Finally...we pulled into the Magic Kingdom parking lot (in the
AAA lot, right next to the handicap lot). It's a LOT closer then the regular parking...however, it's still not "close".
As we made our way in we were each given a bracelet and a small black velvet bag in which to collect our loot that night. We stowed the bags in our day bag planning to have a lot of "regular" MK fun before the party was to begin.
Our first "park picture":
And our first character meeting! We were heading into Adventureland when we saw Timon and Rafiki. With only one family in front of us, we were hugging our jungle pals in just a few minutes!
In case you cannot tell from the picture you are looking at four pirates and a prince. Dh, myself, "Aladdin" and "Stitch" went as pirates. "Goofy" went back and forth for days over what he wanted to be. "Aladdin" found an Aladdin costume at MK about 4 years ago. He wore that thing for every Halloween party, trick-or-treat outing or harvest fest for two years in a row. Well, "Goofy" wanted to wear it, but he was unsure about being a prince at a Pirate and Princess party. He kept saying nobody would be a prince, but I could tell that he really wanted to wear the costume he had seen his big brother so proudly wear before.
Enough back story, but it does bear note that he was nervous about his costume choice. In fact, we had his pirate get up in the van "just in case". This fact will make what comes next (and what comes a bit later on as well) all the more awesome for him!
Since we had Prince Ali with us, we thought our very first ride should be the flying carpets...so we hopped on...with NO wait!
After flying around (and getting spit on by a camel which "Stitch" in all of his evil genius flew me straight into and ducked himself) Aagraba, we found the real Aladdin and his pal, Genie just a few steps away.
This was a great character meet! "Goofy" in his Prince Ali get up was a huge hit with Aladdin and Genie! They made such a big deal out of him and he was smiling so big I thought his cheeks might break!
Aladdin went on and on about how great his costume was and how happy he was to meet the real Prince Ali and how he was needing to go and feed Abu and would "Goofy" please fill in for him.
The topper (for "Goofy") came when Aladdin asked Genie if he would step out of the picture so that he and Prince Ali could do a special shot together! Genie obliged...after motioning that he thought "Goofy" was dressed very nicely too!
Aladdin taught "Goofy" a special, princely power pose.
If "Goofy" had ever doubted his choice of costume, that time was long gone now!!
Dressed as pirates the rest of us were itching to get to Pirates of the Caribbean! We were happily surprised to find no wait at one of our favorite rides. After riding we did a bit of shopping in the PoTC store and had the items sent back to our resort. **I love that feature. If you are staying on site TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IT!! No lugging your purchases around all day/night! It's a great benefit, especially for the price...it's free!!**
After the ride it was time for another character meet. Captain Hook and Mr. Smee tried to press our little pirates into service. Lucky for them they were able to get away so that they could enjoy the night instead of become indentured sea hands on a pirate ship.
It was good for them that they were able to enjoy the rest of the evening with us! Within the next 45 minutes we were able to take a ride on the Jungle Cruise and we just made the final showing of the Tiki Birds that night. After having done EVERYTHING in Adventureland we took leave of one of our favorite areas in the park and headed over to Tomorrowland. Our first stop was at Cosmic Ray's. It was time to eat once again. *oink oink*
Now let me just clarify, I was a mushroom lover even before becoming pregnant but since then, I have been a huge mushroom hog. I went hog wild (ha ha ha) at the topping bar. I took enough mushrooms that I couldn't even see my burger beneath them!! Triple yum!
The boys enjoyed having chicken strips and a hot dog ("Aladdin" got to order off of the adult menu...why are hot dogs not on the kid's menu?!). Dh had a chili cheese dog. Nothing fancy at this meal (unless my mound of mushrooms qualified

) but it was good eating!
Upon finishing up we heard some Hannah Montana music coming from the small stage area so we drifted over. It turned out to be a DJ starting the party early!! Lilo and Stitch were there dancing with everyone. Of course, the boys had to jump right in!
With the P&P party just about to start we made our way over to Fantasyland and...
To be continued...