Ever since Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique opened, I have been dying for a similar experience for my boys. I have been a long-time proponent of children of both genders dressing in costumes at Disneyland and throughout the years, my boys have dressed at Buzz Lightyear, Jack Sparrow and Mickey Mouse on trips to the “Happiest Place on Earth.” When Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique opened, little girls had gained the opportunity to dress up and live out their ultimate Disney fantasy. And, yes, little boys can get the prince/knight makeover at the boutique, but it’s not what every little boy dreams of.
When I went to Walt Disney World a year and a half ago for the Disney Social Media Moms conference (sans family), I saw the Pirates League and knew right then and there that that would be my boys’ ultimate Disney fantasy come true. The idea that boys could go to a Disney Park and be transformed into a pirate was something I knew my children would flip over.
I’m happy to announce that Disneyland Resort will temporarily offer the Pirates League in Disneyland Park September 1 through October 31. This week, my boys got to live out their ultimate pirate fantasy and experience Pirates League before it opened to the public and it did not disappoint. My sweet boys were turned into salty pirates in one of those unique experience (for both children and parents) that only Disney can offer.
Located in the Court de Angels in New Orleans Square, Pirates League offers boys and girls with the opportunity to turn into pirate with three different packages.
- Jake from Jake and the Neverland Pirates: Includes pirate bag, sword and sheath, pirate coin necklace, Jake bandana with faux black hair and Jake’s trademark dark eyebrows. ($29.95)
- First Mate: Includes a choice of three different pirate facial effects (Black Beard, Captain Hook and Black Eyed Jack), reversible bandana, earring and eye patch, sword and sheath, temporary tattoo, pirate coin necklace, personalized pirate oath with a NEW pirate name and pirate bag. ($34.95)
- Empress: Includes face makeup, earring and eye patch, reversible bandana, sword and sheath, temporary tattoo, pirate coin necklace, personalized pirate oath and NEW pirate name, face gem, nail polish and lip gloss. ($34.95)
Each child’s pirate transformation begins with a name change ceremony and selecting the “type” of pirate they would like to become. Using the child’s birth month and a role of the dice, children are assigned their new pirate names and select from a picture sheet how they would like to look when they are finished. This is done in a small store front along Royal Street in New Orleans Square.
After the child’s new name and pirate transformation style has been decided, the child is escorted to his or her makeover station in the Court de Angels. There, very talented pirates–complete with witty accents–begin upon the child’s transformation. My sons are shy but that never bothered their stylists who talked and talked to them as if my boys weren’t so completely nervous they couldn’t talk back. They told them stories of Jack Sparrow and of pirate adventures that had my boys grinning from ear to ear.
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| Before Aidan’s transformation. |
Once the child’s cosmetic changes are finished, he (or she) then becomes a real pirate by pledging to obide by the pirate oath. They must also accept their new names and don their head scarf and other pirate accessories, which are of course topped off with a sword. Everyone knows that no pirate is complete without his sword. (This is slightly different for those who select the Jake option.)
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| Brandon getting his black beard. |
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| Aidan getting his very realistic black eye. |
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| Aidan’s black eye was so realistic that a couple of people asked if it was real! |
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| Aidan taking his pirate oath. |
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| Introducing Thomas Firecastle! |
After the child is completely finished with his transformation, it’s picture time and then off to enjoy the rest of the day in the park.
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| Introducing Chris Daggerskull |
I’m not sure what is more fun: the Pirates League transformation experience or the tons of attention the boys got from all of the Cast Members and guests who saw them afterward. At Finding Nemo, the Cast Members “pleaded” with the boys not to poke holes in the side of the sub with their swords. (And they loved it.) Adults and children alike asked the boys to check out their pirate makeup and check out their cool Pirates League sash. Because this trip to Pirates League was part of my son Brandon’s birthday celebration, I put together the short slide show below to help commemorate this exciting experience. It will give you a better feel for the Pirates League experience and what it’s like playing in the park afterward.
To book a Pirates League experience for your child, call (714) 781-STYLE.
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My daughter never really got into the whole Princess thing, she only likes one, but THIS, I have a feeling we’ll be at Disneyland a few times in the next few months.
I can not wait already booked this for my boys. We are going to Mickey’s Halloween Party on the 23 of October my oldest son birthday. They are so excited.