There is something I love about the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, perhaps the scenery, perhaps the costumes and certainly Johnny Depp. I am not a Depp stalker like some, I find many of his movies dark, but as Captain Jack Sparrow he is engaging and very funny.

Disney, always coming up with brilliant ways to meld theme park with movie, has created another way to captivate young audiences, a young male audience. Not to say that little boys don't like Cars, or Pooh, but Pirates of the Caribbean allows boys the opportunity to dress up just like their mini-princess counterparts. Boutiques offer eye patches, Depp-inspired dreadlock wig and fabulous hat. You can also buy a treasure chest that you can fill with jewels, doubloons and fake eyeballs. I enjoyed seeing the boys dressed up and some sporting a five o'clock shadow, thanks to some of mom's eye makeup.

I must admit, I have pirate shirts, earrings with a matching necklace and other colorful pirate-themed acessories and I love to wear them to the parks too. After all I would look a little odd as a 40-year-old Cinderella. and I am NOT ready to play the role of Fairy Godmother!!

The other brilliant attraction that has come from the movies is the character meet-n-greets, where you standing line to have your photo taken. Jack Sparrow is the No. 2 face character, second only to Cinderella! In speaking to a castmember who has the pleasure of guarding these characters, the long lines are filled with teen girls and moms like me who can't wait to have a pic taken with the pirate. He shared tales of grabbing, groping and watching as women-and some men- place their phone numbers in his costume. It is a good thing that the Magic Kindgom does not serve alcohol! Sadly ladies, I also heard that many of the Depp wannabes prefer men.

Take a peek at some of my favorite Pirate shots...

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Our first family campout was quite some time ago, I was hoping it would be really fun, and for the most part it was, until it was time to go to sleep. Little known fact: TENTS DO NOT HAVE A LOCKING DOOR OR ALARM SYSTEM. Sure you can buy those cheapie things that jingle or make a sound if the tent zipper is pulled, but bu then there is no place to run to baby!

I slept with one eye open. Until 4am, at which point I decided to brave the frigid temps and head to the ladies room. Did I mention that I had to walk uphill to the facilities? For the first time I donned a head lamp, which did make me feel somewhat like a character in those old mining movies, but the lamp really worked well, I was able to see all of the trees, tents and wildlife that was blocking my path.

All sorts of things come out at night, and they don't really like being disturbed, especially the raccoon I happened upon who was using his, or her, hands to open up our cooler!

Another thing about walking that early in the morning you tend to remember every CSI, Friday the 13th and Project Terror show you have seen in the past 25 years. I was quite ready to forget the whole reason for my leaving the tent in the first place, but I was already committed. This is why I prefer room service and a four star hotel to a campsite.

Take a peek at my boys enjoying the great creepy-at-night outdoors.

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