We were at PL on 9/4. We had a reservation for 4:15 and got there at about 4:15. The PL had been very empty the day before so I didn't think it would be a problem. Big mistake. It was packed due to
MNSSHP. I met Pirate Brenna at the check in desk. She said it might be about at 20 minute wait and then approx. 30-40 minutes for the entire experience. I was panicked because we had 5:15 dinner reservations at LTT. Both Brenna and another Pirate discussed it and said they would try to do their best to get us out in time. I really felt for them because the PL was jam packed. What a difference from the day before.

They were able to get us in and out with time to spare and I'm eternally grateful. I must also mention that even though it was definitely a full house, at no time did we feel rushed. Every CM was wonderful, from Pirate Brenna and her fellow Pirates at the front desk, to the Pirate performing the makeovers, the photographer and the CMs at the cash registers at the end. Job well done and much appreciated CMs!
Well, we were called and my reluctant 13 year old DD went in. She received her pirate name and was off to be made over. Pirate Katie was given the unenviable task of making my daughter over and trying to get her to enjoy it at the same time.

Katie was helped by another Pirate girl who left before our makeover was complete. During the makeover I spoke with a gentleman, who I believe was a manager, and we laughed about how my daughter was really making the CM's work for their pay and begrudgingly enjoying the experience.

I also told him I had heard about PL from the DIS and how helpful Pirate Brenna was with our never ending list of questions and concerns. She really should get some recognition for her role in promoting the PL. Yeah Brenna!

During my DD's makeover Pirate Nick and another Pirate (I wish I could remember his name), frequently came over and talked to my daughter, laughed and joked with her and even gave her a hidden Mickey on her arm (three black dots). He also gave her a black dot (a big spot of black makeup on a paper towel). They all howled and carried on as if that was the funniest thing. I thought it was funny too, although I wasn't really sure why.

I cannot express to you the gratitude I felt for how they took it upon themselves to make sure she had a good time, inspite of herself. She finally loosened up and played along, even doing the hook finger while taking her pirate oath. Never once did they come out of character. Pirate Nick even cracked about how my DD was "hitting on him" when she accidently hit him in the leg with her sword.

They were an absolutely fantastic bunch of CMs who really love their jobs and made it a wonderful experience for a self-conscious teenager. She even finally announced that on a scale of 1-10, she thought BBB (which we did last year) was a 2, while PL was an 8. I think that's high praise for a teen.

She said PL was much more fun and even talked about what a good time she had, later on that night. I think she felt a little uncomfortable because there seemed to be plenty of children and adults, but no other teens. If teens didn't always take themselves so seriously, they would definitely enjoy this experience.
The $50 fee included all of the following: make up application (you keep the lipgloss and nail polish), a sheet of jeweled body stickers (they put one on and you keep the rest), an eye patch, a bandana, a hoop earring, a sheath, a sword, a pirate medallion, and a 5 x 7 picture and a parchment that shows your pirate name and which has a copy of the pirate oath each new recruit takes. There were many other parts of the experience that were priceless -- the professionalism, helpfulness, and genuine love of their jobs and the memories we'll have forever. A very big thank you to Pirates Katie, Nick and the two other unnamed CMs I couldn't remember the names of. Even though I don't remember your names, you have my unending gratitute and respect for a sometimes tough job! You're all fabulous.