Tinkin' About... PIRATES!!! (Arrrggg!!!)

Hey-howdy-hey, Tinkers!

     In honor of today being "Talk Like a Pirate Day", I thought I'd do a quick little post on piratical things that you can see and do at Walt Disney World, to bring out your inner buccaneer. So sit tight, me hearties, as I share with ya a treasure trove of pirate themed fun for ya lot!

Photo Credit: Disneyworld.com

1. Let's start with the most obvious... Ride the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction! Over in Adventureland, inside the Magic Kingdom, POTC has been one of the most popular attractions since it opened, back in 1973. Since then, there have been many refreshes, including a change back in the late 90's, to make the ride a bit more politically correct. (Pirates that used to chase women were reversed, so that the women were now chasing them away with brooms,etc.) The biggest change came in 2006, when the successful film franchise was incorporated into the attraction that inspired it, by adding animatronics of Captain Jack Sparrow and Captain Hector Barbossa. While the ride has undergone several changes, (it's currently down for a renovation to address safety concerns, and will reopen on September 25th, 2015), the catchy theme song, exciting drop in the dark, and fun-filled sights and sounds keep Guests coming back to ride again and again. (Lifelike versions of Johnny Depp don't hurt, either!)

2. Want to get up close and personal with Captain Jack? Captain Jack's Pirate Tutorial is presented multiple times a day at The Magic Kingdom, just outside of the ride. The interactive show stars Captain Jack and his sidekick, Mack, and the twosome will teach willing kiddos how to be a pirate. The show is funny and again.... Captain Jack isn't the worst character you could possibly have to watch. 

3. Have you ever heard of A Pirate's Adventure: Treasure of the Seven Seas? This fun, interactive game is played throughout Adventureland, with a series of puzzles to solve and games to complete, in order to help Captain Jack raid all 5 hidden treasures. Fun for all ages, and a nice alternate activity to waiting in lines. 

4. Do you have a little scallywag who dreams of being a pirate? Then head on over to the Pirates League at The Magic Kingdom, just outside of the Pirates ride. Piratical makeover are their specialty, (think Bibbidy-Bobbidy-Botique for pirates), and there are various packages, depending on just how piratey you want to get. Reservations are recommended and can be booked by calling 407 WDW-CREW. 

5. Just want a "taste" of pirate flare? Tortuga Tavern in Adventureland at The Magic Kingdom is a counter service restaurant, specializing in tacos and taco salads. The location has some cute nods to the Pirates of the Caribbean movies and even has a backstory about the owner that ties into the movies. (Ask a Cast Member to share it with you!) Just be aware that the restaurant does close occasionally, based on the season. 

6. Are you more of a Jake and the Neverland Pirates kind of buccaneer? No problem! Disney Junior Live on Stage at Disney's Hollywood Studios has a Jake section, including sing-a-long songs and "gold doubloons" falling from the ceiling. 

7. You can meet Jake, of Jake and the Neverland Pirates, just outside of Disney Junior Live on Stage at Disney's Hollywood Studios. 

8. Or, if you'd prefer, you can enjoy breakfast or lunch at Hollywood and Vine at Disney's Hollywood Studios, and have Jake visit your table! Along with his Disney Junior friends, Handy Manny, Sofia the First, and Doc McStuffins, Jake stops at tables for pictures and autographs, and also invites kids to dance and sing along to some favorite Disney Junior songs. Reservations are recommended and can be booked at disneyworld.com, or by calling 407 WDW-DINE. 

9. Set sail on Seven Seas Lagoon for a fireworks cruise you won't soon forget! At the Pirates and Pals Fireworks Voyage, enjoy a snack buffet at The Contemporary Resort, before meeting Captain Hook and Mr. Smee at the docks, where they will have your vessel waiting for you. Then enjoy watching Wishes! from the best seat in the house.... anchored in the middle of the lagoon! Reservations are required and can be booked by calling 407 WDW-PLAY.

10. If the kiddos want to do something fun on their own, check out the Pirate Adventure Cruises, offered out of The Grand Floridian, Yacht and Beach Club, Port Orleans Riverside and Caribbean Beach resorts. Kids ages 4-12 can enjoy a couple of hours away from mom and dad, out on their own "pirate ship", with a small group of kids and a "Captain". They will hear pirate stories, sing pirate songs, and even share the contents of their treasure chest at the end of the excursion! Reservations can be made by calling 407 WDW-PLAY. 

11. Want to STAY in a pirate's lair? The Caribbean Beach Resort has Pirate Rooms with ship-themed beds and other special pirate touches. They can be booked by calling 407 W-DISNEY, or check them out online at disneyworld.com

12. The Caribbean Beach Resort also has other pirate theming. Their main pool, Fuentes del Morrow, is in an area called Port Royale, just like from the Pirates films. The zero-entry pool resembles a giant Spanish fort, complete with water cannons and has 2 water slides. The kid's splash area is designed to resemble a shipwreck. 

Photo credit: DisneyWorld.com

13. And if you know some pirate-lovers who are traveling to Disney, why not give them a piratical welcome, with an In-Room Celebration from Disney Floral? You can go crazy, with the full "Me Pirate Adventure" package, which includes a pirate banner, blanket, flag, skull, and more. Or, if you want something on a smaller scale, you can send all different types of gifts items or baskets. See the full selection at disneyfloralandgifts.com

And there you have it, swashbucklers! Just some of the ways that you can see and BE a pirate on your next Walt Disney World vacation! Now, bring me that horizon!