Disney Cruise Line in a Jiffy: What is Pirate Night?

Most Disney cruises have one evening designated as Pirate Night. On that evening, you’ll find special menus, entertainment, and fireworks. It’s a big ship-wide party themed to Pirates of the Caribbean, and it’s a lot of fun. Here are the basics so you know what to expect on Pirate Night. One important thing to know: Pirate Night activities and entertainment are free and included as part of your cruise fare.

During the day, pirate theming is sprinkled over regular activities. There’s trivia every day of your cruise, but on Pirate Night it will be pirate-themed trivia. There are Meet & Greets every day, but on Pirate Night you’ll find pirate characters. Even regular characters may be in pirate costumes. This also applies to kids club activities in the Oceaneer Club.

In the morning, your stateroom host will leave a pirate bandanna for everyone when they make up your room. If you’re going basic on the dress-up, do something with this accessory when you go to dinner and leave it at that. Or don’t even do that much! But if you do feel like going all out on a costume, you’ll find that you have plenty of company.

A few tips on dressing up. On Pirate Night, the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique becomes the Pirates League. As you might expect, this means pirate-themed makeovers instead of princesses. But the Pirates League is open to adults, not just those 12 and under. You’ll also find pirate paraphernalia in the onboard gift shops. If you decide to bring your own, just be aware of Disney’s costume policy, and make sure any toy weapons are sufficiently toy-like to make it past security when you board.

At dinner, all the dining rooms will be serving the same menu. It’s “Caribbean-inspired” regular food with a touch of pirate whimsy. Look for cute pirate names like “Blackbeard’s Jumbo Lump Crab Cake”. Photographers will come around to take pictures of your pirate glory. (Whether or not you dressed up.)

Later at night, head up to the pool deck for a Pirates in the Caribbean Deck Party. The pools will be covered, and you can party on the deck while you wait for the stage show to start. After a dramatic stage presentation (I won’t spoil it but let’s just say that Jack Sparrow rappels down the funnel to save the day), there are fireworks! You don’t have to worry about finding a good place to watch from. You only need to avoid very bad ones like under an overhang.

After the fireworks, the dance party continues for about a half hour to an hour. Then it’s time to head to bed. You might find that your stateroom host has left a Pirates-themed towel animal.

Disney Cruise Line in a Jiffy is for first-time Disney cruisers looking to learn about the DCL experience. Got a question about a term that’s unfamiliar to you? Suggest it in the comments below. And if you’ve sailed before and you’re a pirate night expert, leave your best tips!