CM couldn’t get the restraints closed. He was not loud or belligerent at all, but he was definitely upset. He had waited for a long time and hadn’t noticed the test vehicles outside the ride. The CM was trying to appease him, offering FPs etc. After a few minutes of back and forth, he left the ride. When I looked at DD7, I could see she was upset. When I asked if she was ok, she said no, she wanted to get off right now. Unfortunately I couldn’t calm her so we ended up getting off without riding. 
On the way out, she kept saying she felt so bad for that man and his wife. I think it was a combination of things, and that was sort of the thing that tipped her over the edge. In any event, she finally calmed down when we got a cold drink and some food. I didn’t even use the RS because I thought it was best to get on with our day and keep her distracted
After lunch we did the Nemo show which I thought was really well done. Part way through the show, I looked at DD7 and her eyes were glistening. When I asked what was wrong, she said she was still feeling sad for the man at the ride. She was really affected by the whole thing!
After the show, I snagged a FP for Kali for DH and DD7. After they rode Kali, we headed back to WL. We had some more pool time and another meal at Geyser Point for dinner which was great. Geyser Point and the boat to MK are definite pros to staying at WL, imo!
We headed to bed early because we were going to attempt early EMH at Mk the next morning.
hi neighbour)
After Crush, we did the Nemo ride with FP and DD4 loved this ride too!
