By Jay Whipple
Trend Magazine Online™
Still The Best! cont'd.
Trend Magazine Online™
Still The Best! cont'd.
While exploring Africa I stumbled upon a most interesting human character who was slim, over six feet, dressed in traditional garb, and playing a very unique instrument that sounded somewhat like a harp. In fact, he did state that the harp was based on the instrument that he was playing which originated in Africa with The Talking Drum. He played it so effortless and natural all while singing and explaining the history of instruments from that southern continent. Next I decided to check out the Festival of the Lion King based on one of Disneys most successful animated flicks. The attendant was very helpful in providing me with the information that I needed to enter the theatre and at the proper time. The 30-minute Broadway-ish show was nothing short of spectacular from start to finish. It was full of color, carefully choreographed dances, great singing, and flawless set changes. It kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the entire production and I was really impressed at how they incorporated some of the little members of the audience into their hit show.
Next I decided to check out at least one ride during my
half-day stint at Disney's Animal Kingdom so it was off to the Kilimanjaro
Safaris for a ride through the lush African savanna to search for lions,
elephants, giraffes and more. Our vehicle was similar to and expanded
version of the old U.S. Army 2 ½ Ton Truck known affectionately as a Deuce
and a Half by us old soldiers. 
Our driver was also our narrator who really
impressed me with his knowledge and recognition of African animals as he
pointed us in the direction of those that were visible like the Hippopotamus
and Rhinoceros. I was also quite intrigue at the eight-foot or so
mound of dirt that was crafted by ants that could have easily been their Tower
of Babel from the book of Genesis in the King James Bible. We
were also impressed with our drivers ability to navigate a broken down bridge
that almost collapsed while we were crossing it; which of course was part of
the show.As I perused the park I noticed that there were many people speaking many different languages from all parts of the globe. A testament to how popular the Disney brand is worldwide. I then came across a neat little area that was set aside for both novice and expert Congo players. I was tempted to show of my talents but decided against it because I did not want to steal the show from the paid extras. Smile!
Next, I spotted
another guy wearing traditional African garb; this one had a small
audience surrounding him as he crafted wooded statues right before our eyes. I
watched in amazement as he turned a virgin piece of tree trunk into a very
valuable souvenir. I could not resist the temptation to take home a piece of
his talents in the form of a little Rhinoceros. His lady assistant was
nice enough to pose for a pic with me.
Those type tickets were done away with (in favor of all-day
passes) in 1982 when EPCOT (Experimental Prototype Community Of
Tomorrow) opened. Read about my trip there in the January 2016 edition. Today
the park is known as the Magic Kingdom, back then it was simply known as
Walt Disney World/Orlando.
