by Kristy Buda
If you are looking to add something special to your next Walt Disney World vacation, look no further. The Pirates & Pals Fireworks Voyage is PERFECT for all ages!
The Pirates & Pals Fireworks Voyage
This is a separate ticket event. Reservations are required. Here’s a snippet of what it includes.
This experience begins one hour prior to Magic Kingdom’s fireworks show each night. You are advised to arrive at Disney’s Contemporary Resort at least 10 minutes prior to the beginning of this event. You can find the meeting place listed in the main lobby of the resort on the Daily Event Board. It usually lists the floor of the resort where this event is held, but you can always ask Guest Services for assistance if you’re unsure.
When you arrive…
When you arrive at the podium, the cast members will give you a bandana, boarding ticket, and a scavenger hunt to complete while you wait for the event to begin. Return it for a prize! There’s also coloring pages and other activities for the kids to keep busy while we wait for our hosts to arrive. Wear your bandanas as well! Some people go all out and really dress up like pirates.
The doors swing open and our fearless leaders have arrived! Patch and his twin brother Patch will take everyone on their “Pirates and Pals Fireworks Voyage” — but we can’t sail on empty stomaches, right?! First we get to indulge in a some “Pirate Booty.”
Pre-Sail Pirate Booty
When you enter the room there are standing tables and a few chairs. There’s a refreshment station set up with lemonade, water, tea and other beverages. There’s a centerpiece table of sorts full of treasures and snacks! The snacks include cake, chocolate coins, popcorn, chips, pretzels, fruit, cotton candy & more. Then there is the freezer that’s stocked full of ice cream and fruit treats — and it’s ALL YOU CAN EAT!
The pirates encourage you to stuff your bags full — because really, we’re all pirates!! 🙂
Shortly after entering the room there are some special guests that arrive: Captain Hook and Mr. Smee. A Photopass photographer is on hand to take pictures. (Of course, you can use your own camera as well.) After about 20-30 minutes they ask everyone to gather at the front doors.
Take note: This is your last chance to use the bathrooms since there are “NO bathrooms on the boats.” (They repeat this several times so that no one forgets.)
Time for the Fireworks Cruise!
Castmembers explain how Mr. Smee and Captain Hook are going to lead each group downstairs to the docks, and they choose two children to hold the flags to lead everyone. Your boarding ticket will tell you which row your family is seated in. These are pre-selected and everyone has a great view.
As you disembark from the dock, the fun begins. Patch leads everyone in songs and jokes. He also introduces everyone on the boat and asks where you’re from. You’ll enjoy trivia and prizes as well!
Once the boats get into the perfect position, the fireworks will begin. The music is played over the speakers on the boat and during the finale, they like to blow their horns. On the way back you continue to sing songs and tell jokes and then there’s one last surprise waiting for you when you return to the docks — Don’t worry, I won’t spoil it! 🙂
Add this to your next Disney itinerary!
This is a VERY fun event and I highly recommend it for any age — even just an adult trip! Reservations tend not to open up until about 4 months out (it can be a bit random) so have your travel agent watch for you!
Prices for adults (ages 10+) are $72 and children (ages 3-9) are $43 prior to tax. This must be paid in full at time of booking. The voyage still takes place in the event of rain or cold temperatures.
So, let your favorite A Time to Treasure Travel agent know that you want to experience this on your next trip! Ahoy Matey!!! Arrrggghhhh!!!
Hi! Are you guaranteed to also see the Electrical Water Pageant or does it depend on the time of year?
The Electrical Water Parade does happen year-round, but it may be canceled for inclement weather.