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The text list below contains the captions of all images in the set.
Just about ready to head out for the day. A quick look outside from the balcony this morning.
The balcony itself. Plenty of chairs since we had a 1 bedroom.
The Village Green looks just about ready to re-open. A smaller more temporary looking fence taken over.
The ground level/reverse view of the entrance as I walked to the bus stop at about 8:15am
Arriving at the Animal Kingdom with quite a few other guests at 8:45am.
The floating mountains of Pandora visible from the park entrance.
Divine was performing near the park entrance.
This line was for the PhotoPass photographer.
Arrived at Discovery Island about 2 minutes before park opening. A good crowd was on hand.
The birds arriving for the opening moment.
Walking by the entrance to Pandora with the masses heading to Africa. In a few weeks it will be interesting to see how the crowd splits when this area opens.
As the walkway narrowed the crowd looked rather large.
Almost this entire group was heading to Kilimanjaro Safari.
So we opted to visit Gorilla Falls.
Black and White Colobus Monkeys greeting us.
A bird gathering materials for a nest on a quiet walkway through the aviary.
A larger bird using a resting hippo as a rock/perch.
The hippo moved and the bird flew off.
Slender-tailed Meerkat at the Outlook
The male Western Lowland Gorilla (silverback) near the window.
A female also came down.
The area was extremely quiet since everyone was in line for the Safari. A great time to visit. The gorillas were active this morning too.
On the bachelor side one of the four.
Another bachelor.
The water had just turned on. You could see the water start to flow in the back then build.
The family male and one of the young ones came into view.
One of the younger ones playing around.
Two young gorillas playing.
Of course a plant directly in the way!
One decided to climb a tree.
Had to check in for our tour at 9:45am. The safari line was still spilling out into Harambe as they worked to open more queue.
All checked in for the Caring for Giants experience/tour.
Had to wait while the rest of the group checked in. We were a full tour with 14 guests.
Noticed these two pressed coin machines in the area.
Interesting that the signs direct you to the app to find more machines.
After an introduction we were taken backstage and driven around to a viewing area that was constructed for the experience. No photos allowed backstage. We walked into the area and an elephant was near by.
The group all pulled out cameras for pictures. This gives an idea on the distance and view.
You can see the top of a safari truck driving by in the distance.
Off to the side the newest baby, Stella, and her mother were on the move.
More of the viewing area. There were some benches, shady spots to stand, plus a concrete area that was accessible.
Stella moving around.
It was fun to watch the trucks come by and all the cameras go up.
While we watched the elephants our guide talked about how they care for the elephants here at Animal Kingdom and was on hand to answer questions.
Here are a couple brief video clips to give a flavor of the view and talk.
Stella was active moving around. Here she is on a log.
This box is an example of a bee hive/box that villagers/farmers use in Africa to keep the elephants out of the fields.
Showing a tracking/recording collar
A look at the foot of an elephant. Interesting they basically stand on their toes on a pad.
There are two parts to the viewing area and we moved from one to the other because there were more elephants there.
Some of the props and items the guide and cultural representative used as they spoke.
Speaking of cultural representative each tour also includes someone from Africa.
A different tour/experience moving through the savanna.
Springbok running around the savanna
A last look at Stella before it was time to go. We spent about 30 minutes out on the savanna.
SNARE Art
We had a later lunch so some stopped for Dole Whips in Harambe.
The Tree of Life
Everest in the distance.
A water station inside Pizzafari. Right now mostly ice still.
I was disappointed to see Pizzafari went to only the flatbreads. I am not a fan of them, I like the old pizzas. (Note they are still at the Studios)
A look at the closed gate for Pandora. About a month until the official opening.
The view from the Nomad Lounge. A second fence/barrier is up.
Walked through the shops on Discovery Island since we were ahead of schedule. The Rivers of Light merchandise does not seem to fit the show (yes those are the barges, but the plastic look compared to the feel of the show).
Cars merchandise takes up a large section. I do not see the connection or need for this at Animal Kingdom on Discovery Island. You can buy the same type of items online, your local Disney Store or many other stores on property. I like to see area or at least park specific merchandise.
Another large area featured generic Minnie Mouse items.
Out at the new bus stop a crew looks to be preparing for a concrete pour and others are working on the queues.
A wider shot of the new bus stop.
A look at the crew working on the queue rails.
A bus pulling in for Blizzard Beach. Disney Resort guests have to come here to transfer now.