Day Four: Final Day in Disney!

We last left off with Josh feeling pretty miserable.  Well, that only got worse throughout Friday night and into Saturday morning.  Josh was coughing horribly, was feeling run down, and was sweating so much throughout the night that he had to get up take a shower and change clothes.  Lucky me was sleeping in a queen sized bed next to him!  Luckily, being the prepared mom I am,  I had brought a pharmacy of medicine with me to Disney.  The boys had been coughing some before we left and throughout our trip.  But their coughs started to get worse.  I was also coughing before I left for the trip and during, but mine always seemed to be at a consistent level and never got worse like theirs.

I knew Josh didn't feel well, so I was torn on what to do Saturday morning.  Finally, I decided that I would take the boys by myself that morning to Magic Kingdom so that Tyler could do his Pirate League makeover.  It was scheduled for 9am.  So, I got everyone up and dressed, went downstairs with them for a quick breakfast, and then we headed out to catch the boat.  If I had more time to get nervous, I think I would have.  Touring Plans rated this day a "day to avoid" at Magic Kingdom because they were taping the Christmas parade.  Actually, I saw Phillip Phillips, latest winner of American Idol, perform from afar!

After maneuvering the double stroller on and off the boat, we arrived at Magic Kingdom, and I surveyed the massive crowds waiting at the gates to enter the park at opening.  Opening was at 9am, and we got there at 8:45 am.  Since our appointment was at 9am, I knew I had to somehow get in quickly to have time to walk to Adventureland.  I remembered our travel agent saying that we would have permission to go through early before the crowds, so I found the "events" line.  Just as Disney should be, it was a piece of cake, and I was escorted right in front of the crowd and into the park!  Score!

Around this time, Josh had texted me saying that he was forcing himself to get to the park.  Feeling like I just conquered the world, I told him he didn't need to and should stay at the room.  But he was already at the boat dock by this point and determined to come help.

The Pirates League is located right next to the Pirates of the Caribbean ride.  Our travel agent had told us about this extra package.  I think we paid $37, which in all honesty is cheaper than I imagined it would be at Disney and well worth the money. 

When the boys and I arrived, Tyler got to choose from several different painted faces.  He decided to choose the cursed pirate!

All of the staff talked in true pirate fashion and completely played the part.  It was fun for Ryan and I to watch!  The first thing all shipmates-in-training must do is discard their old name for a new pirate identity. Tyler was asked to blow on two dice, one black and one white. Then these dice were carefully placed in a treasure chest that was attached to a ship’s wheel. He was then asked to give this wheel two complete turns. When finished, the dice were removed and the numbers read aloud. Another nearby pirate took these numbers and consulted some ancient parchments associated with Tyler's birth month. After careful consideration, a name was chosen for him -- Edward Stormwater!

We then were led into the makeover room where Tyler was transformed into a pirate!

Tyler took his pirate oath and then was given his sash and sword by a different pirate. With the sword came a command that he was not to slash, poke, jab, prod, slice, cut, or carve his siblings, parents, strangers, birds, animals, or Disney property. After agreeing to this condition, he was asked if he’d like to see Captain Jack’s secret treasure room with the condition that he would not take any pictures or ever reveal what took place inside this inner sanctum.

So if you want to know, you’ll have to become part of Jack’s crew. :)

After his makeover, we repeated the Peter Pan ride and rode the carrousel.  Ryan loved the carrousel!

Ever see a pirate ride a carrousel?

We ate at Pinocchio's Village Haus for an early lunch.  I ordered a BBQ chicken flatbread pizza, Tyler got mac&cheese, Josh got and actually ate a meatball sub, and Ryan got a PB&J.   Ever see a pirate try and eat lunch without messing up his pirate face?  :) 

At this point, Ryan was already breaking down, Josh was still sick, and Tyler seemed to be in some weird pirate daze.  We called it a morning and headed back to the resort for naps!  This didn't really mess up any true plans I had for the day because I had already anticipated that we'd need to take an afternoon break on our last day to prepare for the evening.  So, I wasn't  bummed out!

While Ryan napped and Josh attempted to, I took Tyler out to the resort pool for a good 2 and 1/2 hours!  While he was content in the pool, I was more content in the hot tub.  :)  They had a pool party that afternoon, so he ended up having a blast!

After our long pool break, Tyler and I grabbed these tasty treats and ate them bundled up in front of the huge fireplace in our resort!

We came back to the room for showers and saw this little pirate-wannabee!  He had grabbed Josh's belt to use as a sash!

We all headed out back to Magic Kingdom around 5pm for our 6pm Be Our Guest reservations.  I was so excited about this dinner because it's brand new!  And...it also fed my inner princess need!

The restaurant is unlike anything else in Magic Kingdom.  It's beautifully decorated and designed to mimic the beast's castle from Beauty and the Beast.  It has a main ballroom and the west wing (library) where there is a rose that drops a petal every hour.  We ate in the main ballroom.

 If you look outside the windows, you see the snow!

 The meals came out super fast.  In fact, every place we ate at had quick service.  I almost wish that it was slower here so that we could enjoy it more!  I ordered the grilled steak and pomme frites (french fries!), Josh ordered the same, and Tyler got whole-wheat pasta.  We ordered Ryan an a-la-cart fruit cup which he ate along with the bread!  lol. 

 The dinner was AMAZING.  I couldn't eat but half of my steak (it was 10oz).  The fries were unbelievably good too!  As with every other meal, dessert was on its way!

 As you can imagine, most of us choose the triple chocolate cupcake!

 After our yummy dinner, we headed over to ride on the Tommorowland Peoplemover.  I had read to ride it at night, and it was definitely a fun, yet relaxing ride to do!

Ryan, our wild child, had no fear!

 Next stop was to buy the boys light sabers!  They have been obsessed with them ever since!  Thanks Mimi and Paw Paw for giving them money to buy one gift each!

We watched the Dream Along with Mickey night show at 7pm in front of the castle to pass time until the Electrical parade.

I got to meet up with a high school friend which was super exciting!  (excuse the blurriness!)

Finally, it was time for the parade!  We had our dollar store glow sticks ready for the boys to use!

 We skipped out after the parade and got straight on the boat to avoid the crowds after fireworks.  I am sad we didn't see the fireworks, but it was pretty crucial we all needed to get home and prepare for our LONG drive back the next day!  Despite the sickness with Josh, the day still was really good!