Disney: Snack Recommendation: Jungle Juice Slushy

If there is one thing to be said about your Disney vacation is that at least once in your trip, no matter what time of year, you're gonna say, "I'm hot."  And if you are going in the summer you'll think or say it once every 5 or so minutes.  To Disney's credit there is a numerous selection of delicious frozen drinks available to help cool you down.  Let me interrupt myself and say we thought we knew snacks at Disney.  We thought we had those nailed and were pretty unimportant to us.  We. Were. Wrong. Disney has revolutionized this whole genre that is snacks - to the point that you with your snack credit you can have another meal. So to say we had a great time discovering these delicious little treats all over the property.  One afternoon we were taking a bit of a break in Animal Kingdom when on a whim we bought the fabulous concoction that is the Jungle Juice Slushy. 

Park: Animal Kingdom

Area: Africa

Snack Stand: Mahindi

View Menu Here

It was a hit for us all immediately.  It is a delightful mix of orange juice, guava, and passion fruit.  And when I mean delightful mix - I mean it all comes together in this sweet, cool slushy that puts any ICEE or Slush Puppy to shame.  It made it that you didn't want to gulp it down but to savor each sip and roll it on your tongue.  If you are ever in the mood to cool down or just enjoy yummy things I would suggest giving this a try. 

Disney: Restaurant Recommendation: Rainforest Cafe at Animal Kingdom

When you're at Disney, you are inside what is commonly referred to as the "Disney Bubble." Basically, when you are in Disney - nothing else exists, except princesses, pirates, fairies and whatever experiences Disney can create with their magic.  It's the reason I write to you about princess makeovers, eating in castles and what to do should you meet a pirate.  So why wouldn't they have a place where you can sit down, take a rest and enjoy a meal in the rainforest?  I think it would be weird if they didn't

Rainforest Cafe @ Disney's Animal Kingdom

Park: Disney's Animal Kingdom

Area: Front of Park (right before the turnstiles)

Type: Table Service

Dining Plan: 1 Dining Credit

View Menu Here

First, this restaurant is not owned or operated by Disney.  They have a contract with Disney and they still do accept dining plans. Rainforest Cafe also has 2 locations.  1 here at Animal Kingdom and the other is in Disney Springs over in the Marketplace.  We have only eaten at the one at Animal Kingdom ('cause that's how we roll) and have enjoyed each time we have gone.  They have a wide variety on the menu (typical American fare) and we've tried different things each time and we've enjoyed every meal we've had. There's enough variety to keep us all happy and the service has lived up the standard we expect from anywhere we go in Disney.  And what a place to eat at Animal Kingdom.  The jungle animals go crazy every 15 minutes or so.  It's a dependable place we look forward to going to.  Give it a try - you just might like hanging out with the animals as you eat. 

Disney: Ride Recommendation: Kilimanjaro Safaris

Disney is great in that you are in Central Florida but oh the places they let you go.  One of the coolest things they let you do is hands down bring the plains of Africa to you when you head to Disney's Animal Kingdom and take a ride on Kilimanjaro Safaris.

Park: Disney's Animal Kingdom

Area: Africa

Fastpass+ Available

This ride is a wonder.  First, because you get to go and discover wild animals you never get to ride the same ride twice.  There is always something new to discover every time you ride.  I've been riding this ride since 1999 and it's still gives me the same excitement as it did the first time. It's one of the largest attractions on property at Disney and you get to take 18 or so minutes out of your day and re-discover how awesome nature is.  And always be on the lookout for a new baby giraffe or elephant - they never disappoint to delight and entertain.  And with the addition of night life coming to Animal Kingdom they will be adding night time safaris! It will a whole new experience including getting to use night vision goggles.  Night life is being delayed (Rivers of Light was to start April 22  but has been moved to May. #ThanksShanghai) but it should be in full swing as summer gets into full swing.  We cannot wait!  And kudos to the cast members who work this ride - they are actually driving your ride vehicle while reciting a script and pointing out all the animals.  I absolutely recommend using a fastpass on this ride because it is very popular and always has a pretty hefty wait time.  A definite must do!

Photos from our many times enjoying the safari