Pirates League At Sea

Already wearing a pirate t-shirt and shorts with skulls and crossbones brought from home.

Many Disney guests and fans are familiar with Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutiques that transform little girls into Disney Princesses located at Walt Disney World.  When Disney realized that boys—and girls and adults—also wanted to be transformed, Pirates League was created and could be found inside the Pirates of the Caribbean area at Walt Disney World.  Knowing that both of these transformative opportunities were a hit with guests, Disney Cruise Line decided to include BOTH when building their newest ship, the Disney Fantasy.

Located on Deck 5 midship on the Disney Fantasy, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique on most days turns into a Pirates League on Pirates IN the Caribbean Night celebrated once during 7 night sailings. 

Since it was going to be our first time sailing on the Disney Fantasy, we decided to give a pirate make-over a try.  We knew Pirate Night was going to be our 5^th night on-board based on the information provided in our on-line reservation.  We were able to schedule a First Mate Make-over with our other on-line reservations.

The boy’s appointment was at 3:45 pm.  When making the appointment, it was recommended that we allow 45 minutes.  The timing was perfect.  He would be transformed into a pirate prior to dinner and most likely be able to meet characters before dining as well.

We arrived in a timely fashion and the usually pink and feminine Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique was now swathed in a pirate motif.  Even the Cast Members were sporting pirate gear for the occasion.

After checking in, the boy was asked to roll a pair of dice to determine his pirate name.  Tobias Wavewrecker was born!

Before the make-over could take place, the boy had to select from 3 different make-over options for the First Mate Package—which included make-up, headband, eye-patch, sword, earring, sash, tattoo, and commemorative pirate oath featuring his pirate name for around $35. 

Once the selection was made, the make-over commenced.  He had to lean back in the chair for make-up to be applied.  (Too bad the chairs themselves don’t lean back.)   The headband and eye-patch were next.  One rule is that the eye-patch has to be worn above the eye, not on the eye.  Safety first!  The earring was then attached to the headband—clever.

After the tattoo was applied to his hand and the sash and sword were arranged, it was time for the pirate oath.

He then received his commemorative pirate oath featuring his pirate name and we were done.  Elapsed time of the make-over:  15 minutes.

There are a variety of pirate packages to choose from beyond the First Mate Package, which was the least expensive.  Some packages include the entire costume.  There are also pirate packages for girls, which include nail polish.  And, one of the girl pirate make-overs features Tinkerbell. 

Appointments are available throughout the day and evening.  Pirate Night was on a day we were in port—Jamaica—so plan port adventures and any appointments accordingly. 

The boy took full advantage of his pirate make-over the rest of the evening, including  meeting Disney characters in their pirate attire, the Pirates IN the Caribbean deck party, show, and of course, fireworks!  It did take some scrubbing to get off the eye liner.

Last words:  We are glad we did it ONCE.  Pirates League won’t be on our agenda next time.  The cost for the 15 minute make-over was a bit pricey.  The sword did make it home in our luggage with no problems with TSA.  Oh, and I was allowed to take pictures but only of my pirate for privacy reasons--no problem. 

Tale of The Inflatable Sword

Pirate Night on our first Disney Cruise--March 2007

I want to tell the story of the inflatable pirate sword.  This inflatable pirate sword came into our lives in the summer of 2006.  It was a prize in a McDonald’s Happy Meal during the launch of the first Pirates of the Caribbean movie.  At the time, we knew were going to be taking our first Disney Cruise in March of 2007 and had begun collecting items that might be useful during the trip.

Pirate Night on our most recent Disney Cruise--December 2012

That inflatable sword went with us on our first Disney Cruise and every Disney Cruise since then.

It has also traveled to Walt Disney World for the Pirates and Princess Party at the Magic Kingdom—this party no longer exists but at one point was a “hard ticket” event similar to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party or Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and had its own parade, etc. 

Also, the boy carried this sword when taking a Pirate Adventure Cruise that is just for kids when we stayed at Caribbean Beach Resort at Walt Disney World.

We have since added to the inflatable collection—adding parrots and hooks. 

Ironically, we get asked about this inflatable sword when it appears on Pirate Night on the ship.  “Where did you get that?” folks ask.  When we tell them that we got it from McDonald’s in 2006 they give us the look that is both recognition of good planning and disappointment.

Yes, the boy has admired the “real” fake plastic swords and weapons that are available for purchase both at Walt Disney World and on the ships.  Our retort to his request to purchase one is that he already has a pirate sword.

What he also may not realize is that with his inflatable sword, we don’t have to worry about airport security and that it takes up nearly zero space in the luggage.

Disney Cruise--July 2011

Will this inflatable sword be returning to the Caribbean to fight once again?  Definitely!  It is in the tote with all of the other pirate gear—jewels, parrots, hats and headgear—just waiting to be packed for their next adventure.

Disney Cruise Line and Walt Disney World--No Better Place to Be A Pirate!

National Talk Like a Pirate Day was September 19, 2012.  To commemorate, the boy wore one of his many pirate shirts to school.  When thinking about pirates, there’s no better way to be a pirate or celebrate pirates than Disney Cruise Line or Walt Disney World Resort.

While we have yet to experience the Pirate’s League at Walt Disney World, it is where ordinary guests are transformed into pirates with make-up, hair decorations, costumes, and accessories.  An pirate training session is also available with none other than Captain Jack Sparrow.  The Pirate’s League is located near the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction at Walt Disney World.  Another version of Pirate’s League is on Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, the Disney Fantasy.

Speaking of Disney Cruise Line, a highlight of any cruise is the Pirates IN the Caribbean meal, deck party, and fireworks.  This themed evening, also known as pirate night, offers something for the entire family.  Click here to read more.

Pirate Night is something we enjoy and look forward to participating in during a Disney Cruise.  And, that means bringing accessories from home—including a pirate costume for the boy (he’s on his second costume!).  We also bring eye patches, a blow up sword, and we added inflatable parrots and pirate hooks to our list of accessories for the last trip. 

There are also many pirate themed items for purchase on the ship.  We consider price and airport security when making any pirate themed purchases.  I don’t want to explain a toy pirate sword or gun to a TSA agent at the airport.

Gathering pirate gear can be fun and there are savings to be had.  For example, the boy’s pirate costume was actually a holiday gift from the red suited man himself, who found it on sale after Halloween.  The inflatable sword was a kid’s meal toy in 2005 and has definitely stood the test of time.  Our inflatable parrots and hooks came from the dollar store.  We also bring some pirate booty for treasure hunting on Castaway cay by using the colored bead necklaces that are passed out at parades and other celebrations.  When those necklaces come home, they go into our “pirate box” which stores all of our pirate paraphernalia.

If you are new to cruising with Disney or somewhat hesitant about showing your pirate colors, so to speak, please don’t be.  Pirate night is fun and everyone gets involved—including the crew!  And, the fireworks at sea are a bonus, too!

What Is The Boy Most Looking Forward To For Our Next Disney Cruise?

What is the boy looking forward to the most for our next Disney cruise?  The Aqua Duck?  It will be in the top 5 certainly.  Castaway Cay?  Definitely a highlight.  But, the last few conversations about our trip have included food.  Yes, food!

His latest remark was how he wanted his own turkey leg on Pirate Night.  Let me give you some context.  Disney Cruise Line ships celebrate a Pirates IN the Caribbean night sometime during the cruise—for most cruises.  Click here to read more about the celebration.

Pirates IN the Caribbean or Pirate Night includes fireworks at sea followed by a dance party on deck and late night buffet.  The buffet includes giant turkey legs.  Historically, the husband has either eaten one by himself or shared with the boy.  Recently, the boy declared he wants his own turkey leg—no sharing.

He must have been giving Pirate Night some thought as he asked if he could dress up like Jack Sparrow.  Yes, he has a pirate costume and has worn it before.

He asked if he could take his blow up sword to the club.  No.  How I appreciate that inflatable sword that was a fast food kid’s meal toy the summer of 2006 when a Pirates of the Caribbean movie must have been released.  We still have it!  How many kid’s meal toys can you say that about?  That blow up sword has been with us on each of our Disney cruises and with us on at least one trip to Walt Disney World—when they were still having the Princess and Pirate Parties.  I can tell you exactly where that inflatable sword is at this very moment.  The sword is easy to pack and has no problems going through airport security, unlike some of the other pirate paraphernalia sold at the parks and on the ship.  Obviously, he is planning on the sword accompanying us for our next cruise. 

When the answer was no to the inflatable sword going to the kids’ club, he asked if the inflatable parrot could go with him.  The inflatable parrot—and pirate hook—were added to our collection of pirate gear last summer before our cruise.  I found them as a set at the local dollar store and purchased two sets.  They, too, go through airport security well and are easy to pack.

The turkey leg comment came next in the conversation.  The boy was already planning the evening of Pirate Night on the ship.  Yeah, I know where that comes from!

Yet, the food conversation continued as I heard about the BBQ chicken pizza, ice cream, milk and cookies before bed, room service breakfast, etc.  He is incrementally reaching the stage of “eating us out of house and home” that I understand most boys go through at some point or another.  Just like yesterday morning before 11:30 am eating breakfast, a snack, and lunch.  He had swim team practice for an hour and then asked when’s lunch, forgetting that he had already eaten lunch. 

So how does a “I’ll be 10 years old by then” boy make the most of a Disney cruise?  I have a feeling it is going to be the 24 hour access to food and beverage.  

Pirates IN the Caribbean Celebration on the Disney Dream

Guests on board any of the Disney Cruise Line ships look forward to the Pirates IN the Caribbean theme night and deck party.  Even when we weren’t “IN” the Caribbean but still on a Disney ship, we celebrated with the themed evening and all of the events.

If you would like to read about our previous Pirates IN the Caribbean party adventures, click here.  The rest of this post will be about the Pirates IN the Caribbean celebration on the Disney Dream.

Our Pirates IN the Caribbean celebration began even before dinner.  When we returned from our Sea Lion Encounter in Nassau—click here to read more—the list of events for the evening along with our Pirate bandanas were waiting for us in our stateroom.

We quickly cleaned up, changed clothes, grabbed the boy’s pirate costume and headed off to meet the first of many pirate characters located throughout the ship for the evening.

Captain Jack was greeting guests near the Walt Disney Theatre entrance on deck 3 near the shops. 

Still before our main seating dinner, we had family portraits taken with a more “tropical” feel.

The pirate theme continued at dinner with a special Pirates IN the Caribbean menu, which is the same in all the main dining rooms.  I always ask for seconds of the crab cakes.  Yummy!

The wait staff was in their pirate gear and there was a festive feeling throughout the whole ship.  You can feel the excitement.

The first portion of the “deck party” began shortly after dinner.  Guest getting read for the show roamed deck 11 and participated in various games with the Cast Member Pirates.  The boy was on deck 11, while we kept him in full view from deck 12. 

Soon it was time for the show--Mickey’s Pirates in the Caribbean which has a story, dancing, exciting plot, and audience participation.  Check out the videos below:

The show is slated to last about 25 minutes, which gives guests with either dining seating enough time to see the show.  Since we had the main dining seating, we headed off for a special showing of Cars 2 in 3D in the Walt Disney Theatre.

The movie was over in time for the 2^nd portion of the festivities, which is the Buccaneer Fireworks Blast, or fireworks at sea.  Like all things Disney, the fireworks are themed, timed to music, and include a bit of “show.”

The outside decks can get very crowded for the fireworks.  The boy had a great viewing spot and the husband and I stayed back—we were able to see him, but only portions of the fireworks.  Our position on Deck 12, gave an open opportunity for one of the “ghost” pirates to run up to me and slide on his knees for a bit of a scare!  The appearance of the “ghost” pirates means it is almost time for part 3 of the evening’s festivities—Club Pirate;  a dance party on decks 11 and 12.

This is when we began to make our exit, but not without taking in the special “pirate feast” being served in Cabanas on deck 11.  The evening wouldn’t be complete without a giant turkey leg or two and special desserts.  We divided and conquered on this one, with me going to get drinks at the drink station and the husband and the boy heading for the food.  We then met up in our stateroom for a late night snack.

This was the first time we had experienced the 3 part Pirate Night, which is, from my understanding, specifically designed for the Disney Dream.  Our take. . .  we didn’t like it.  We like the themed night, the food, the fireworks, the shows, and the characters.  It was just a lot of work to get here, there, then back again, etc. to make it to all parts of the events. 

On our other cruises, when it was pirate night, we staked out a spot to sit on the upper decks and took in all of the festivities at once.  Sort of a lazy way to celebrate, but we liked it!  The way it is happening on the Disney Dream, and I’m sure there are specific reasons, the evening was more stressful to make sure you hit the highlights.  It felt more like park touring than cruising. 

When I looked back at the previous post about Pirates IN the Caribbean parties on our previous cruises (click here to read more) I noticed more photos with characters, etc.  On Pirate Night on the Dream, we only met two pirate themed characters. 

We’ll look forward to Pirate Night on our next cruise.  We may do it a bit differently to bring back the “laid back” feel we had on our other cruises. 

Arrrrg you ready for your Disney Cruise?

Disney Cruise Line--Pirates IN the Caribbean Deck Party

Speaking of fireworks, Disney is the only cruise line that has permission to shoot off fireworks at sea, which are typically a distress signal.  The reason for the special permission is for the Pirates IN the Caribbean Deck Party held on every cruise.  (We'll find out what they are going to do in Alaska later.)

The evening begins with a special menu in three main restaurants on board.

The crab cakes are yummy!

Characters are available before and after dinner and in their pirate gear.  Pirate Chip and Dale are featured in the photo below.  While pirate gear is available for purchase on board, we bring our own gear from home.  One of our best finds was blow up sword from a Happy Meal in 2006 when they were promoting one of the movies.  We still take it with us AND it flies through airport security.

Captain Jack, a very famous pirate, was also on hand.  Pirate Minnie is pictured below as is Pirate Mickey.

In the kids' club special characters join the festivities for "So You Want To Be A Pirate?"  They practice pirate talk and learn about pirates.  The scarves you see in the picture come with your dinner.  Everyone gets into the act.  The boy loves this session.  You will see the result in the photos below.

When it is dark, it is time for the party held on decks 9 & 10 on the Disney Wonder and Disney Magic.  The sign is on display on the Ariel screen above the Goofy pool.  We like to sit on deck 10 and watch the festivities above and below.  The last time there was an interactive Wii pirate game being played on the big screen.  Fun!

A pirate buffet is set up on deck 9 for after the party. It features lots of desserts and pirate fare, including giant turkey legs, which as the husband's favorite.  I know, we just had dinner, but it is a cruise!

Here we all are ready for the party!

As you can see, the boy got all decked out at the club to look more like a pirate!

There really is a story to the show and Pirate Mickey saves the day!

The fireworks are at the end.

A great time for the entire family!