Pie-Rats

Here's a picture of Parkar:

Now watch some videos that feature the Pirates ride:

Did you just watch that video? It sure didn't look or sound like Pirates!  I think that was Big Thunder.

Let's try again:

Okay, that's better!

So, there I was, about to board Pirates of the Caribbean at Disneyland, excited to plunge into the world of swashbuckling pirates and hidden treasures. But first, my eyes wandered to the Blue Bayou restaurant, right at the start of the ride. People were dining on dishes that probably cost more than my annual theme park budget, and I couldn't help but wonder if they served actual gold nuggets.

As our boat set off, I settled into the classic ride vibe. Darkness, eerie music, the smell of the ride, and... there it was—the dog holding the key. The prisoners were whistling desperately, trying to coax the dog over to them. "Here, boy! C'mon! We’ve got bacon!" one of the animatronic pirates pleaded. It was like watching a pirate version of a late-night infomercial.

The dog, looking unimpressed, just sat there with the key in its mouth, like it knew it was the star of the show. "Good boy, don't listen to them," I muttered under my breath. "Hold out for a steak from Blue Bayou."

Suddenly, the boat jerked, and I nearly fell into the lap of the person next to me. "Sorry!" I said, laughing awkwardly. They gave me a look that said, "If you fall in, you're going after the treasure."

As we floated past scenes of pirates pillaging and plundering, I couldn’t shake the image of that dog. What if it really did make a break for it one day? Would it end up in the Blue Bayou, enjoying a five-course meal while the prisoners kept whistling away, losing their voices in the process?

The ride came to an end, and as I stepped off, I couldn’t help but glance back at the Blue Bayou. The thought of that dog sitting at a table, key in mouth, wagging its tail as it awaited a gourmet meal, made me chuckle. I guess even in the world of pirates, dogs know how to find the real treasure.

 

Now for the long story:

The First Christensen Family from Blanding

Meanwhile, in Blanding, Jeff and Lisa Christensen had a quieter, albeit still chaotic, start with their three children, Parkar, Amelia, and Branson. Jeff double-checked the car seats and made sure everyone had their travel pillows.

"Ready for an adventure?" Jeff asked cheerfully.

"Adventure!" Amelia squealed, clapping her hands.

"Can we get ice cream on the way?" Parkar asked, hopeful.

"We'll see," Lisa said, knowing full well that ice cream would probably end up smeared all over the car.

As they drove, the kids played I Spy and sang along to their favorite songs. Branson, the youngest, kept pointing at random things and declaring, "I spy something green!"

"Is it a tree?" Jeff asked, chuckling.

"How did you know?" Branson replied, eyes wide with surprise.

About two hours in, Amelia announced she felt car sick. Jeff quickly pulled over, and they all got out to stretch their legs.

"Feeling better, sweetie?" Lisa asked, rubbing Amelia's back.

"A little," Amelia said, her face pale.

"Let's take a short walk," Jeff suggested. "Get some fresh air."

After a quick stroll, they were back on the road. Amelia seemed to be feeling better, and the kids resumed their games and songs.

"Remember, no more ice cream talk until we get there," Lisa reminded, giving Parkar a knowing look.