Ahoy, Mateys! Happy Talk Like a Pirate Day! Of all the weird and random holidays during the year, this is one of my favorites. I'll be singing "yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me" all day! I'm sure my family will love it.
Walt Disney World® and Disneyland® have so many fun ways to celebrate being a pirate, whether it's Talk Like a Pirate Day or not. Here are a few of my favorites:
Rides
One of my absolute favorite, must-do rides at Walt Disney World® is Pirates of the Caribbean in Adventureland in Magic Kingdom Park. You can also find it at Disneyland® Park in New Orleans Square. It's a classic! I remember going on it as a kid and my dad yelling at the dog to give the pirates the key. It's one of my favorite memories and I insist we go on it every visit since.
(Photo Credit: MousePros Travel Agency)
Another great ride for pirate-lovers is Peter Pan's Flight in Fantasyland in both Walt Disney World® and Disneyland®. Another classic ride, you board an enchanted pirate ship and watch the story unfold below you. Keep an eye out for everyone's favorite pirate villain, Captain Hook, and his right-hand man, Mr. Smee.
Characters
For the littlest pirates, head to Disney's Hollywood Studios for a chance to meet Jake from Jake and the Neverland Pirates. He is part of the Hollywood and Vine Disney Junior Play 'n Dine breakfast and lunch, but you can also meet him throughout the day in Animation Courtyard.
(Photo Credit: Amy Fandrei)
Pirates of all ages will love Captain Jack Sparrow's Pirate Tutorial. Throughout the day in Adventureland in Magic Kingdom Park, Captain Jack holds sword training for a few lucky wannabe pirates. Grab a Times Guide when you enter the park for that day's showtimes. This show is currently only available in Walt Disney World®.
(Photo Credit: Magical Pix by Candi)
Experiences
If you really want to up your pirate game, reserve a package at The Pirates League. Located in Adventureland in Magic Kingdom Park between the entrance for Pirates of the Caribbean ride and Plaza del Sol Bazaar, this is the ultimate pirate experience for future pirates, empresses, and mermaids ages 3 and up. Packages range in price from $39.95 to $99.95 and can turn your pirate fan into Jake from Jake and the Neverland Pirates, Captain Hook, a First Mate, an Empress, or a Mermaid. Once they look the part, they'll learn how to act the part with pirate training from Captain Jack Sparrow's Pirate Masters. A reservation is required for The Pirates League, so contact your MousePros agent for more information.
(Photo Credit: Magical Pix by Candi)
Once you look like a pirate, you can go on an adventure like a pirate! "A Pirate's Adventure ~ Treasures of the Seven Seas" is an interactive treasure hunt that takes place in Adventureland in Magic Kingdom Park. Your first stop is The Crow's Nest to get yer hands on a magic talisman. You won't be able to read the maps without it! From there, this is an at-your-own-pace adventure. Each of the five quests takes about 20 minutes to complete and gives you a chance to explore the deep corners of Adventureland as you look for cannons, skeletons, and treasure. When all five missions are complete, return to The Crow's Nest for a handsome reward!
Several resorts offer pirate adventure cruises for kids ages 4-to-12-years-old. These two-hour, kids-only cruises take place daily from 9:30 - 11:30 am, departing from the marina at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort, and Disney's Yacht Club Resort and Disney's Beach Club Resort. Reservations are required.
(Photo Credit: MousePros Travel Agency)
For pirate fun that the whole family can enjoy, there are pirate-themed rooms at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort, with beds that look like ships, barrel nightstands, and other pirate friendly furnishings. Your MousePros agent can provide you with a free quote on a pirate room for your next trip!
There is also the family-friendly Pirates & Pals Fireworks Dessert Voyage. Before you depart from Disney's Contemporary Resort, you'll be treated to a feast of delicious desserts, snacks, and beverages. Captain Hook and Mr. Smee will stop by to send you off to sea on the Seven Seas Lagoon, where you'll cruise around while listening to pirate stories and singing pirate songs, closing out the adventure with a viewing of Happily Ever After fireworks from Magic Kingdom Park. This experience does require a reservation, so contact your MousePros agent for more information.
At Sea
Pirate fun isn't limited to the parks. Disney Cruise Line® ships Disney Magic, Disney
Wonder, Disney Dream, and Disney Fantasy offer the family-friendly Pirate Night on select itineraries. You'll start Pirate Night with a pirate-themed dinner, followed by a "Pirates of the Caribbean" show and deck party. If this is a must-do for your next cruise, be sure to check with your MousePros agent for the scoop on which itineraries will include Pirate Night.
(Photo Credit: Emily Milligan)
There be endless possibilities fer explorin' swashbuckler fun when ye`re on a Disney vacation, mates. I hope you'll check some of them out on your next visit and come back to tell us all about it!