Top Ten Pirate Hot Spots at Walt Disney World

If you’re planning a trip to The Walt Disney World Resort and it’s been a while since you’ve been there, then I must warn you, there are pirates everywhere!  Pirates have always been popular.  However it seems that with the rise of The Pirates of the Caribbean films, now Pirates are to boys what Princesses are to girls, an obsession.  My family is a slight variation of that statement, since my two-year old daughter is also obsessed with Pirates, that is Jake and the Neverland Pirates (or affectionately known by Victoria as “Ho, Ho, Ho”!).  Gavin, my six-year-old fits the mold; three out of his six Halloween costumes have been either Captain Hook or a Pirate.  If your little scoundrels are Pirate loving Mates, then schedule theses ten Pirate Hot Spots into your Walt Disney World vacation plan.

There are 10 great Pirating Adventures to be had at Disney, which I’ll break down into two categories, Pirates of the Caribbean Themed Adventures and Neverland Pirates Adventures (Peter Pan and Jake and the Neverland Pirates).

Neverland Pirates’ Adventures

1. Disney Junior Play ‘n Dine:  During this character dining experience, in Hollywood & Vine at The Disney Studios Theme Park, you’re little pirate can spend a few minutes, getting his autograph and taking a few pictures with Jake from Disney Junior’s Jake and the Neverland Pirates.  The food is fantastic too!
2. Disney Junior- Live on Stage!: This preschooler friendly show is located at The Disney Studios Theme Park.  Make sure to check the show times when you enter the park.  You don’t want to miss this attraction if you’re kids love Disney Junior.  They will also see Sophia from Sophia the First, Doc McStuffins, and The Mickey Mouse Clubhouse stars.
3. Disney Junior Meet and Greet Area: At the Animation Courtyard in Disney Studios, several  of Disney Junior’s super stars, including Jake of Jake and the Neverland Pirates, are available for autographs and photos.  Make sure to check times for this meet and greet when you get to the park.
4. Peter Pan’s Flight: Found in the Magic Kingdom Park, tucked within Fantasyland, Peter Pan’s Flight is perfect for kids of all ages.  Make sure that you utilize Disney’s Fastpass option at this attraction.  Since it’s a popular attraction, the line could be long.  Watch out for Captain Hook and his scoundrel pirate crew!
5. Pirates and Pal’s Firework Voyage:  If you’re pirates love Peter Pan, Captain Hook and Mr. Smee, this is the ultimate experience for them.  Although our family has not been on this voyage yet, we have it booked for this fall and of course I’ll tell you all about it when we return.  Here is what I do know, before boarding their pirate vessel, children and their parents have a private meet and greet with Captain Hook and Mr. Smee which includes snacks.  The boat then launches in Bay Lake and takes its passengers on a Firework Adventure to see Wishes (Magic Kingdom’s firework show).  Upon the conclusion of the show, the mates return to find Peter Pan waiting at the dock of the Contemporary Resort. The Pirates and Pal’s Firework Voyage books out months in advance, so contact Disney as soon as you are booking your trip.

Pirates of the Caribbean Adventures

1.  Pirates of the Caribbean Attraction: Located at the Magic Kingdom Park within Adventureland, this is the ride that inspired the movies, which then inspired the current version of the attraction that you see today.  If it’s been a while since you cruised on the ride, in 2006 the attraction was updated to include Captain Jack Sparrow and Barbossa.  The adventure is perfect for kids of all ages.

2. Captain Jack Sparrow Pirate Tutorial:  Across from the Pirates of the Caribbean Attraction, aspiring pirates can learn from Captain Jack Sparrow official Pirate sword fighting skills and take the Pirate Oath.  Once again, to make sure you don’t miss this interactive show, grab a park map for the times as soon as you get to the park.
3. A Pirate’s Adventure~ A Treasures of the Seven Seas:  This is a brand new attraction at The Magic Kingdom and it’s perfect for the whole Pirate family to explore Adventureland.  Families complete the five missions at their own pace.  Each mission takes about twenty minutes, so plan on allocating over an hour and a half if you want to complete all five missions .  The starting point to get your supplies is at The Crow’s Nest.
4. Pirate Adventure Cruises:  There are four different adventures that are offered at four different Walt Disney World Resorts and they are exclusive to children 4-12 years of age.    Mom and Dad, that means you drop off your pirate for two hours and you have FREE time.  I’m a bit over protective and the first thing I thought was “My child on the water in a boat without me!”.  Rest assured, Disney requires all pirates to wear a life jacket and there is a life guard on the boat with them at all times during their adventure.  The cost for this adventure is roughly $36.00 per pirate.  Check out Disney’s site for more information!  https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/pirate-adventure-cruises/
5. The Pirate League: If you’re child wants to magically transform into an actual pirate, The Pirate League is the place were the magic happens.  Your child must be at least 3 years old to join the League and adults can join in the fun too!  The Pirate League is located at The Magic Kingdom Park and reservations are required.  Warning- your gold doubloons will go into the Disney Pirates’ registers at this spot.  The cost starts at around $30 and can be as high as $75 per pirate.

If your family loves Pirates and you’ve had any Pirate Adventures at Disney that you’d like to share, please do!  I’d love to share them with Mouse Ears Mom’s readers!