Orlando Riviera Extravaganza - Nov 2022 - Day 5
It was the Sunday after daylight savings time, so while DAK early entry was the earliest so far, it felt rather reasonable. Early entry was at 7:30 and we showed up at about 7:00. By the time we showed up, they were already letting people in. We decided we were early enough (and the standby queue was worth it enough) to rope drop Flight of Passage, so we did that. By the time we joined the queue, the posted wait was about 30 minutes. Apparently it took 60 minutes altogether including pre-show and ride time, but the time flew. The queue really is very pretty in the outside parts. The inside part is just ok now that they removed the Na'Vi body, but it was interesting enough, as I said, that the time passed swiftly. And the ride sealed its position for me as my favorite, even after riding Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.
In the outdoor queue for Flight of Passage
My first lighting lane of the day was for Kilimanjaro Safari with a return time between 8 and 9 so we did that, getting into the queue nearer to 9:00. The young male elephants were sparring which was neat. Then, we went to find some coffee, and I have to say the Joffrey's place near the entrance to Dinoland was disappointing. It's weird that all the Joffreys are so different. I asked for a breve again at this place, and they asked me what I meant, so I asked "Can you make me a latte but with cream instead of milk?" and the person working there said "The machine makes it. I have no control. Do you want a latte?"
Anyway, we sat and enjoyed our coffee and breakfast items in the Flame Tree seating area. I really think this seating area is one of Animal Kingdom's best kept secrets. It's expansive, and gorgeous, and ibises are always on hand to offer help in finishing your food (which we did not accept).
In the Flame Tree BBQ seating area
Headed over to Feathered Friends in Flight around 10:00, and then Nemo: The Big Blue and Beyond at 11:00. Both shows were fantastic. I think Nemo is possibly the best stage show on property.
Had an ADR for lunch at Yak and Yeti at my mom's insistence. It was my first time dining there, and I have to say we were both very pleased. I had a roasted vegetable bowl with more broccoli instead of rice which I would rate 4/5. Mom had potstickers (4.75/5) and a side of coconut shrimp (5/5), so I would say overall the restaurant was a 5/5. I would definitely eat there again.
After lunch, we headed back to Riviera for our midday break, then headed back to Animal Kingdom again around 4:30. Yes. we spent our entire day enjoying Animal Kingdom, and that's just the way I like it.
Since we hadn't needed a Lightning Lane aside from the first one we booked for Kilimanjaro Safari in the morning, I could have stacked Lightning Lanes for the evening, but there were really only a few things we hadn't done that we still wanted to do. Upon entering the park, we wanted to find a restroom and headed toward Dinoland where the nearest restrooms were, and there was a band playing during the sunset. Lots of people were dancing to their music and it was just really nice because the crowds had also dissipated for the most part so crowds were sparse.
Band playing at Animal Kingdom with a dusky Florida sky behind
After enjoying the band a bit, we headed over to Pandora for the Lightning Lane I got for Na'Vi River Journey at 5:30. After that, we wandered Pandora a bit, and then grabbed some dinner at Satuli Canteen. I had the garlic shrimp with hardy salad bowl. Mom was not hungry so just had a drink.
Pandora at night
After this, we tried to go to a shop we like in Harambe Village, Africa, but a Cast Member was standing there at the back of Africa and let us know that that entire section of Africa had already closed for the night. Bummer! It was okay, though, because we'd be back the next day. So then we walked back to the front of the park and watched a couple Tree of Life Awakenings/Beacons of Light shows. I really do think these were the best beacons I saw during the 50th. Of course, Animal Kingdom was doing Tree of Life Awakenings way before the beacons were even a thing, so it was probably very easy for them to incorporate beacons into it. The shows felt like they were nearly continuous on the Tree of Life, so that was really neat.
The Tree of Life Beacon of Light
We were getting sleepy, and we also knew we wanted to get on the bus before Animal Kingdom's official closing time of 7 PM because busses at closing are no fun, so we left the park about a half hour before closing. The bus ride was easy this time, no line, and we were back at the Riviera shortly after 8 PM, and I'm pretty sure we went directly to sleep.
Next time, our last full day in the parks, and the last day we'd see nice weather for a little while. We make the most of it, and do our two most favorite rides in the World again, and dine at Space 220! If you're enjoying this trip report, follow our Facebook page, where we will post whenever we have a new blog for you each week. Until next time...
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