I wish my little ones were old enough to not be scared silly by this new Halloween event at Disney World because it sounds really fun for ages 5 to 12. The Haunted Pirate Cruise departs from the Polynesian Resort marina for an hour-and-45-minute trip at 8:15 p.m. on October 13, 16, 19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 28, 30 and 31. The ship sets sail for "haunted islands," otherwise known as the marinas on Seven Seas Lagoon.
Along the way, shipmates will hear ghost stories, play games with prizes, and see the Magic Kingdom's Happy HalloWishes fireworks. Each child will receive pirate Mickey ears, a pirate nametag with a pirate name, a photo and candy.
Disney veterans may think the Haunted Pirate Cruise sounds familiar, and they would be right. It's quite similar to Disney's Pirate Adventure cruise offered at The Grand Floridian marina on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings. On that trip, children ages 4 through 10 ride in a pirate-themed pontoon boat equipped with telescopes and a map to the lagoon beaches to dig for buried treasure and eat lunch (photo above from Walt Disney World). They return to their parents with pirate Mickey bandanas and some of the booty.
The prices and time spent with cast members on the two cruises are nearly identical, but the Halloween-themed excursion offers several extras. Plus, the cover of darkness adds to the spooky factor and seeing the seasonal fireworks from the water can't be beat.
Tickets for the Haunted Pirate Cruise are $31.95 and must be held with a credit card by calling 407-WDW-PLAY.
