Pirate's League without Pirate Tutorial..mistake?

[BubblyTrip]

I have PL booked for DS5 at 11:20. CP ADR at 12:10, then leave for a break until dinner. Thought the pirate get up would be fun for the character pics at CP.

But I wonder if I'm blowing it by not doing the Pirate's Tutorial after PL (at 12:25).

Thoughts on the Tutorial, assuming your kid is not picked to go on stage to sword fight?

I don't think we can do the Tutorial and then a character meal, as this is my night to see if we can stay up for MSEP.

 

[kmb584]

I have PL booked for DS5 at 11:20. CP ADR at 12:10, then leave for a break until dinner. Thought the pirate get up would be fun for the character pics at CP.

But I wonder if I'm blowing it by not doing the Pirate's Tutorial after PL (at 12:25).

Thoughts on the Tutorial, assuming your kid is not picked to go on stage to sword fight?

I don't think we can do the Tutorial and then a character meal, as this is my night to see if we can stay up for MSEP.

I don't have advice on the PL Tutorial but I think you're cutting it very close with your appointment and ADR times. On a good day the makeover will take about 35-40 minutes but that's without the wait time. Sometimes you'll be seated right at your appointment time but more often than not there's a bit of a backlog in guests. Then, once the makeover is complete, there's the Secret Room and PhotoPass session.

 

[Sunnyday3]

I don't have advice on the PL Tutorial but I think you're cutting it very close with your appointment and ADR times. On a good day the makeover will take about 35-40 minutes but that's without the wait time. Sometimes you'll be seated right at your appointment time but more often than not there's a bit of a backlog in guests. Then, once the makeover is complete, there's the Secret Room and PhotoPass session.

I second the too close on this. Our wait time was nearly a half hour, the Jake makeover (one of the easier ones I would bet) took about 30 minutes, then there were the pictures and waiting 15 minutes in line to pay! Plus you need to get back up to the restaurant. I'd consider changing your times.

I'm not sure what you mean by the tutorial. Is that the show in the front of PL with Jack Sparrow? It just happened to be starting when my son finished PL. He did get called up on stage--loved it. It was so much fun for him and a real highlight of his trip.

 

[Marthasor]

My son has done Pirate's League twice and has never done the tutorial. I agree with the PP's. Appointment and ADR are way too close. We just did the Jake makeover on Monday and it took over an hour.

 

[Mousemommy1]

My girls have done Pirates League and they didn't feel like going back for the pirate tutorial. It was several hours after the appointment time. No biggie.

But, for our trip in August, they want to do Pirates League again, but this time they absolutely want to do the tutorial.

 

[DESKRoberts]

My DS has done PL twice now. We just happened upon the Pirate tutorial the 2nd time. He didn't get called up for the sword fight, but he did get to go up on stage at the end. Capt Jack gave him a little extra attention because he was dressed up. It is one of our favorite memories of the trip!

 

[BubblyTrip]

Hmmm. The CM that booked me said it would be plenty of time. I had thought to arrive 15 minutes early to PL, just to be safe. What if I'm a little late to my ADR because PL ran late?

Does it make more sense to switch CP to an early dinner and have a snack right before PL? We could have a late lunch at The Wilderness Lodge when we go back to chill / swim. And we could do the Pirate show after PL.

CP is not a must do. We did it last time.

 

[4xmom]

Just a question, because I am confused. Why would you be going back to swim right after your paid for make-up/facepaint? Could make PL earlier and keep the CP ADR?

 

[EEPETEZ]

I also think the times are too close. We've done the PL twice and both times it took at least 45 minutes. My kids have also done the tutorial twice as well and have been selected both times. They have loved the tutorial, but I don't think you have to do it. We've also done a character meal after the PL and the characters have been great, really playing up the pirate make-up. Made for some cute pics! I would defiantly try for an earlier ADR time if you can.

 

[Berlioz70]

Agree with others - I worked at TPL for over a year, you will not get through in that amount of time on a good day (some days can take up to 2 hours depending on the wait). I recommend a 90 minute time frame when planning for TPL.

Why not go back later in the day for a different Tutorial? They do a Pirate Parade at the end of the day and the pirates that participate get reserved front row seats for the last Tutorial of the day (typically parade about 4:10 and Tutorial at 4:25).

 

[bumbershoot]

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Just a question, because I am confused. Why would you be going back to swim right after your paid for make-up/facepaint? Could make PL earlier and keep the CP ADR?

That's exactly what I was thinking. Why spend all that money for the sake of some photos? Why not spend that money and let the little 5 year old FEEL like a pirate ALL day long?

And yes the times are too close. The CM taking your appointment might be in Georgia or Washington and hasn't necessarily ever been to the parks. They just don't know how it is. We got there early and had the pleasure of waiting at least 20 minutes after our appointment time. Then you go in and choose your pirate names then wait more, then if someone wants clothes they choose that, then wait more, then wait... All 3 of us did it, and if there are other family members in chairs at the same time the CMs there are HILARIOUS, laughing and joking and having a great time. And that TAKES more time. Then once you are finally all done you go off to have pictures taken, then you check out, and THEN you're done.

After all of that...don't just go have lunch then go sleep and swim and lose all the makeup and fun he could continue to have as a pirate.

 

[BubblyTrip]

Just a question, because I am confused. Why would you be going back to swim right after your paid for make-up/facepaint? Could make PL earlier and keep the CP ADR?

If I do PL too early we miss out on shorter lines for rides. I hate to give up the first few precious ride hours, especially since this is a short two park days trip (both at MK).

I'm hoping the whole PL experience is worthwhile, not just as a means to an end with the painted face. KWIM? Am I off track with that?

If he has fun in the process and enjoys lunch all made up, I'm good with that. He can always wear his pirate gear back in the park that evening. But I *think* a break is going to make for a better day.

Maybe I can get myself a little more wiggle room though.

 

[horse11]

How many times do they do the tutorial? Is it right in front of PL? Is the only pirate parade at 4:10?