Disney Cruise Line – Pirate Night 101!

​Of course, Disney is known for it’s princesses – but their pirates are just as popular!!!  On most Disney Cruise Line sailings, you are in store for a ton of fun during “Pirate night”.  But this is not just a “night” – the fun starts early on – as our family found out!  To help you get into the spirit BEFORE your cruise, here is a description of the main events for Pirate Night, complete with some tips to help you prepare for your adventure!

Pirate’s League
During the day, you can take the opportunity to visit the ship’s Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, which will be transformed into the “Pirate’s League” for this event.  This option is available to entire families – not just little ones!  You will be made over into your choice of pirate (they will have choices for you to look at when you arrive).  Once you’re finished – be prepared to swear a pirate oath and be ready to plunder the
​seven seas!  

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​Eat Like a Scalawag – dinner!!!
The fun begins when we entered our stateroom and found a gift of party bandanas for each guest.  I tied mine around my neck, while my little guy tied his on his head – whatever works for you!  

For your evening meal, your restaurant will have a transformed menu to fit the pirate occasion!  No matter which restaurant you are in, they will serve the same menu – no worries – you won’t miss out!   We were in Animator’s Palatte that night and the “show” around the restaurant was all pirate themed.  Scenes from Peter Pan and Pirates of the Caribbean flashed across the walls – this turned into a great game to keep the younger ones occupied as we waited for our food.   As each scene flashed on the walls – the kids had to guess which movie was being shown!.
 
The menu itself resembled an old treasure map and the kids had their own “pirate hat” to wear throughout the meal.   Meal options had fun themed names, like “Jolly Rogers Barbeque Rib Salad”, or “Pirates Gold-en Pot Stickers” (menu items are subject
to change).
 
Our servers were dressed in pirate wear and totally set the tone for the night with fun pirate themed jokes and “pirate talk”.  Be prepared to hear a lot of “Arrrrr matey!!” this evening!

Pirates in the Caribbean Deck Party
After the second dining, it will be time to PARTY!!!!  Head to the main pool deck and be ready for some fun!  This will be a great time to see Disney characters in their pirate gear – definitely bring your camera for meet and greets to snap a picture of your family with Mickey and his crew!  Throughout the evening, there will be a pirate show, dancing, music, trivia interactive games and so much more!!!  At the end of the night there will be a spectacular fireworks display (note that some itineraries do not allow for fireworks and the display could be canceled due to weather conditions).

​ Tips to make sure everyone enjoys their pirate night!

1.  Schedule some downtime in the afternoon for your littles.  This is a great time to let them take an afternoon nap, or take them back to the room and let them quietly watch a movie (this is also a great way for all the adults to close their eyes a minute, too!)  This gives everyone a minute to refresh and be ready for a full night’s activities.
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​2.  Gather your pirate gear BEFORE you arrive on board.  While Disney often provides their guests with fun pirate bandannas, the rest of your costume is up to you.  The shops on board will have a TON of accessories and costumes to help you get ready for the night, but the prices are a bit high.  I totally recommend going to a costume shop after Halloween, and gathering your hats and eye patches then!

​3.  Take some time before you leave to introduce your kids to all the Disney Pirates.  While Captain Jack Sparrow is the most recent on the big screen – don’t forget Captain Hook!  I recommend scheduling some time to have some family movie nights BEFORE you leave and watch Peter Pan!  If kids are younger, they might already know Jake and the Neverland Pirates – but it’s a good idea to at least let them see some pictures of Jack Sparrow and the Pirates of the Caribbean to give them an idea of who might be at
​the party.
 
4.  If your child has sensory issues – you want to take some precautions to help block out things that might overstimulate them.  Bringing an ipod and ear buds is a great way to let them enjoy the sights, but have soothing, familiar sounds playing in their ears.  If you feel like it might be too much – I would actually recommend skipping the party.  Instead – have something else that is fun and special for them to do.  Maybe surprise them with a room celebration (decorations that your stateroom attendant can put up for an additional price) and a special treat waiting in the room!

​5.  Boutique tips!  If your child does NOT want to dress up like a pirate for their Boutique experience – be sure that you ask the crew member which night Pirate night is scheduled for.  This way there will be disappointment when your little princess walks in for her make-over – only to discover the only options are for pirates!

My niece HAD to have her Merida dress -- so we made sure that her appointment was the day AFTER Pirate Night!

Let me know if you have any more tips for how to have a swashbuckling time at
​Pirate Night on Disney Cruise Line!!!