Day 6: Animal Kingdom
I dreamed that night. Odd dreams about Rey and Mr Potato Head piloting a train. Clearly my brain was happy I had such a nice day at HS. The weather was beautiful, I had some instant oatmeal for breakfast, I was rested and happy - it was time to head back to Animal Kingdom.
I made an early start of it. No
Genie+ for me today! Even though I was at the bus stop an hour before park opening and there were only 5 other people on the bus with me, I was at the back of the pack of rope droppers. Sometimes that's just how luck works. Happily, as everyone else headed towards FoP, I hooked a left and was one quickly on a ride through the Navii river. NRJ gets a lot of bad press. I agree it's not an exciting ride - but neither is the People Mover, and people love it. I think NRJ is beautiful. It did seem like NRJ could use some maintenance, though. If you looked closely there were a lot of small lights that didn't work, some of the lit twirling things didn't twirl. There were a couple of broken "plants" where you could see the plastic/wood. Still, I enjoy the ride, and it's a nice way to start the day. It was only about 7:20 when I got off, so I headed to the Safari.
I have to admit - I was shocked at the line to get into the Safari. It was backed up and around almost to Harambe Market. What I didn't realize is that they won't let you into the queue until the safari opens at 8. The minute the clock hit 8 am, the gates opened, and 15 minutes later I was climbing into a giant jeep. I have usually had great safaris in the morning, but there just weren't a lot of animals out that day. Needing a bigger animal fix, I wandered through the Gorilla Falls trail, then stared at the Tree of Life for a while. No matter how long I look, I never see everything on the Tree of Life. Are there maps anywhere that show every creature carved into it? I wandered a bit, and shopped. Still nothing I wanted to buy. It was the same thing in every shop, and just nothing I wanted. I almost always find something in AK, but not this time. My shopping heart was sad.
I really only went to AK to ride NRJ and the Safari, so I headed back to the Lodge early. I was the only person on the bus headed back. After a brief rest, I was back on the bus, headed to Disney Springs.
When I had last been to DS right after the pandemic, I had the best sandwich at Earl of Sandwich - their Holiday Turkey (turkey, stuffing, cranberry mayo, cheddar) and I hadn't been able to forget it. Today seemed like the right day to eat it again. And yay! They still had it! But somehow, it wasn't as good as I remembered. It tasted more artificial. I ate only a few bites and threw it away. My biggest food disappointment of the trip.
Uniqlo is one of my weakness at Disney Springs. They have unusual tshirts and great clothes, and no branches anywhere near where I live. I ended up buying a couple of tshirts and a waffle henley. That henly has henley has been wonderful - so warm and so soft! - I really wish I'd bought a second one in another color. Next I went back to the Summer House and picked up 2 more lemon cookies. Have I mentioned how good they are? lol You really do have to try them.
That night I packed up to return home. I grabbed another bison burger and fries at Geyser Point, and watched the fireworks from there. It was nice to just relax. There is something about WDW. You are too tired to move quick, you've had too much fun to be stressed, you got to spend a whole week doing things just for yourself. I felt filled with joy and empty of stress. It was nice to sit by the lake and feel lucky to be there.