Today's post about the Pirates and Pals Fireworks Voyage at the Walt Disney World Resort comes from Anne Taetzsch Fitzgerald. We hope you enjoy it!
Arrrgh. Welcome aboard the Seven Seas mateys!
At our most recent trip to the Happiest Place on Earth in April, the Fitz family was set on trying new magical experiences. After all, we were celebrating our 4-year anniversary and our son’s 3rd birthday! I can think of no better place to celebrate than Walt Disney World!
Having two little pirates in tow, we booked the Pirates and Pals Fireworks Voyage, located at the Contemporary Resort.
Upon arrival, pirates (or are we the pals?) are given their official bandanas and seating information. Then arrive the Captains, Patch and Patch, and the party begins. To the delight of all, there is a special meet-and-greet with Captain Hook and Smee. Make sure you have your camera(s) ready; they take their time interacting with guests and there are some great photo ops. If you forget your camera, no worries, there is a Photopass photographer.
The food is your basic party fare. There is a cake, tea and coffee, juices, water, and snack food in general. The kids loved racing around the room to see what next food delight was in store. Weight Watchers, this is not.
After the belly's have been properly filled, Patch and Patch lead the crew to the boats with a sendoff by Hook and Smee. The first encounter is the Electrical Water Parade. It is up close, and the view is fantastic of this 42-year tradition. As the journey continues, Patch entertains with jokes and tales of the high seas. While waiting for Wishes to start, special celebrations are recognized (birthdays, anniversaries, etc). Be sure to let cast members know upon booking if you are celebrating.
Once Wishes begins, the music is piped onto the boat. There is something magical about sitting in the middle of the Seven Seas Lagoon and watching the fireworks explode above Cinderella’s castle.
At the conclusion of Wishes, the journey back is entertaining. Patch is really witty. Disney trivia ensues with trinkets that are given for prizes.
We arrived back to the dock and were greeted by a special visitor. He was wonderful and extremely patient with my overly tired, and star-struck, 3-year-old. There is nothing like watching your 3-year-old’s face as he talks Never Land with his hero.
Overall, I would give this a 4.5 out of 5.
Tips: Ask to sit on the left side of the boat upon booking as that is the side that has the direct view of Wishes.
Ask to sit toward the front if you have little ones. With 2 boats going out, the line to meet Peter Pan is pretty long. We waited about 25 minutes and it was well past our little guys’ bedtime.
If you have little ones, you do not need a stroller. Although ours came in handy when the 1-year-old conked out after the trip. But a stroller does hold things up at the end waiting for them to unload it. We were the next to last family to meet Pan.
Related: Share Your Theme Park Review and You Could Win $250!
