There was a parade in the afternoon with enormous, specially designed animals worked by one or two people. Sam really enjoyed watching all of the animals go by. 
Sam collapsed after all the fun and excitement. Here he is in front of the Siberian tiger exhibit. Good thing there was a lot of glass between us and the tigers. The most dangerous ride the day we went to Animal Kingdom was the Mount Everest roller coaster. A 43 year-old man died of a heart attack at about 11am that morning. 
We got to go to the petting zoo inside Animal Kingdom. When we first got there, I turned around for a second to get a brush for the animals and left Sam with Bill. I turned back around when I heard people yelling and caught site of Bill carrying Sam and running into the animal's feeding area (which was roped-off). As I gathered more information from the people yelling around me, I realized that one of the goats had stolen Bill's park map from his back pocket while he was kneeling down petting the pygmy goats. He was trying to get it back, but wasn't able to move fast enough. A park employee (aka "cast member") finally tackled the goat and got it back. I laughed so hard. The goats did it about three more times before we left the area (to three different people). So, the photo above shows how curious the goats are. It also shows the last time we ever saw Bill's hat, which was tied to the back of his backpack.
That evening, Sam finally got to meet Minnie. The line for Mickey was WAY too long. He liked her nose too!
Here we are with Fran at the Country Bear Jamboree. I knew Sam would love it, and he really did.
We're waiting for it to begin in this photo. Sam loves his Uncle Fran. He wanted to be held by him a lot.
Have you ever been to the Jamboree? It looks like the same exact bears as when I was a kid. One of the bears even had fur worn off of her chest where her claws were constantly moving up and down. I was a little disappointed the magical aspect was gone for me, but Sam was riveted.
He enjoyed "Buff" the Buffalo head on the wall. When the bears were transitioning to another song, Sam would point to the wall and say "more" with his sign language.
I almost forgot to add this photo of Sam entertaining everyone in the waiting hall. He was dancing and making everyone laugh. He definitely enjoys being the center of attention.
Afterwards, Sam rode on Fran's shoulders through the Electric Street Parade.
We walked over to a new ride called "Monster's Inc. Laugh Factory." I had my reservations about this comedy show, but I haven't laughed so hard in months. It was an interactive comedy routine with different cartoon characters doing stand-up.
The cartoon character would pick different people in the audience and make them do his bidding. There was a hidden video camera and the audience member would show up on the big screen. Well, Bill was chosen and - I can't do this justice in writing - but the cartoon told Bill to give him his best dance. Bill was sitting with his arms folded and a scowl on his face when they first put his image on the big screen. The cartoon said to do a jig. Bill didn't change his position. The cartoon egged him and said to do a belly dance. Bill didn't change his position. Finally, the cartoon said to do the polka and Bill jumped out of his seat and danced this hysterical dance. Then, he sat down and put the scowl back on his face and folded his arms.
I laughed till I cried.
Hope you had a Merry Christmas.
