Each Disney Cruise Line vacation in the Bahamas and Caribbean features a special Pirates in the Caribbean night where scalawags of all ages are invited to party aboard the ship. For this special night, the usual Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique on the ship also transforms into The Pirate's League. We had done this experience twice before in Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, but not on one of our cruise vacations yet. On our recent trip, we decided to make reservations for the whole family - yes, that's right - all 4 of us!
Before we start, let's go over some basic information you need to know. This experience can be booked online in your cruise planning section on the Disney Cruise Line website. We didn't have a problem getting a reservation and there were still some available even on Pirate Night itself, but for the best times and to ensure your reservation, I recommend doing it when your window opens if you're interested. You can always cancel or change your reservation if needed closer to the time. The cost is $44.95 (as of January 2020) for a variety of makeover options - 3 piratey options that are more for the boys (Jack Sparrow, Blackbeard, and Captain Hook) and 2 options for the ladies (Empress and Redd). For an additional fee you can also purchase a costume, but I recommend bringing one from home to save on cash. Money Saving Tip - Check your local stores in the days following Halloween for deep discounts on costumes and accessories. You also want to carefully pick your time during the day to schedule your makeover. We chose to do ours at 4:45 because that allowed us all day in port to enjoy the beach and pool, but still have the whole evening to enjoy our new looks.
When you arrive, you'll check in at the front desk and roll the dice to find out your new pirate name. After confirming your pirate selection, the buccaneers in your family will be whisked away to your chair for your swashbuckling makeover. The makeover is quick - roughly 15 minutes - but the memories will last much longer. The cast members entertain both the person getting the makeover and the family with jokes, stories, and songs. At the end of the makeover, the newest pirate takes the pirate oath and officially becomes part of the league.
While it may be obvious that kids will have fun at The Pirate's League, the bigger question may be if adults can have fun there too. Unlike the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, adults are welcome to participate. The makeovers are the same as the ones offered for kids. I didn't find my makeover to be overly impressive from the actual make-up side of things (could have been much bolder in my honest opinion), but I had just as much fun as my kids. In my opinion, I think the male makeovers pack a bit more punch and thought my husband made quite the impressive pirate.
After you leave The Pirate's League, you will have a night to remember. We used the remainder of the time before dinner to meet a few pirate characters including Pirate Mickey and Captain Jack Sparrow. We then enjoyed our pirate themed dinner inside Animator's Palate. Our night then continued with Mickey's Pirates in the Caribbean Night Deck Party and the fireworks at sea later on in the evening.
Dressing up for Pirate Night makes the night even more fun for the whole family and I'm so glad we made the decision to book The Pirate's League on the Disney Dream. Would we book it again? I think I would definitely consider booking it again for our boys - at $44.95 I feel like it was well worth the price. It's much more reasonable than the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and a fun way for the boys to get in on the excitement. Be sure to check it out on your next Disney Cruise Line vacation! Ahoy mateys!
