On Animal Kingdom's approximate 500 acre Park, there are about 1700 animals, representing 250 species! While those animals are scattered about the park, and you might not get to see all of them every time you go, Animal Kingdom has a nifty little guide that you can have to keep track of who you do see! There are more detailed (though, not able to take home) guides on some of the trails, including the trail with all of the birds) and the Kilimanjaro Safari.


Take a peek here, and enjoy a preview of some of the creatures you'll find on your next safari to Animal Kingdom!

Isn't it amazing how many animals they have? They'll be getting more too, with the arrival of those sweet little tiger cubs, some of the last in the world of that species. Disney does a lot to help preserve the lives and species, and I didn't realize just how much until I took the time to actually listen for a while on our last visit there.  ​
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At any retail spot in Animal Kingdom, you can also make a donation to the Disney Conservation Fund. They'll give you a really cool button as a thank you that you can wear to remind you, or someone else, about the important conservation efforts Disney does throughout their parks, not just at Animal Kingdom. 

When we went last, the button was of a sea turtle. Do you have any yourself? 

I LOVE Disney Treats, and there is very little that's better than looking at these yummy delights through the nose smudged (Oops! Sorry!) case at Goofy's Candy Kitchen. I don't really stand that close, but who wouldn't want to get a close up at these beauties? What's amazing though is they taste just as good as they look. I've tried to make the caramel apples at home, and they are closeish...but not nearly the same. I think I'm lacking the Pixie Dust and wave of Mickey's wand that must happen in the creation process! 

​Collecting autographs of your favorite Disney Characters is not only fun, but also is free, gives you more interaction with the characters and sends you home with great memories! Almost every character in a Disney Park can sign an autograph for you, but how do you collect them?


We have some great tips for unique ways to capture those autographs!


On our most recent trip, we didn't use a book like we had in years past, because it really just sat on the shelf. What we did instead, was to buy the largest size white letters at the craft store and the characters signed those. I was surprised at how big a hit that was. Pluto told us he wanted a P, and tried to hang our youngest's A up over his house, Pooh wanted a P, so did Pluto, and Donald wanted a D too! It was really fun for our boys, and are going to be something that they can actually look at, and remember those awesome moments. Here is what our letters looked like!

​There are so many other neat ways too!! Click on any photo to take you directly for more info. 


Have a character sign a story book!  We saw a lot of families walking around with this one, and having the character sign on his or her own page! The book is less than $6 at Amazon, no wonder! 
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​Have a character sign in an autograph book that you've made, or bought

The signing of index cards, then putting them with the photos once you get back is very popular too!!  

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Want to sleep on a pillowcase filled with Disney magic?  

​How about a photo mat that has all of the names of your favorites, then a photo of you with one?
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A T shirt or hat that's been signed is more special that one you buy! (But keep in mind, the character’s can't sign your shirt if you are in it! )

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With so many different ways to capture memories, it's tough to choose! Just remember to bring Sharpies, because while some Cast Members will have them on hand, not all will! It's better to be prepared so you don't walk away empty handed. 

Who's the one character you are dying to meet? I FINALLY, FINALLY got to meet Tigger and Pooh, and let me tell you..it was a life long dream come true. I can still feel Tigger's squeeze! 

  

Have you ever wondered just how much you can do in a morning if you have a touring plan? Look at that map! Hollywood Studios has a lot of little back areas that make for a lot of walking! Disney Magic Mommy is going to show you how you can make the most of a morning at Hollywood Studios and do TEN attractions in just 3 hours! Even better? WITHOUT fastpasses, so you can save those for your afternoon when the lines get longer, or for park hopping!


Want to have a touring plan for the other parks? We've got a 4 week series for you!


Click here for 9 attractions in 3 hours at Epcot
Click here for 10 attractions in 3 hours at Animal Kingdom 
Click here for 10 attractions in 3 hours at Magic Kingdom
Click here for Magic Kingdom Ages 2-6, 12 rides in 3 1/2 hours
Click here for Magic Kingdom Ages 7-12, 10 rides in 4 1/2 hours

It's important to start the morning off right. Do your best to get to the park with enough time to get through security before your starting time. Usually 30 to 45 minutes does the trick.


We are starting out our day when the gates open. (That means, you are at the park, already through security and ready to roll!)  Do these attractions in this order, and you're going to get to do TEN awesome things including headliners in just 3 hours! That includes walking time from place to place.


Hollywood Studios Overview


Hollywood Studios has a reputation for being a half day park especially now that so many attractions are closed to make way for Toy Story Land and Star Wars Land. It's not really, there is a lot to see and do if you take your time, but you CAN do a lot in just a few hours. Follow our plans, and you can do TEN things in just 3 hours! That includes walking form place to place. Follow the steps in order! There is so much to experience at Hollywood Studios, I hope you will have the chance to explore it, if you haven’t already.




           1. Rockin Coaster with Aerosmith : Jump aboard your limo and race to the show! ​

           2. Twilight Zone Tower of Terror: Will you make it out alive?

          3. Star Tours: The Adventure Continues: Help the Rebel Spy escape the empire in this 3D                  ride

          4. Minnie and Mickey Starring in Red Carpet Dreams: Meet sorcerer Mickey and Hollywood               Glamour Minnie

          5. Toy Story Mania: Join the other toys in a fun carnival style 3D ride
 
          6. Meet BB8 : The new Star Wars Universe cutie!  

          7. Meet Chewbacca: He growls! He hugs! He doesn't smell like a walking carpet!  

         8. Meet Kylo Ren: Let's hope you are wearing a shirt showing your support of the First                       Order  

         9. Star Wars Launch Bay: Check out the awesome movie props, watch a movie, get                           stopped by the Stormtroopers and trade with the Jawas!  

       10. Ride Star Tours one more time, or check out the next showing in the Star Wars theater            now that you're in the Star Wars mood!

Finish all of that, and stop off for some lunch! Backlot Express has Star Wars themed food, FREE DRINK REFILLS and a great view of the Jedi Training if you still haven’t gotten your fill of Star Wars. That leaves you with 3 open fast passes and a while afternoon to explore the other wonderful things in Hollywood Studios!

Hidden Mickey's are everywhere at Disney! It's fun to try and spot them on the walls, the floor, in pictures...they are everywhere. My 2 kids like to keep the Disney Magic going even while we aren't on vacation by pointing out things to me like: "Look! Those chocolate chips are a hidden Mickey!" "Hey! Those spots on the sidewalk are a hidden Mickey!"  

There are some books out there to show you where some of them are, and of course, it's just fun to discover on your own!


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