Disney Pirate and Princess Party
Disney World Orlando Has a Special After-Hours Party Just for Kids
Disney's Pirate and Princess Party at Disney World Orlando is a unique event that is, quite frankly, a must-do if you have a little one who adores princesses or Jack Sparrow. The party is held during the off-season, and next year's dates still haven't been announced. But it is a unique experience that children will truly enjoy.
The lines are extremely short for rides since only those with special tickets to the party are in the park (it shuts down to the public for the party). It's nothing to see 5-minute waits even on popular rides.
Meeting Disney Characters and Princesses
Another great benefit of the Princess and Pirate Party is that it's easier for children to meet Disney characters, especially princesses.Now, this is still difficult, particularly with popular Disney princesses.
That's because the Disney staff shuffle the princesses in and out of impromptu appearances. They also shut down the line at a set time, even with eager little children standing and waiting patiently. This doesn't tend to go over well with little ones who don't understand why they are being turned away, despite waiting in line.
But the fact is that the lines are shorter, and the crowd is smaller. So if you keep your eyes peeled, you can spot a princess and your child can get a picture with her. Just be sure when you enter the line to ask the Disney staff members what time the princess leaves so you don't have a tearful scene at the end.
This is also a unique chance to meet the great Pirate Jack Sparrow, and oboard the Black Pearl no less. Expect a line, but the wait isn't too awful.
Princess and Pirate Party Extras
The coolest aspect of the Princess and Pirate Party is, quite simply, the sense of being a part of something special.
There is a unique parade featuring all the princesses and pirates, there is a fireworks show, and guests get treasure maps to go hunt for treasure (which is really cheap junk, but kids don't know the difference and it's more about the adventure).
From the moment you enter the Princess and Pirate Party, there's just a sense of something different, something special, from the booming pirate music to the treasure hunts to the late after-hours atmosphere.
Princess and Pirate Party Tips
One, you don't need to buy tickets to Disney World and the party. Simply get tickets to the party, spend the early part of the day doing something else around Orlando, then hit the Magic Kingdom in the late afternoon. Park tickets are not needed if you have party tickets.
You also might consider renting a stroller, even if you have an older preschooler. The park is open until midnight, and your kid might pass out from sheer exhaustion by then. That can leave the parents time to relax quietly with coffee before heading back to the hotel.
If you have a little princess, consider booking a Disney Princess Makeover before the party. That way, your daughter can attend the party looking just as magical as her favorite princess. The Disney boutiques also do boy makeovers with a pirate flair.
