Disney Weekend Part 2: Animal Kingdom

Day two of Beanie's Birthday celebration started bright and early! We pulled into the Animal Kingdom at 8:00 AM and hit the road running!

A first for all of us!

Ready for a fun day full of animals!

After entering the park, we walked through the first series of sidewalks. It reminded us of the zoo we visited in Nashville, but of course more extreme. Right off the bat, Dustin noticed a specific bird in the sanctuary, the Weaver. This is a special bird to us because the name Penelope means "Weaver." We all took a moment to watch these beautiful birds weave amazing nests.

Weaver nest

Weaver :)

After admiring the birds, we continued on straight to the fast pass kiosk. We got a fast pass for the African Safari, the Lion King show and the Finding Nemo Show. Then we headed straight to the safari. It is best to go first thing in the morning when it is cool because the animals are out. We lucked out and were able to take two 30 minute tours back to back! It was amazing! We got to see all of the animals and even had to stop the vehicle several times because giraffes and other animals were on the trail and wouldn't move. Xavier was enthralled!

After the safari (twice) we took a train out to "Rafiki's Island." Here, there was a petting zoo, and the animal hospital along with lots of animals and learning stations. We also go to meet "Rafiki" from the Lion King while on the island. The petting zoo was obviously his favorite!

His favorite animal!!! The Owl!

Meeting Rafiki

BIG BOY!

Train ride

After Rafiki's Island, we walked through more of the animal trails...

Xavier and the Hippo!

Ahh!

Next, we went to the Lion King show...it was AMAZING!!!! It is like a musical, circus and show all in one. I didn't get any pictures but we were super impressed!! Afterwards we stopped at "Pizzafari" for some lunch and then got autographs from Dug and Russell from "Up."

reluctant...

 By this time, it was time for our fast pass for the Finding Nemo show. This was cool too, but I didn't take pics during. I was able to catch a few right before it began though...

Waiting in line..

Here we go!

Nemo was good...not amazing..and Xavier took a nap during the majority of it which was fine. When we came out of the theatre 40 minutes later, it was raining! We headed to Asia as there are indoor walkways and animal displays.

Baby Poncho!

It only rained for a bit so we hid in a bat cave and waited it out...it was disgusting but the boys loved it. Next we headed to Dinoland where we went on the Triswirl Ride and I went on an adult ride alone while the boys rode the Triswirl once more...

Next up, the "Boneyard." This was just a giant playground with stairs ramps and slides. Xavier was OBSESSED but it closed 5 minutes after we arrived due to inclement weather. He was devestated!

We decided after Dinoland to head toward the Tree of Life. On the way, we ran into an old friend.... :)

DAISY!

Next, we went to the 3D show "It's a Bug's Life." It was terrifying! Several small children left screaming. Beanie held on tight...

On to the tree where we got one of the only pics of all three of us the whole weekend.

By this time, it was dinner time and we had reservations at the "Rainforest Cafe." Dustin and I hadn't eaten at one of these restaurants since we got engaged in Nashville in 2008. It is always such a fun atmosphere. Every 30 minutes there is a "storm" and the lighting and music changes. Their are animals every where. Xavier enjoyed it!

Because Disney is so magical, the waitress knew it was Xavier's birthday and brought him a special dessert!!

Daddy helped.......

Before we left, we tried to get a pic with some of the animals around the restaurant but X was NOT having it!

Before leaving, Daddy bought Xavier some animal toys to remember his special weekend in Disney. Daddy spoils his Bean rotten!

After dinner, we headed out of the park, located the car and packed up. It was 6PM and we still had a 4 hour drive ahead of us. Xavier was asleep before we even turned out of the parking lot and he slept for 13 hours straight!

Weekend's like this one are truly what life is about. Celebrating our little Bean's second birthday brought us so much joy. We are so glad God chose us to be his mama and dada :)