OFFICIAL The Pirates League Thread

[ewerstruly]

We never get much time at wdw, so we don't take the time for naps. We've gone three times and have three boys. The older boys never tire out. I just run after them! The little one (who is now four, but went to wdw at 1, 2 and 3) has pretty much been pushed around in a stroller asleep the whole time. He slept through most of it ... all three times. Seems like he was always wide awake until we got to the MK, then he was out like a light. He also has always refused to be photographed with ANY Disney character. This time, he'll be 5. I think he'll love this pirates league experience. If we ever go anywhere that has face painting, he's first in line. I know his older brothers ages 8 and 10 will love it.

 

[Berlioz70]

HIstorically does anyone know when they announce extended hours for MNSSHP? Or when they start scheduling for past 4 in October? I guess officiLmparty dates will at least need to come out first, huh?

Also, they say park admission is required. Does the party ticket count as pArk admission? They let you do pirates league with your MNSSHP ticket and not a full's day admission.

Party admission is the same as Park admission, so you are good to go!

Historically is hard, as last year was the first year they were extended (In 2009 the League was already open late, they didn't cut back on hours until 2010).

Last year, if I recall, the decision was not made until mid-August. Mostly because they watched the reservations for MNSSHP dates and discovered how incredibly booked they were. So they extended the hours only a couple weeks prior too.

The costumes look too warm for Aug, I think I'll have to come up with pirate theemed shirts.

The league does have shirt options. They change all the time which is why none are pictured in the first post.

One popular shirt right now has a bone look. The popular female option is a blue/green shirt with a mermaid (for the upcoming movie).

I did a quick google search and could not find either shirt in an image.

All-
First of all, thank you for all the useful information. So thankful you take the time to share your experiences and knowledge.

So now I need help with some planning and the Pirate Tutorial. This is my and my family's very first trip to WDW - hooray! We have me, DH, DS (8), DD (5), DD (6mo, 1 at time of trip), and nanny to help out with the baby.

I recommend making a reservation at about 2:45, then participating in the 4:15 parade, then watching the 4:25 Pirate Tutorial.

Keep in mind, if you visit on a night with MNSSHP, then there will not be a parade.

 

[ckdisneyfan]

Wow this is awesome info on the pirates league!

We are super excited about this during our trip in mid October. There are 14 of us, and we have appointments starting at 10 am, going every 10 min til 11. We also have 1:15 reservations at Whispering Canyon at Wilderness lodge.

I had originally made the dining ressies wanting to be sure we had plenty of time to get back for the pirate parade, but I seen that they will not have a parade (since it is a MNSSHP day)

Do you think I need to try to move the lunch ressies? or is that plenty of time?

Thanks in advance!

 

[ewerstruly]

I've not done this before ... but we were able to get reservations for our party of 5 starting at 2:20. Very exciting. It will be a MNSSHP night. I'm guessing we'll be done by 4. So, if there's not parade, but there is a tutorial on party nights ... I guess we'd likely be done in time for it. What time is the tutorial on party nights, and what exactly is it? Is it where Captain Jack himself triesnto recruit the kiddos?

If the pirates league extends their scheduling on party nights, our plans might change. I'd love to have 4:30 reservations and not have to buy park tickets for all 5 of us for those few extra hours before 4. We're only in Florida one day.

 

[Berlioz70]

We are super excited about this during our trip in mid October. There are 14 of us, and we have appointments starting at 10 am, going every 10 min til 11. We also have 1:15 reservations at Whispering Canyon at Wilderness lodge.

11 to 1:15 makes me nervous because of two reasons:

MNSSHP are notorious for having a backup (sometimes 60-90 minutes). You're lucky you're going early and if all the reservation times are your own party that will help as well. But I'm still nervous.

Second, transportation can take awhile. So if there is a backup, plus adding transport time, then there is likely no chance you'd make it to the Whispering Canyon on time.

Keep in mind, I personally am a nervous planner and always prefer to plan for extra time and enjoy an extra attraction if we're ahead.

What time is the tutorial on party nights, and what exactly is it? Is it where Captain Jack himself triesnto recruit the kiddos?

Captain Jack does not do meet and greets, he only appears in the Tutorial.

Tutorial times are the same, regardless of party nights:

10:15, 11:20. 12:25, 2:15, 3:20, 4:25

 

[ckdisneyfan]

Thanks for the advice. I will see about moving the Whispering Canyon times. We don't want to be rushed going thru the Pirates League!

 

[ewerstruly]

Thanks again. How long is the pirate tutorial? Thanks!

 

[shawni]

I think we messed up on our times. I scheduled our two boys for 11:10 on May 13th thinking (don't know why) that the parade was at 2 p.m. So, now I am wondering how we are going to do that. Is it going to be a mess with getting them done that early and then trying to get back to this part of the park by 4:15 for the parade and tutorial? We plan on being at MK at rope drop and I was thinking that we should probably get our fast passes for the mountains right away. So, I think I have us bouncing around link ping pong balls this day. Any suggestions to make this work?

 

[melnbil]

1) for Shawni according to the above post the tutorial takes place multiple times each day

2) if there are three of us going thru (2 at 9:20 and 1 at 9:30) can I still take pictures during the make up process or will it be too difficult?? Also can all of us have our photos taken together after the makeovers since we are a family??

 

[Berlioz70]

Thanks again. How long is the pirate tutorial? Thanks!

I believe it's about 20-25 minutes.

I think we messed up on our times. I scheduled our two boys for 11:10 on May 13th thinking (don't know why) that the parade was at 2 p.m. So, now I am wondering how we are going to do that. Is it going to be a mess with getting them done that early and then trying to get back to this part of the park by 4:15 for the parade and tutorial? We plan on being at MK at rope drop and I was thinking that we should probably get our fast passes for the mountains right away. So, I think I have us bouncing around link ping pong balls this day. Any suggestions to make this work?

The parade originally premiered at 2, but changed to after 4 in early 2010.

The paint should hold up just fine, but everyone is different. If you're concerned, you should still be able to push it back to later in the day.

Speaking of the 13th - I'll be training a new Pirate that day. So look for the loud redhead with a scared looking pirate next to her.

2) if there are three of us going thru (2 at 9:20 and 1 at 9:30) can I still take pictures during the make up process or will it be too difficult?? Also can all of us have our photos taken together after the makeovers since we are a family??

Check the first post for info on group photos.

As for photos during the experience, I would recommend asking that you can get seated first, that way you'll finish first and be able to take the finishing photos of the other two. When in the chair, it will be very difficult to take photos (especially because families are not guaranteed to sit together).

To finish quicker, avoid the Multi Eye and Cursed Look, those two take the longest.

 

[ewerstruly]

berlioz70

Truly, thank you for all the information. Will you be able to let us know here if and when the PL extends it's hours for the MNSSHP nights? I'd love to call in and be one of the first in line if that happens! Thanks so much.

 

[Berlioz70]

If they tell us, I'll certainly post it. Unfortunately, sometimes we're the last ones to know.

 

[shawni]

I believe it's about 20-25 minutes.

The parade originally premiered at 2, but changed to after 4 in early 2010.

The paint should hold up just fine, but everyone is different. If you're concerned, you should still be able to push it back to later in the day.

Speaking of the 13th - I'll be training a new Pirate that day. So look for the loud redhead with a scared looking pirate next to her.

I bet I did read that 2 o'clock time on an old post or something. I already tried to push it back and they said it was filled up. Oh well, we will still make the best of it.

That is great that you will be there. That would be great to see you. Try not to scare the new trainee too much.

You have been a great help with all of this info. My boys are just too excited to be doing this as our whole trip is going to be pretty much pirate based. This is the first day of our WDW vacation and we think it will be a great way to get them into the theme of things. We are also doing the Dreams cruise at the end of the week and POTC 4 is premiering on the ship during our cruise. So, we will be pirates in the Caribbean watching Pirates of the Caribbean. LOL

 

[Berlioz70]

We are also doing the Dreams cruise at the end of the week and POTC 4 is premiering on the ship during our cruise. So, we will be pirates in the Caribbean watching Pirates of the Caribbean. LOL

Jealous!!!

About half the League is going to the midnight showing. You'd think May 20th would be a great day to come to the League... but we'll see how awake we are

 

[shawni]

Jealous!!!

About half the League is going to the midnight showing. You'd think May 20th would be a great day to come to the League... but we'll see how awake we are

I know we are super excited. I don't know if the 6-y/o will be able to stay up for it, but I know the 11-y/o is all up for it. We will try to make him (LOL), but I may have to go back with him to the room and let DH and DS11 stay! Sad too because I just watched all three of the other ones to get caught up.

 

[shawni]

For multi-eyed Jack, can they do the eyes in brown rather than blue? My 11-y/o wanted that one, but he wanted the eyes to match his.

 

[princessreilly]

Weird question: can you do this without face paintiing? My four year old son wants to do it, but doesn't want his face painted.

 

[Dreamer & Wisher]

Thank you for all the information! I booked DS's appointment today for our trip in June. He is so excited!

 

[ewerstruly]

Has anyone been able to book past 4 pm on a MNSSHP night yet?

 

[Berlioz70]

For multi-eyed Jack, can they do the eyes in brown rather than blue? My 11-y/o wanted that one, but he wanted the eyes to match his.

Unfortunately no. The blue is to match the eyes on the cheeks, and the color cannot be changed. Sorry!

Weird question: can you do this without face paintiing? My four year old son wants to do it, but doesn't want his face painted.

Definitely! Technically the price you pay is for all the merchandise, not the paint, so lots of people skip the paint.