Pirates and Pals Fireworks cruise?

[glohoffman]

Can anyone give me more info on this? Is it hard to book? Do I book 180 days out? Is it worth it? I have been tossing around either the dessert party or the pirate cruise...which would you prefer? Would love to hear experiences.

 

[tinkerhon]

Can anyone give me more info on this? Is it hard to book? Do I book 180 days out? Is it worth it? I have been tossing around either the dessert party or the pirate cruise...which would you prefer? Would love to hear experiences.

This is our absolute favorite thing hat we do at disney !! We started going last year after reading Kenny the Pirate's review that he posted--- it's so much fun !!!

We get dressed up, (it's me, DW, DD8, and DS 4) ---

Let me add that we do ( and love) the Dessert party as well, but for our money, the pirate and pal party is a lot more fun--- it's even great for adults ( we see many couples without children-- the CMs/hosts really do a great job of keeping everyone into it !!

We usually eat at MK ( or the wave) before the Cruise so it's easy access to the contemporary---

There are a ton of snacks/desserts--- coffee, tea, cold drinks available before the boat leaves , and the fun really starts !! The view of the fireworks ( and you get to see the water pageant ) is amazing ! Then there is a special character photo op at the end--- you can't book online --- and the cruise isn't every night, so it does get booked

We are going for our 4th time on April 2nd--- if you can , google Kenny the pirates review--- has great pics

We would never miss this again ! Doing it for our DD bday this time !

Hope I helped !!

 

[Fratthouse]

We are doing this for the first time next month and are SO excited!! My 3 yo son is obsessed with pirates, so I'm hoping it's going to be a great experience for him and a fun memory for all of us. It was kenny the pirate's review that got me so excited about it - definitely worth checking out his website to get a good idea for what it involves. He has lots of commentary and pics

With regards to booking, I will add: While it NEVER hurts to book at 180 day, I don't think it's completely necessary. We are going during busy spring break season and I booked my son and I at around 2 months out. I then called a couple weeks later and added my husband - so they still had room. If you know you want to do this, I wouldn't put off booking it, but in my experience it doesn't sell out right away. They do require you to pay in full at the time of booking, but you are allowed to cancel up to 48 hours before, so it would be refunded if you changed your mind.

To the previous poster who's been before - how's the food situation? Is there plenty of desserts for everyone? Or do you need to be aggressive about being near the front of the food line? And what about the waits for meeting Captain Hook and Mr. Smee? Is there enough time for everyone who wants to meet them to do the M&G and get the desserts?

 

[tinkerhon]

We are doing this for the first time next month and are SO excited!! My 3 yo son is obsessed with pirates, so I'm hoping it's going to be a great experience for him and a fun memory for all of us. It was kenny the pirate's review that got me so excited about it - definitely worth checking out his website to get a good idea for what it involves. He has lots of commentary and pics

With regards to booking, I will add: While it NEVER hurts to book at 180 day, I don't think it's completely necessary. We are going during busy spring break season and I booked my son and I at around 2 months out. I then called a couple weeks later and added my husband - so they still had room. If you know you want to do this, I wouldn't put off booking it, but in my experience it doesn't sell out right away. They do require you to pay in full at the time of booking, but you are allowed to cancel up to 48 hours before, so it would be refunded if you changed your mind.

To the previous poster who's been before - how's the food situation? Is there plenty of desserts for everyone? Or do you need to be aggressive about being near the front of the food line? And what about the waits for meeting Captain Hook and Mr. Smee? Is there enough time for everyone who wants to meet them to do the M&G and get the desserts?

There is a ton of food for everyone---! They have two large cakes that they cut ( try and take a picture before they begin slicing--- they are really nice). --- ton of ice cream, cotton candy, frozen lemonades, chocolate coins, bags of pretzels--- they also have fresh fruit ( last time they had bananas and oranges) --- they have a really nice tea and coffee serve ( with flavored syrups)

Regarding the m & g's --- try to line up as soon as you see the characters come into the room, because the lines get long, but there is plenty of time, and no one gets crazy--- it's handled very well--- try to get there early if you can--- they do a scavenger hunt before the event starts that's a lot of fun !

 

[Fratthouse]

There is a ton of food for everyone---! They have two large cakes that they cut ( try and take a picture before they begin slicing--- they are really nice). --- ton of ice cream, cotton candy, frozen lemonades, chocolate coins, bags of pretzels--- they also have fresh fruit ( last time they had bananas and oranges) --- they have a really nice tea and coffee serve ( with flavored syrups)

Regarding the m & g's --- try to line up as soon as you see the characters come into the room, because the lines get long, but there is plenty of time, and no one gets crazy--- it's handled very well--- try to get there early if you can--- they do a scavenger hunt before the event starts that's a lot of fun !

Thanks so much! My son is a huge Peter Pan fan - so I just wanted to be sure he got to meet them (especially since there really isn't anywhere else in WDW where they do M&G's!) We'll be sure to line up quickly, but it sounds like there's no need to stress and they work to make sure everyone has a good experience. This makes me SOOOOO excited for our trip!!!!

 

[CookieandOatmeal]

Just went last Sunday and the view of the fireworks were wonderful. There was plenty of snacks and food to go around for everyone so no need to rush for anything. I would recommend getting in line first for the M&G because we waited til the end (2nd to last) and I did feel kind of rushed. The photographer only took one photo on his camera and one on mine. Usually they do a bit more. The picture didn't come out that well so that was the only part I was disappointed.

 

[glohoffman]

Ok so it sounds good! Does anyone know which days they do it? And how long it lasts....from time you need to be there until it ends? I checked out kenny the pirates page..but I didn't see any days mentioned.

 

[tinkerhon]

Thanks so much! My son is a huge Peter Pan fan - so I just wanted to be sure he got to meet them (especially since there really isn't anywhere else in WDW where they do M&G's!) We'll be sure to line up quickly, but it sounds like there's no need to stress and they work to make sure everyone has a good experience. This makes me SOOOOO excited for our trip!!!!

The Peter Pan photo op is great !!! There is no need to rush at all--- you are escorted right to him ( last time Hook took my daughter arm and arm off the boat! ) Was the highlight of our trip !! And they allow everyone a few pics with Peter--- and he is very accommodating , and was happy to sign our autograph book

It really is a great event !

 

[glohoffman]

Just went last Sunday and the view of the fireworks were wonderful. There was plenty of snacks and food to go around for everyone so no need to rush for anything. I would recommend getting in line first for the M&G because we waited til the end (2nd to last) and I did feel kind of rushed. The photographer only took one photo on his camera and one on mine. Usually they do a bit more. The picture didn't come out that well so that was the only part I was disappointed.

Good to know Sunday was an option...I wanted to do it our arrivals night...I wonder if they do weekends in September...

 

[tinkerhon]

Ok so it sounds good! Does anyone know which days they do it? And how long it lasts....from time you need to be there until it ends? I checked out kenny the pirates page..but I didn't see any days mentioned.

It starts 1:15 mins before the scheduled fireworks for that night--- Nov-May -- every night but weds
June-Oct--- each night but weds and thurs

 

[Newsies]

Definitely do the Pirates Cruise. My whole family agrees that it was the best experience from our entire trip. The pirate hosts were hilarious, the view of the water pageant and fireworks was prime, and the character interaction was magical. The dessert spread is a little limited, but there's enough of everything to go around.

 

[tinkerhon]

Definitely do the Pirates Cruise. My whole family agrees that it was the best experience from our entire trip. The pirate hosts were hilarious, the view of the water pageant and fireworks was prime, and the character interaction was magical. The dessert spread is a little limited, but there's enough of everything to go around.

Could not agree more !! I truly think it's a bit of a hidden gem--- I love the bandanas that they hand out--- when we went in November, we wore them on the walk to MK- when we arrived at our bus stop, everyone asked what we were dressed for, and where we went for the bandanas -- ( and the beads and pirate hooks !! Lol)

 

[Newsies]

Could not agree more !! I truly think it's a bit of a hidden gem--- I love the bandanas that they hand out--- when we went in November, we wore them on the walk to MK- when we arrived at our bus stop, everyone asked what we were dressed for, and where we went for the bandanas -- ( and the beads and pirate hooks !! Lol)

I definitely agree that it's a hidden gem. And I don't feel like fighting for reservations over it, so I hope it stays that way!

 

[tinkerhon]

I definitely agree that it's a hidden gem. And I don't feel like fighting for reservations over it, so I hope it stays that way!

We didn't even know it existed , until last year, after our wishes dessert party night was booked--- saw Kenny's review, and we've been in love with it since--- I love the banter on the boat, prior to the fireworks !

The pirate Hosts ( "Patch" is great!!) are incredible !!!

 

[Vickie1016]

My family loved this (me, DH & DD then 8). We did it the first time last July. DD8 dressed up like a pirate, lots of the kids were. We also read Kenny the Pirate's review & that was the reason we booked it.

The Pirate Captains are so funny, telling stories & jokes & even trivia questions on the boat while you are awaiting the fireworks. Each kid was asked a question & got a prize (like a bead necklace or yo-yo). I agree with PP, line up early for the picture as the line gets long. Plenty of snacks & drinks. The CM tell you to take some for the cruise. And loads of Mickey Bars..lol Overall the night was great.

This year we are headed back to WDW with two other families - we booked this cruise because it was so much fun!!! Because there are 10 of us this year, we did book at 180 days out because we needed a specific night.

 

[NoMoneyThanks2Disney]

This sounds wonderful! I admit to always being too intimidated to book because it would just be my mom and I, no kids. I figured it was almost exclusively for kids, and didn't want to be that one awkward group of adults that all the groups with kids stare at. From these comments though, it seems like that wouldn't be the case. Is that correct? Also, do they do this on the nights of MNSSHP?

 

[Mikeb1892]

I seem to remember reading that when booking you should request either odd or even numbered seats, as one side of the boat has better views of the fireworks than the other. Something to do with the boats being covered and that you simply can't just look straight up during the fireworks. Can anyone confirm, and if so what is the recommended side to book (odd or even)?

 

[disneydude365]

It's totally worth the money I personally love the event I'm 22 lol, Peter fan like your son as well!!
It's so much fun you get lots of great sweets, character interaction, and Magic Kingdom fireworks!!
I actually just booked my 3rd pirates and palls cruise for next month!
It's really relaxing and a great way to see disney Magic!!

Usually I spend day downtown with a friend then we end it with the cruise and its a nice relaxing day, I have done it on an actual trip and it was just as fun

If annoying in your group is like you said a Peter fan
It's a total MUST !!

To book you do have to call not sure about the how many days prior, but yes you need to book eat due to though even it being nightly only two small boats go out, it's a event for only so many number of ppl which I like because you get extra character time lol

 

[disneydude365]

This sounds wonderful! I admit to always being too intimidated to book because it would just be my mom and I, no kids. I figured it was almost exclusively for kids, and didn't want to be that one awkward group of adults that all the groups with kids stare at. From these comments though, it seems like that wouldn't be the case. Is that correct? Also, do they do this on the nights of MNSSHP?

Disney is for all ages and I've seen all ages of ppl do this cruise and they all seem to enjoy it
It depends on which boat you get assigned but I would ask for the Left side that's where I'm always been placed

Not sure about Halloween party but I'd assume they do
I know last time was back before Christmas and we were out during the last Christmas party so we got to see the exclusive Christmas fireworks from the Pirates and palls cruise

So I'd assume that they would do it for Halloween parties but I'd call to confirm

 

[drlaurafsu]

They do the cruise during MNSSHP. We did it for DS and his friends for his 6th birthday...so fun! The kids had a great time.