

Yo ho ho, me froggies! Tad here, and I'm onboard to share one of my favorite Disney Cruise Line events — Pirate Night! If you’ve never experienced Pirate Night, you are in for a real treasure of a time and an evening full of swashbuckling fun appropriate for the whole family. In this guide, I'll share my favorite tips for making the most of Pirate Night on a Disney cruise. There is so much to explore, from fireworks and entertainment to food and special characters. Let’s hop in and see what treasure awaits!

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What Is the Disney Cruise Pirate Night?
Held on most Disney Cruise Line sailings, Pirate Night is a single-evening event where your Disney cruise ship is transformed into a vessel worthy of Jack Sparrow himself. Most events and entertainment take place in the evening and range from themed game shows and family events to character greetings, special entertainment, a special dinner menu and a whole lot more.
Does every Disney cruise have a pirate night?
Pirate Night is held on all Caribbean and Bahamas sailings, as well as select other cruise itineraries. The only sailings that do not currently feature a Pirate Night are Alaska and Northern European sailings; instead, these cruise itineraries feature a Frozen Deck Party. Currently, Pirate Night can be found on the Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Wish and the Disney Treasure. It is expected that Pirate Night will also be held on the Disney Destiny, but no word has been released just yet.
When is Pirate Night on a Disney cruise?
Pirate Night usually falls on day four aboard the Magic, Wonder, Fantasy and Dream, and day three on the Wish and Disney Treasure, but is subject to change based on your itinerary. You'll find your Pirate Night schedule listed in the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app once connected to the ship's Wi-Fi either at the port terminal or onboard.
Disney Cruise Pirate Night Activities
Pirate Night kicks off in the afternoon with some frogtastic activities around the ship. From game shows to characters, there is something to keep every buccaneer entertained and living their best pirate life!
D Lounge (on the Magic and Dream class ships) and Luna or Sarabi on the Disney Wish and Disney Treasure are where most daytime Pirate Night activities are hosted. Here, you’ll find games, crafts and more all themed to Disney’s "Pirates of the Caribbean." My favorite activity is the "A Pirate’s Life for Me" game show! I loved spinning the "Wheel of Destiny" and competing in silly stunts to earn points for my team.
You may also find pirate-themed trivia and crafts throughout the afternoon, special activities in Disney’s Oceaneer Lab, and even pirate movies on the deck's Funnel Vision. Be sure to check the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app so you don’t miss a minute of the scallywaggin' fun.
Characters and Photo Opportunities
Love meeting characters? Pirate Night has you covered. Mickey, Minnie and other Disney favorites dress in pirate attire. Captain Jack Sparrow, Captain Hook and Mr. Smee are additional character greetings. You might even catch a surprise visit from Peter Pan!
Check out the pirate-themed backdrops around the ship for some fun photo opportunities.
Dress Like a Pirate
Many guests enjoy dressing up in their favorite swashbuckling duds for Pirate Night (myself included!). Some people go all out with full costumes and makeup while others wear simple pirate-themed shirts or accessories.
If you didn’t bring anything with you, the gift shops will have pirate merch available, and every guest will receive a pirate bandana to wear if they wish. Typically, your stateroom host will leave the bandanas in your stateroom.
If you really want to dress to impress, make a reservation for a Pirates League makeover at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. Let your inner buccaneer shine through with a pirate package that includes accessories and makeup. Available for guests 3 and up (yes, even the adults can get in on this one!), this experience is only available on Pirate Night. Make your reservations early — they fill up quickly! Book online or through the DCL Navigator app based on your Castaway Club member status.
Disney Cruise Pirate Night Deck Party and Fireworks at Sea
Avast! It's all hands on deck to cap off the evening with a rockin' Pirate Night deck party after dinner! You don’t want to be late to the party, so head up to the pool deck early to enjoy the fun.
My family likes to head straight to the pool deck to get a good seat for the Pirates in the Caribbean Party. If you prefer a higher vantage point to watch the show, head to the upper deck overlooking the pool area. Full of Disney characters and silly pirates, you'll learn everything you need to know to be a part of the crew!
No matter which ship you’re on, the pirate party starts with crowd participation and dancing. In true Disney fashion, an evil villain tries to ruin the fun. On the Disney Magic and Wonder, Captain Hook interrupts, but Pirate Mickey zips across the ship to save the party! Captain Jack Sparrow steps in to fight off rogue pirates, on the Dream and Fantasy.
On the Disney Wish and Treasure, the Pirate's Rockin' Parlay Party takes the spotlight, starring Captain Redd and her band of buccaneers. They play popular rock music covers until a grand finale of fireworks, with an appearance from Captain Jack Sparrow. (Earlier in the night on these ships, families can catch the Mickey and Minnie's Pirates in the Caribbean show, which features Captain Mickey and Minnie and their friends, interrupted by Captain Hook and Mr. Smee. It's perfect for littles who may not be able to stay awake for the later show.)
Every pirate show ends with a spectacular fireworks display! Did you know Disney is the only cruise line to shoot fireworks from the ship? Even better, the fireworks are made out of fish food! How cool is that?
After the fireworks, the pool deck turns into Club Pirate where you can dance the night away.
Disney Cruise Pirate Night Dining
Ahoy, mateys! For dinner, you’ll head to your scheduled Rotational Dining restaurant but don’t expect the usual menu. On Pirate Night, you’ll be treated to a pirate-themed feast fit for the crew of the Black Pearl! Be sure to wear your pirate attire to dinner — remember that bandana left in your stateroom?
The menu is packed with swashbuckling flavors, including favorites such as Jack's Treasure-of-the-Seas shrimp and scallops, Tia Dalma’s Jerk Chicken and the heavenly Bananas in Paradise for dessert. My personal favorite? The Pearl, a delicious nonalcoholic specialty drink served in a fun pirate souvenir cup.
If you're sailing on a 3-night cruise, you’ll enjoy the regular Rotational Dining menu instead, but don’t worry — the pirate vibes are still throughout the ship to keep things exciting.
Moms and dads, hold off on those Palo reservations and join the whole family for this dining experience. You won't want to miss all the fun.
More Tips for Disney Cruise Pirate Night
Here are a few more tips to help you make the most of your Pirate Night adventure:
- Bring your autograph books and cameras. Disney Characters will be dressed in their pirate best, and some may only be available to meet on this special day. Don’t miss the chance for photos and autographs!
- Not a fan of the pirate menu? You can grab a quick bite at the pizza counter or order room service instead. Then, head to the dining room for dessert and to enjoy the fun atmosphere.
- Consider a date night. Moms and dads can plan a meal at a specialty restaurant such as Palo or Remy before or after the pirate festivities.
- Check your Disney Cruise Line Navigator app. Pirate Night is packed with activities, from crafts and trivia to character meet-and-greets and the deck party. Many events happen twice, but it’s best to review the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app early to map out your day.
- Plan ahead for the deck party. The Pirates in the Caribbean deck show is a highlight of the night, with fireworks (on most sailings), music and dancing. Arrive early to snag a good spot!
Pirate Night on a Disney Cruise is a family adventure full of fun and excitement! Unleash your inner pirate and join the swashbuckling fun. Drop your pirate night questions in the comments below!
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Stay cool!