First, congratulations on booking your Disney Cruise! Our entire family has wonderful memories of our time aboard the Disney Fantasy in the Caribbean. Perhaps one of the parts I was least looking forward to was the Disney Cruise Pirate Night. Oh, how wrong I was. Pirate Night ended up being a highlight of our Disney Cruise. Be prepared and get in the spirit with our Pirate Night tips!
Disney Cruise Pirate Night Tips
1. Pack pirate costumes for the entire family
2. Purchase swords for Pirate Night at the gift shop
3. Gather on the deck early for Pirate Night
4. Stay for the show and fireworks
5. End the night with dancing or late night fare
What is Disney Cruise Pirate Night?
A Disney Cruise is chock full of entertainment ranging from Broadway style performances to shows outdoors on the main deck. All of the Disney Cruise Line ships offer a Pirates Night for most of their itineraries aboard the Disney Fantasy, Disney Magic, Disney Dream and Disney Wonder. Check your itinerary to find out when this is and to make sure it is included in your Disney Cruise itinerary.
Pirate Night is one night, well actually, one day that is full of pirate themed entertainment. The culmination of this day is a show and party on the main deck that ends with fireworks. It really is a night of not-to-be-missed swahbucklin’ fun. You’ll even get the chance to catch a glimpse of Captain Jack Sparrow!
What To Know About Disney Cruise Pirate Night Before You Go
Pack Pirate Garb for the Entire Family
What do you wear on Pirate Night on a Disney Cruise?
Getting dressed up in costume is not something I am generally a fan of. It is a rare Halloween when my arm gets twisted to put on a standby witch costume. However, in preparation for our Disney Cruise I ordered both kids a pirate costume. I knew that they would want to dress up. There are lots of fun pirate costumes for kids out there. Disney cruise pirate night attire can be anything from a custom Disney pirate shirt to a full costume. We recommend a full pirate costume.
Costume Ideas for Disney Cruise Pirate Night
There are some fun Disney Cruise Pirate Night costume ideas out there. I debated striped shirts or something simple for my husband and I. It would have been easy enough to pull off without spending much money. But he wasn’t a big fan of that idea. So, I did nothing for us. Until the day before departure when we were already packed and ready to go.
That’s when I remembered that our neighbors had been on a Disney Cruise and had talked about getting dressed up for Pirate Night. I texted my neighbor asking if I might be able to borrow her costume. She graciously said, “Of course!” And pulled them out. Both her costume and her husband’s were a one size fits all. She offered up the male costume as well.
Insider Tip: If you want something that isn’t just for a one-time use, buy a red and white striped shirt and pair it with black shorts or pants. Add an inexpensive pirate hat and you are set!
Pirate Night arrived aboard the ship. The whole family dressed in costumes for the evening’s show and dinner. Our kids had the best time pretending to be pirates as we walked the ship’s decks. We thought that most of the adults wouldn’t be in costume, but no. The adults not wearing some sort of pirate costume were odd man out.
If you really wanted to go all out you should make the kids (ages 3 or over) appointments at Pirates League at the the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique for a pirate make over.
This is such a fun night. And, the photos of our entire family dressed as pirates is a cherished souvenir from the vacation.
Purchase Swords for Pirate Night at the Gift Shop
Everything in the ship’s gift shop is authentic Disney merchandise, so good quality. We were hesitant to pack plastic swords in our luggage. So we planned to make this purchase aboard the ship. Having the swords added to the fun for the kids. They really took on the persona of a pirate. Those swords came home with us and continue to get lots of play at home.
Gather on the Deck Early for Pirate Night
What time is pirate night on a Disney Cruise? You will want to check the itinerary for your specific cruise. But most guests get dressed up before dinner. It is fun to see all the pirates running around the ship. So, I don’t think anytime is to early to start.
There’s really not a bad spot for the Disney Cruise Pirate Night show . But I do think the main deck is better than up on the sides for the fireworks. The upper deck on the left facing the stage may be the best spot to see the fireworks. Regardless, getting there early ensure that you can find a good place to set up.
We took that opportunity to take photos and get lemonade from the soda fountains. Watching all the cast members in costume is fun. Just be aware that if you ask a cast member to take a photo of your family you might later discover a crazy pirate photo like below on your phone later. But if you want to be sure to get photos with the pirates, you can sign up in advance for a character meet. Likely you can find Mickey dressed in his pirate attire, and some other fun characters too such as Captain Hook.
Stay for the Show and Fireworks
If you have younger kids you might even want to try to get them a nap earlier in the day. Out youngest wakes at the crack of dawn regardless of the time zone and was always wiped out by dinner time. The show and fireworks go fairly late. And, it isn’t something you want to have to leave early. Try to rest up for it.
Our five-year old was awestruck as pirates boarded the ship. Fortunately Captain Jack Sparrow was on board to save the day. A pirate rappelling down the ship’s funnel is quite a sight to see. There was plenty of action and it felt as though you were in the midst of the action.
Fireworks aboard a ship at sea are also quite a sight, and special experience.
End the Night with Dancing or Late Night Pirate Themed Dining
If you aren’t exhausted stay for a pirate dance party on the pool deck. Or, check out pirate themed late night fare at Cabana’s. It is surely a night that will create fun memories for your entire family. Enjoy it however feels right to you. We found Pirate Night fun for kids and adults alike.
Additional Disney Cruise Tips:
Why Our Family Will Take Another Disney Cruise
What to Expect from DCL Star Wars Day at Sea
12 Tips to Make the Most of Your Disney Cruise
Headed to Walt Disney World before or after your cruise? Find out where to stay!
This is an updated post originally published March 2019.
We haven’t ever been on a cruise, but we have been to a Walt Disney World Pirate night, and it was great fun. We enjoyed it more even more than the Disney Halloween Night for sure. Thank you for sharing on #farawayfiles
Love the pix of the cute little pirate.