On
Nov 10, 2009
Taura from NY
Asked
Note: This answer was provided prior to the change to planDisney and may still contain references to Disney Parks Moms Panel.
Experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.
“
Trying to decide between Pirates League makeover and Pirate Fireworks Cruise. We have 3 boys (12,9,3). Oldest really wants to do makeover. Youngest really wants to meet Capt Hook on the cruise. What do you recommend?”
Taura,
First off, in the interest of full disclosure I must tell you that I have 3 girls, so we're living in opposite worlds! That said, I really have no hesitation in recommending the Pirates and Pals Fireworks Voyage. We were in Disney last month and had the opportunity to experience this cruise for the first time, and it was fantastic! We had a really great time and decided immediately that it was a must-do for us.
The evening starts with a reception in a ballroom of the Contemporary Resort. There were light refreshments like pretzels, chips, nuts, cotton candy, chocolate coins, and other various munchies, as well as coffee, soda, and bottled water. We were also each given a pirate bandana to wear on the trip. While in the ballroom, we had a chance to meet and take pictures with Captain Hook and Mr. Smee.
After the reception, you are divided into 2 groups and depending on which you are in, one of the characters will escort you to the boat dock. The characters do not go on the cruise with you, but some very silly pirate hosts do! They played games (with prizes!) and were quite entertaining, especially to older kids and adults (at 2, 4, and 6, my girls were a bit too young to fully appreciate this).
Once you reach your aquatic destination, the boat will stop and let you watch the Electrical Water Pageant, followed by the Wishes fireworks Display. When the show is over, you'll return to the boat dock - we played Disney trivia games on the return trip - to find Peter Pan himself waiting to greet you! This is another great opportunity for pictures and autographs.
The pirate makeover is fun, but I feel you get more bang for your buck with the Fireworks Voyage, and it's fun for the whole family.
Have a great vacation!