Check out my weekly Blog post on Patch.com.  

This week I discuss discovering DeVine at the Animmal Kingdom.

One of my favorite trails is in Asia, along the Maharajah Jungle Trek. It is here you will find the big cats, Tigers.  Their are several viewing areas along the trail.  I have always been able to get an great photo.  On this participially hot day I was able to caught one taking a dip to cool off. Their beauty is amazing, and everyone should take a few extra minutes here to enjoy them.

By now you know I like the little things off the beaten path.  Located in one of the bathrooms in the Animal Kingdom are these wonder frogs.  You never know what you will see, so make sure you keep your eyes open.
   

I always love to try and see the Silver Back Gorilla at the Animal Kingdom.  On this day I got lucky.  He was sitting right up against the glass in the viewing area.  Well at least his silver back was.

The Impala are found on Kilimanjaro trails in Africa.  They are a beautiful graceful antelope.  According to National geographic "Impalas are fleet runners who are able to leap distances of up to 33 feet (10 meters). They use this technique to escape predators and sometimes, apparently, simply to amuse themselves. The impala can also clear bushes and other obstacles by soaring some 10 feet (3 meters) in the air. Typically, a running impala will simply jump over anything in its path."

Here at Animal Kingdom, the are amazing to watch as they gaze on top of their hill.  Take the time to look for them.

When at any Disney park you are always on the look out for a quite place to caught your breath and relax.  At the Animal Kingdom one of the best spots is among the dinosaurs, over at Dinoland, USA.

I remember going to Animal Kingdom and riding along the river.  I thought this was great.  A breeze, a witty driver and a break from walking.  What happened?

The ride was a non-stop trip that brought the passengers  to the docks of the Safari Village or Asia. The captain would  point out items on the river. Small animal handlers would do a show and tell along the way.

In 1999 the attraction was renamed Radio Disney River Cruise and played commentary from Radio Disney.  The routes were also modified, with boats returning to the departing dock instead of stopping at the other dock for guests to disembark.

The ride closed in late 1999 due to large numbers of disappointed guests who had not realized that the ride's original purpose was transportation.


 The docks, however, can still be seen in the park. The Safari Village dock is used for character greetings while Asia's dock is now a shaded area where guests can sit down and relax.

The Animal Kingdom has the most amazing landscaping.  The park is filled with lush tropic enivorment.  You can not help but notice the towering bamboo.  It there is a breeze the day you are visiting, just stop and listen to the magic sounds of the bamboo swaying.  I love it!

On my last trip, I noticed something strange.  The bamboo was a bright green.  I though, "What an unusual color."  I had to look closer.  "That is painted!"  Unfortunately, some many people have craved their name and initials into the beautiful bamboo, Disney has deiced to paint them.    I understand, in the wilds of Asia you would not see "AJ loves MK".  It did make me sad.  Why and who does this? You can't enjoy nature or are you so self obsessed that you think everyone needs to know you were there?  Please some one explain.

Next time you visit, the Animal Kingdom let yourself be immersed in the landscape.  It will enhance your enjoyment of the park.  OK, I am off my soap box for now.