Cyndal BenulloAhoy, mateys! If you’re reading this, you’ve probably already done the hard part – booking your Disney cruise. Now, the fun research begins! One of the most popular festivities on Disney Cruise Line is its pirate night offerings. We’ve sailed the high seas and navigated our way through pirate night on multiple ships, as an adults-only couple, a family of three, and now a family of four!
So, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about Disney cruise pirate night, from what’s included to all the activities, and even the costumes. Raise the Jolly Roger and follow me!
What is Disney Cruise Pirate Night?
Pirate night really is as simple as it sounds: one evening per sailing, the cruise line celebrates pirates. The ship will transform into a pirate adventure, featuring entertainment options such as special characters, deck parties, pirate dining, and more.
The day on which pirate night occurs depends on the cruise length and the itinerary. Pirate night is part of the entertainment included on Disney Cruise Line. Guests don’t have to book a specific sailing to join the fun, unlike specialty sailings such as Pixar or Marvel Days at Sea.
Which Disney Cruise Ships and Itineraries Include Pirate Night?
Disney ships that offer pirate night include:
Pirate night is included on all Bahamian and Caribbean sailings. Additionally, pirate night is usually available on Baja/West Coast sailings and select European sailings. However, Pirate night is NOT offered on any Alaska sailings, Northern Europe sailings, or Singapore sailings on Disney Adventure.
Disney Cruise Pirate Night Costumes
Now we’re getting to the fun part – dressing up! How into pirate night you choose to get is completely up to you. When your stateroom host makes the morning rounds, they will leave each guest a pirate-themed bandana.
You’ll find guests that don’t dress up at all, those who only utilize the free bandana, guests in pirate-themed t-shirts, and guests in full pirate costumes. Hi, it’s me, always in full pirate gear! Whether you are searching Amazon or retail stores for full pirate costumes, piecing together a “pirate-bounding” outfit, or jazzing up an ordinary outfit with clip-on earrings or eye patches and eyeliner, it’s fun to get into the theme!
Props like hats, eye patches, plastic kids’ swords, maps, compasses, shoulder parrots, chains, and face paint are allowed. However, real swords and firearms of any kind are not allowed.
Pirates League
Throughout the sailing, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique transforms kids into their favorite princes and princesses! But on pirate night, it becomes The Pirates League!
Everyone gets to choose their pirate name for the night, then away we go! Options range from pirate makeup and some props to full pirate costumes. Prices range from $60 to $200, depending on the package.
Pro Tip: Once your booking window opens for your sailing, search the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique availability. One of the days’ options will say “pirate makeover” instead – that’s how you know which night is pirate night ahead of time!
Disney Cruise Pirate Night Menu
On any sailings of 4-nights or longer, guests will enjoy a pirate night theme and special menu in the main dining room. (Three-night sailings still participate in pirate night, just not the pirate night menu, to allow guests to fully experience each of the rotational dining menus.)
The Pirate Night menu leans into Caribbean flavors and dishes. Appetizers include Johnny cakes, vegetable samosas, calypso crab cakes, and mango soup. Entrees include jerk chicken, filet of grouper, falafel, and shrimp and scallop pasta, while desserts such as rum-soaked chocolate cake and coconut pineapple sundaes conclude the meal.
I’m not sure why, but the pirate night menu causes some controversy amongst Disney cruisers. We enjoy the menu; though, we are a family of pretty adventurous eaters. However, others are begging for an upgrade.
Disney Cruise Pirate Night Entertainment
We’re dressed, we’ve eaten, and now the real fun begins!
Daily Navigator Activities
A few hours before the first dinner seating, pirate night festivities begin. Exact pirate night activities can vary depending on the ship; however, there are a few options you’ll more than likely find across the fleet.
Potential Disney Cruise Pirate Night activities include:
- Pirate Trivia
- Learn to Draw – Captain Hook
- Pirate Crafts
- Pirate Game Show
- Pirate Photo Events in the Main Atrium
- Pirate movies on Funnel Vision
Character Meet-and-Greets
Not only are the Fab 5 (Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, and Goofy) out and about in special pirate outfits, but characters unique to pirate night are out as well.
This is your chance to meet Captain Hook, Mr. Smee, and Jack Sparrow!
Stage Shows
While the pirate night dinner menu may have stayed the same for nearly 20 years, the stage shows have evolved over time. Each class of ship offers a slightly different pirate night show out on the pool deck.
Triton-Class Ships
The Triton-class ships include Disney Wish, Disney Treasure, and Disney Destiny. These ships offer two pirate night stage shows. Both plots feature the villain taking over and, of course, the hero saving the day.
At 7:30 PM, you’ll find Mickey and Minnie’s Pirates in the Caribbean, which is the more “kid-friendly” option (though both are totally appropriate for littles). This show features Mickey and Friends, along with Captain Hook and Mr. Smee.
The Pirate’s Rockin’ Parlay Party happens at 10:15 PM in the same spot, with a more rock-band party vibe than a Disney stage show. Jack Sparrow might even make an appearance!
Dream-Class Ships
Dream-class ships include Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy.
At 7:30 PM, you’ll find Mickey and Minnie’s Pirates in the Caribbean, the same as the Triton-class ships. However, at 10:15 PM, there’s the Buccaneer Blast and Club Pirate – a pirate-themed dance party.
Magic-Class Ships
Magic-class ships include Disney Magic and Disney Wonder.
These are the smallest ships in the fleet, which also means they also carry the fewest number of passengers. Therefore, there is only one pirate stage show on these ships versus two on the larger vessels.
At 10 PM, head to the Pirates IN the Caribbean deck party! Similar to Mickey and Minnie’s Pirates in the Caribbean on the newest ships, cast members will put on a show in pirate outfits, with appearances by Captain Hook and Mickey Mouse.
Fireworks at Sea: The Highlight of Pirate Night
Did you know that Disney Cruise Line is the only cruise line to have fireworks at sea? That’s right! And, they are happening on pirate night! Following the conclusion of the late-night pirate deck parties, fireworks will light up the sky!
This is one of my favorite (and coolest) parts not only of Pirate Night but of a Disney Cruise in general. If you can stay up, don’t miss this! I know it’s not always possible, but I try not to plan any early activities the day after Pirate Night so the kids can stay up late.
This will more than likely be one of the most crowded times of your entire sailing up on the pool decks, so be sure to get there early. Fireworks at sea are weather permitting and do not occur in all regions (like Alaska).
Our Best Disney Cruise Pirate Night Insider Tips
As someone who has experienced multiple Pirate Night festivities, here are some of my top tips for a successful evening.
- Dress up – don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone. You’re on vacation!
- Fireworks shoot out over the starboard side of the ship (the right side), so book your verandah room on that side if you want to watch from your balcony!
- Deck 5 on Triton-class ships and Deck 4 on Dream-class and Magic-class ships are secret spots with some of the best views, and are never crowded
- Check the BBB times to find out which night is pirate night ahead of time
- If you aren’t in love with the pirate night menu options, this is the night many guests choose to book Palo or Remy for an adults-only dinner instead
- Don’t skip the meet and greets – you can’t meet Captain Hook at the Disney theme parks
- If you are doing Pirate’s League, try to get an early slot, as pirate festivities start before dinner
Final Thoughts: Is Disney Cruise Pirate Night Worth the Hype?
Is Disney Cruise Line’s Pirate Night worth the hype? YES! Pirate night is a fun, complimentary themed night that gets the whole family involved. Whether you’re looking for rum floats in your drinks or pirate-themed arts and crafts, Pirate Night provides something for the whole clan.
Character meet-and-greets make this evening unique, as does the main attraction: the one and only fireworks at sea. Not many people can say they’ve viewed fireworks on the open ocean – unless you’ve experienced a Disney Cruise Pirate Night!
I’ve experienced Pirate Night on different ship classes, and each one is unique. Even if you don’t want to dress up, there is still plenty of fun to be had. Grabbing a Sunken Treasure Drink of the Day and people watching around the ship is a great activity in itself.
Disney Cruise Pirate Night Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pirate Night included in the cost of a Disney Cruise?
Yes! Pirate night activities are included in your total cost of sailing.
What time do the Pirate Night fireworks start?
While it varies by ship and itinerary, the deck party usually starts at 10:15 PM, with fireworks being between 10:30 PM and 10:45 PM.
Is Pirate Night good for toddlers and young children?
Pirate night activities actually start in the late afternoon, with plenty for the little ones to enjoy. Even if your children don’t stay up late for the fireworks, they can still experience some of the entertainment.
Do you have to dress up for Pirate Night on a Disney Cruise?
No, you don’t have to dress up for pirate night. Though, it is part of the fun!
Is the Pirate Night menu the same on all Disney Cruise ships?
Yes, the Pirate Night dinner menu is the same fleetwide. All sailings of 4-nights and more will have the same pirate dinner, regardless of the ship or rotational dining room.
Comments
Have you experienced a Pirate Night on Disney Cruise Line? Let us know in the comments which part you’re looking forward to most!
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