Wild Africa Trek

 Always a fan of experiences over stuff, my Christmas gift to the guys was the Wild Africa Trek behind the scenes tour at Animal Kingdom Park during our holiday trip.   The only time that we were able to reserve was the first time slot on January 1.  What an exciting way to start the new year!  It was also our last hurrah before heading home.   

The tour starts near the Kilimanjaro Safari entrance where each participant is outfitted with vest, ear piece and a locker to stash all loose articles.  We were given a strap to hold on our sunglasses and a waterbottle that attached to our vest.   Hands free!  I was able to wear my phone in a case around my neck; the guys left theirs in the locker.   We also had a dedicated Photopass photographer with us the entire 3-hour tour.   Our group was around 12 people, I believe, in groups of 2, 3 and 4, with one woman on her own since she was sick the day her family did their regularly scheduled tour.

Backstage our forest walk and zip line were in the hippo and crocodile area, which was fun to see from behind the usual viewing area.  I loved the perspective of the trucks on the other side of the water.  We were fastened in to make sure we didn't lean over too far and tumble into the croc waters!

From this area, you could see how back to the barn, which you can't see from anywhere along the drive.  I don't think the crocs get much barn time, but the hippos and other animals do!

Finally it was time to head up to the ropes course and cross the two bridges.   I knew there was one, not not two.  I also didn't realize the big gaps in the spacing!  You definitely had to watch your feet.  There was netting below but no need to rely on that.   There was a hippo sunning itself in the sand under the first bridge and crocodiles under the second.   I went first, then William, then John, each spaced half a bridge apart, so I was able to get pictures of the two of them, and the Photopass did as well.

After each person had done the bridges, we shed our vests and boarded a specialty safari vehicle for a modified tour and transport to our boma for lunch.   It was so much fun to listen to our guide and photographer discuss their favorite animals by name, in particular this longhorn (Ankole) named Audrey.  She was a personality and ended up being the star of the safari, when I've rarely given the cattle much attention on a public safari.

Lunch was a lovely tiffin of mezze and juice which hit the spot.  The view from the elevated boma back across the savannah was neat in order to see areas you normally don't see in one shot.   I also never realized there were multiple baobob trees besides the one they talk about during the safari.

Audrey or one of her Ankole relatives showing off the water station.

Disney Holiday - New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve ended up being a super chill day and night.  We slept in, enjoyed coffee on the balcony, did some swimming, and head over to Epcot for a few rides, lunch and walking around.  We had a late dinner at Flying Fish on the Boardwalk so no real commute to speak of, and then planned to return to Epcot for their New Year's Eve fireworks.  Only we never did.   I wasn't into the crowds and loved my balcony so much that I chose to stay and watch from there.   Plus knowing how early our New Year's Day plans were starting, it was hard to want to be out late.   John decided to stay with me.   I was surprised how many people had the Boardwalk as a destination - there was some entertainment but nothing very formal.  Most of the entertainment for us was people watching and just enjoy the atmosphere.     

At midnight we saw both Magic Kingdom and Epcot fireworks at the same time.   I was very impressed!  It was fairly impossible to get in the same frame though.