Planning a Pirate Themed Trip to Disney World
My last themed vacation was all about Princesses, but Disney is often criticized for overlooking the part of the population who are not fans of dress up, animal sidekicks and damsels in distress. So today we are talking about Pirates!! Pirates have always been an important part of the Disney movie catalog. Walt loved adventure so much when he made his first live action film he chose Treasure Island and let’s not forget my husband’s favorite animated character, the bumbling Captain Hook from Peter Pan. The Pirates of the Caribbean attraction was the last one Walt worked on. And of course, Johnny Depp made pirate lore popular again with the Pirates of Caribbean franchise based on the attraction.
Pirates are just as important to the Disney universe as princesses and while they may not be as ubiquitous in the parks there is plenty to do to satisfy even the saviest swashbuckler. Here are all the pirate activities at Walt Disney World for your next great adventure.
WHERE TO STAY
Caribbean Beach Resort (Pirate Rooms)
Moderate Resort
Pirate themed rooms are clearly the best choice for a pirate themed vacation. It is called the Caribbean Beach Resort after all. The rooms feature two full size beds that are themed to ships with the rest of the furniture mimicking crates and barrels. The rooms are located in the Trinidad section which is pretty far away from the rest of the resort but close to the new skyliner station. The pool is also fun with pirate fans as it is themed to an old spanish fort.
Disney’s Beach Club
Deluxe Resort
If you prefer more amenities at your resort you may want to consider the Beach Club. There are not a ton of piratey things here except the pirate ship water slide. It is also the starting point of some of the pirate adventures.
WHERE TO EAT
There are not restaurants themed specifically toward pirates but here are some I would recommend on your adventure.
Sebastian’s Bistro (Table Service)
This is a new restaurant at the recently refurbished Caribbean Beach Resort. It is incredibly convenient for your check in night if you are staying at the resort. The reviews have been fantastic and I can not wait to try it. Located along the Old Port Royale promenade, this family-friendly spot offers signature dishes to please any palate. Your dinner options include a variety of fresh and savory delights such as salad, grilled jerk chicken wings and seafood entrées.
Tortuga Tavern (Quick Service)
For your first day in Magic Kingdom there is nothing better than the pirate themed quick service restaurant adjacent to the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. Unfortunately, this eatery is only opened seasonally. Steal away to this delightful pirate haunt and prepare for the tastiest grub this side of Port Royal! Featuring savory turkey legs and hot dogs, along with beverages and more, Tortuga Tavern is the perfect place to drop anchor after a swashbuckling adventure
Pecos Bill (Quick Service)
If Tortuga Tavern is not open head to the near by Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe. It is an old west saloon located in Frontierland but the outdoor seating that leads to Adventureland has some Caribbean influences.
Spyglass Grill (Table Service)
This is another option at the Caribbean Beach Resort. You are going to want to spend a day enjoying the pool and other pirate activities so grab something quick by the pool. Set your sights on a casual-cool menu featuring American fare with a Caribbean twist for breakfast, lunch and dinner. This convenient walk-up counter is nestled in the Trinidad pool area, with a patio overlooking Barefoot Bay.Centertown Market (Quick Service) The other quick service restaurant at Caribbean Beach Resort. Savor exotic island flavors at this fast-casual restaurant with an indoor street market vibe and flavorful Latin- and Caribbean-inspired breakfast and dinner menus, as well as a grab ‘n’ go market for specialty coffee and a quick bite to go.
San Angel Inn (Table Service)
This restaurant doesn’t have any other association with pirates other than it reminds me of the Blue Bayou restaurant in Disneyland. The restaurant is indoors and has a view over the Gran Fiesta Tour much in the way the Blue Bayou does Pirates of the Caribbean in California.
Gasparilla Island Grill (Quick Service)
You may wonder why I am sending you to the Grand Floridian on a pirate vacation? Well the Gasparilla Grill is named for a famous Florida pirate, considered the “last of the buccaneers”, José Gaspar. He served aboard a ship known as the Floridablanca for a number of years. However it was a jilted lover who framed him for stealing the Spanish Crown Jewels, that ultimately drove him to a life of piracy.
He commandeered the Floridablanca as his own, swore revenge against Spain through piracy, and renamed himself Gasparilla. For close to 40 years he patrolled the coast of a then Spanish controlled Florida. Every ship that came his way he ransacked and his pirate booty grew. This treasure he stowed within his base on the island that today bears his name, Gasparilla Island tucked away in Charlotte Harbor.
Admittedly the pirate related theming at the restaurant is very minimal, but it is there. Starting with the restaurant being named after Gasparilla the pirate, there is also a picture of the Floridablanca on the restaurant sign above the entrance. You’ll additionally find some framed pirate related artwork above the highest wall mouldings in the dining portion of the restaurant. A globe, a mast, and maps are depicted along with others.
FASTPASSES TO MAKE
Magic Kingdom
Peter Pan’s Flight
Pirates of the Caribbean
Jungle Cruise (because why not?)
SPECIAL EXPERIENCES
Pirate’s League (Magic Kingdom)
Be transformed into a pirate or a mermaid—and even receive a special name—inside this seaworthy hideaway.Come aboard for a swashbuckling pirate transformation that can include a hairstyle, facial effect and other special treasures. Or choose a deluxe head-to-toe makeover into a mesmerizing mermaid or pirate captain!
A Pirate’s Adventure – Treasure of the Seven Seas
Head over to The Crow’s Nest and pick up a talisman that magically allows you to read a secret treasure map. Then it’s all hands on deck as you fend off enemies, evade capture and hunt for treasure. When you complete each mission, you’ll receive a very special treasure finder card. After you collect all 5, you’ll get your hands on the sixth and final card—signed by Captain Jack Sparrow himself.
Your adventure starts at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, where your crew will be presented with a splendid spread of snacks—which may include cookies, cupcakes, pretzels, chips, fruit and ice cream bars. A variety of refreshing hot and cold beverages—such as coffee and Pirate Punch—is also available to quench even the most parched privateer’s thirst before hitting the high seas. Join the pirate parade to the dock before embarking on an unforgettable voyage with your captain, the roguish pirate Patch. Breathe in the salty sea air as you and your crew test your knowledge of Disney trivia, sing sea chanteys and brush up on all things nautical.
Islands of the Caribbean Pirate Cruise
Buccaneers sail the Ports of the Caribbean waters, as they hear the story of Old Port Royale and its pirate-laden past. Departs from Caribbean Cay, a tropical island located in the middle of Barefoot Bay.
Send the kids to join Captain Hook and his crew for a dinner dinner and to see if ye be worthy of joining their ranks. You can enjoy a nice evening in EPCOT while Captain Hook’s crew assist your scallywags in the first, most crucial step towards becoming a pirate—receiving their pirate name. Next, they’ll be taught the many skills crucial to life on the high seas such as talking like a pirate, swabbing the deck and singing sea chanties!
Captain Hook himself will be checking in to examine progress and get them started on atreasure hunt. Little pirates solve puzzles and gather clues on land before setting sail along Crescent Lake.
Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party
The best time to plan a pirate vacation is during the fall so you can enjoy Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. This special ticketed events adds swashbuckling fun to the Magic Kingdom including enhancements to the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction, a pirate themed parade float and meet and greets with the famous Captain Jack Sparrow himself.
For more information on this party check out this post.
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