Disney World offers many different adventures for children beyond the four Disney theme parks. One of the best for children who love pirates, is Disney’s Pirate Adventure at the Grand Floridian Resort. The two hour pirate cruise offers children between 4 and 10 years old an adventure on the high seas of Disney’s Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake.
The Pirate Adventure
Disney’s Pirate Adventure at the Grand Floridian Resort takes children on a pirate pontoon boat, guided by at least two Disney Cast Members. The high seas tour takes children on a treasure hunt at various ports of call, namely the other Magic Kingdom area resorts. The Disney Pirate Adventure typically stops at the Polynesian and the Contemporary Resorts, where little pirates get to search designated areas for small treasures. The booty is divided among the small pirates after it has been found.
Reservations can be made for Disney’s Pirate Adventure up to 180 days in advance, and due to the limited amount of spots available on each pirate cruise, advance reservations are highly recommended. Parents must arrive at the Grand Floridian marina by 9:15 on the day of the pirate cruise to sign in and get children fitted for a life preserver. The Disney Pirate Adventure is held from 9:30 until 11:30 am on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
Children are paired up with partners for Disney’s Pirate Adventure, amd are taught several pirate phrases. The Pirate Disney Cast Members enhance the adventure by getting into character. This pirate adventure is ideally suited to children who are comfortable leaving their parents for at least two hours. Children must be potty trained to register.
The cost for Disney’s Pirate Adventure is $28.17 plus tax ($30.01) per child. The pirate cruise lasts for two hours and includes lunch, a pirate themed bandana hat with Mickey ears, and various small treasures. The lunch is generally an Uncrustable Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich, Goldfish crackers, a Rice Krispie Treat, and a juice box.
Children often arrive back at port with a new pirate vocabulary and a handful of small toys and treasures. Parents may enjoy breakfast at the Grand Floridian Cafe, a walk around the resort, or shopping at one of the Grand Floridian shops while waiting for the cruise to return to port. The two hour time frame is perfect for parents who want a few hours on their own, while giving their children a high seas adventure. This is a nice alternative to paying for Disney babysitting services at one of the kids’ clubs at Walt Disney World.
The Pirate Experience
The value of Disney’s Pirate Adventure at the Grand Floridian Resort can not be underestimated. The pirate bandana hat was priced at $15 in the Grand Floridian shops on our visit, and Disney babysitting for two hours elsewhere would have been around $22. Disney’s Pirate Adventure included both, plus lunch and a bounty of treasures. The Pirate Adventure at Disney World gave my two young pirates a supervised boating experience and treasure hunt and made for some great photo opportunities.
A credit card is required at time of booking to secure a reservation. Cancellations must be made 24 hours in advance. To make a reservation, phone (407)WDW-DINE or 800-828-0228.
