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Disney Cruise Pirate Night
This guide has everything you need to know about pirate night on your Disney Cruise vacation.
Table of Contents
What Happens on Pirate Night?
Pirate Themed Dinner
The party begins with a special pirate dinner in your assigned main dining restaurant. It’s similar to most main dining dinners but with a pirate flair. Servers will be dressed in their pirate-y best as well as many of the cruisers.
You will be handed a menu that looks like a treasure map with such food items like Jolly Rogers Barbecue Rib Salad or Chilled-to-the-Bone Honeydew Melon and Watermelon Soup.
There will most likely be some Caribbean dishes as well such as Tia Dalma's Jerk Chicken and Rum-Soaked Chocolate Cake.
Pirate Night Games & Activities
Pirate night actually starts in the afternoon when most of the regular entertainment shifts to a pirate theme.
A big hit with the wee lad’s and lassie’s is the Disney Junior Pirate and Princess Dance Party.
You can also get crafty and create your own pirate treasure with the cruise staff.
Later, Captain Mickey and his pirate crew host a Pirate Celebration on deck between the first and second dinners.
Do you like game shows? Then join in the fun at the action packed pirate game show at A Pirate's Life For Me or test your pirate knowledge by participating in pirate trivia.
So much to do!
Stage Shows
There are two pirate-themed stage shows on the pool deck.
The first show, which is more family-friendly and geared towards younger kids, will be between the two dinner seatings - around 7:30pm - and the second show is right before the fireworks which starts at 10:30pm. (Check your daily Navigator for exact times.)
The later show can be scary for some children if they are sensitive to loud noises.
(Don’t get me wrong, both shows are safe for kids of all ages; just be prepared if you have little ones who might be sensitive.)
The Big Highlight: Buccaneer Blast Fireworks
Buccaneer Blast fireworks are one the most anticipated events on a Disney Cruise.
This pyrotechnic spectacular is set to a dramatic score featuring songs from the “Pirates of the Caribbean” movies.
We go into more detail on this explosive show below including where the best viewing spots are. So keep reading...
Late Night Buffet
Finish off the night with - what else? - more food!
If you’re like me, I get hungry about every two hours when I’m cruisin’ so why not enjoy the late night pirate buffet in Cabanas?
The buffet usually opens around 10:45pm so it will be waiting for you once the fireworks are over. There will be a smorgasbord of food for you to indulge in including giant turkey legs.
What to Wear for Disney Cruise Pirate Night
Many guests will dress up in swashbuckling gear for Pirate Night... but there is absolutely no obligation for guests to dress up at all.
Everyone will receive a free Pirates in the Caribbean bandana to wear if they’d like. It will most likely be left in your cabin or given to you at dinner.
Some guests just tie on the provided bandana or put on an eyepatch and call it good. Some will go all out and be in full pirate costumes while others will be somewhere in between.
There really is no right or wrong here. It’s totally up to you!
If you do want to dress up, most people do so to dinner and keep it on for the remainder of the evening. You will see your servers as well as Mickey and Minnie and friends dressed in in their pirate garb too!
Before you start purchasing your costumes for Pirate Night, you need to know that any type of toy sword is prohibited on DCL and will not be allowed on the ship. (Note: I’ve heard that there are approved toy swords for sale in the shops onboard but I haven’t verified that.)
Pirate Night Costume Ideas
Need some ideas? Well, I’m here to help!
Here are a few ideas to get your creative pirate juices flowing.
Idea #1: Online Costume Ideas
I personally love to shop Amazon because many of their costumes have free returns so if it doesn’t fit or it doesn’t look good on me, I just return it for free and try again.
Shopping without getting out of my pajamas? Uh, yes please!
Just make sure you see “FREE Returns” next to the price. If you see that then you can return that item for any reason and receive a full refund. You won’t even have to pay return shipping fees!
I did notice that Free Returns are harder to find on children’s costumes but on adult costumes it’s quite common.
Pirate Night Costume Ideas for Women
Pirate Night Costume Ideas for Men
Pirate Night Costume Ideas for Girls
Pirate Night Costume Ideas for Boys
Pirate Night Costume Accessories
Idea #2: Shop in Stores
If it’s near Halloween then hit a Halloween store for costumes. Even better, if it’s the day or week AFTER Halloween you can get costumes on clearance. YES! I love saving money!
You can also check your local dollar store. They typically have a selection of pirate items such as eye patches, pirate hats, etc for cheap.
If you get on the cruise and realize you forgot something, the shops onboard the ship do have select merchandise available.
But if dad forgot his puffy pirate shirt, he’s out of luck. The onboard stock is mostly just for kids.
Idea #3: Get Creative
Rather not spend money on a costume? No problem. You probably have some items in your closet that will do the trick.
Just stick with the colors red, black and white and maybe throw in some stripes. That way you’ll be festive without being in a costume.
Here are some ideas:
- A white or black off-the-shoulder top or a black/white or red/white striped shirt
- A black vest
- A red sash belt
- A bandana (remember they give you a free bandana on the cruise)
- Black or red skinny pants, jeans, leggings or skirt
- Black boots (if they have buckles or cuffs then that’s a plus)
- Hoop earrings
- Bangle bracelets
- Pirate-y necklace (skulls anyone?)
- Heavy eyeliner 🙂
Idea #4: Keep It Simple
Don’t want to take up precious suitcase space on pirate garb?
Don’t sweat it, matey. Nobody'll make ye walk the plank.
Just throw on an eye patch and the provided bandana and call it good.
If you wanna do a little more, go with a simple Jolly Roger t-shirt like this one. They come in all sizes and colors.
Idea #5: Get Gussied Up at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
If you really want to take it to the next level make an appointment for Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique on the day of Pirates Night.
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique transforms into The Pirates League just for the day where kids of all ages (yes, you too, Mom and Dad) are able to get pirate makeovers for an additional fee.
After your transformation you will be sworn in with a sacred pirate oath making you an official member of Captain Jack’s crew!
Space is extremely limited, so be sure to book your appointment early.
How to Book the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
(aka The Pirates League)
Before You Embark
Once you are checked into your cruise, go online and view the My Cruise Activities page. This will show when the themed days and nights are scheduled and allow you to begin booking your Pirates League reservation.
Book While Onboard
Visit or call Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique during business hours. The hours vary so check the Navigator when onboard.
The Pirate League Packages
The following special packages are available only on Pirate Night at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.
Empress Package
First Mate Package
Deluxe Maiden Package
Captain’s Package
PIRATE LEAGUE TRANSFORMATIONS TAKE 45 MINUTES
I suggest getting an appointment time about 1.5 - 2 hours prior to your dinner time. That way you have time to snap some photos of your cute buccaneers before heading off to dinner.About the Fireworks
Disney’s fireworks are spectacular! While the the onboard display isn’t quite as awe-inspiring as the ones at the Disney parks, the Buccaneer Blast is still one of the most anticipated activities on the ship.
Disney was the first cruise line to introduce fireworks on their sailings and is currently the only cruise line offering a fireworks show at sea.
This event is weather permitting but Disney does their best to make sure that it happens whether it’s re-positioning the ship to a better location or rescheduling it for a different night.
Disney’s Fireworks ARE Environmentally Friendly
The fireworks are made of special biodegradable materials which become food for the fishes when they land in the ocean.The Best Place to View the Fireworks on Disney Cruise
Fireworks are launched from the starboard side of the ship - slightly aft of midship.
There are several good locations to view the fireworks, so I thought I'd list some of my favorites.
First, some definitions. If you are facing forward towards the bow (front) of the ship...
- Port = left side of the ship
- Starboard = right side of the ship
On Disney Wonder / Disney Magic
Deck 10: Starboard Side
Deck 10: Port Side -- Just be sure you're not behind the funnels which may partially block your view
On Disney Fantasy / Disney Dream
Deck 12: Port Side -- against the railing that overlooks the pool/deck stage
This location lets you watch the pirate show below and still see the fireworks across the ship on the starboard side without having to move. If you end up closer to the outer railing that overlooks the water, be careful that the Aquaduck above you does not obstruct your view.
Deck 12: Starboard Side -- close to the outer railing overlooking the water
You can watch the stage show on the Funnel Vision. Be careful that the Aquaduck above you won’t obstruct your view.
Deck 11: Port Side
Don't sit under Deck 12 on the starboard side or you will have trouble seeing fireworks.
Deck 13: Starboard Side -- forward
This is an adults only area for guests 18 and up. You will not be able to see the pirate show that is on the Deck Stage from this viewing area but you will be able to enjoy the fireworks sitting in a lounger with a cocktail in hand.
If You Have a Starboard Verandah Stateroom...
You may be able to watch the fireworks from your own private verandah. It just depends where your stateroom is located.Some cabins will receive a letter from DCL asking them to stay off their balcony during the fireworks show due to safety concerns. Verandah staterooms that are more mid-ship to aft tend to be the ones that receive the warning letters.
The fireworks are set to music which you will probably be unable to hear if viewing from your balcony. Honestly, the best views are up on deck where the party is going on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will There Be a Pirate Night on My Cruise?
Unfortunately, not all DCL itineraries offer a Pirate Night.
Due to environmental laws, the Alaskan itineraries and some European sailings do not have a Pirate Night.
If you are booked on one of these itineraries, make sure to check first before planning for pirate festivities.
Also, Pirate Night festivities don't take place on Disney Marvel Cruise or Star Wars Disney Cruise, as there are other celebrations on those sailings.
When is Pirate Night?
For specific dates and times, check the Personal Navigator or Disney Cruise Line Navigator mobile app once onboard the ship.
If you want to know what day of your cruise it will be before you get on the ship, call Disney at 800-951-3532 once you are close to your embarkation date.
You can also find out by looking online (once you’ve checked in) to see when The Pirates League makeovers are available. They will only be available on Pirate Night. So the day you are able to book one of the Pirates League packages is the night you will have your Pirate Night.
You view this on the My Cruise Activities page on the Disney Cruise website.
TRADITIONAL PIRATE NIGHT SCHEDULES
(subject to change - your cruise may be different)
- 3-Night Cruise: Night 2
- 4-Night Cruise: Night 3
- 5-Night Cruise: Night 2
- 7-Night Cruise: Night 4 or 5
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