Are you a big fan of Johnny Depp? Do you enjoy watching Pirates of the Caribbean (2003) or channeling your inner pirate? Is Captain Jack Sparrow your favorite Disney character? If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, you’ll want to know how to have a Johnny Depp-inspired day at Walt Disney World. Here’s how to do that!
Ride Pirates of the Caribbean
Time spent in Magic Kingdom Park should include a ride on Pirates of the Caribbean. The classic Disney attraction features Captain Jack Sparrow several times. The animatronic is so lifelike that first-time Guests may even question if it is the real Johnny Depp. You’ll first encounter Captain Jack shortly after plummeting down the Walt Disney World attraction drop. He can then be seen as you move through the waters of the Caribbean. Your ride experience will end with Jack Sparrow sitting on his throne, surrounded by treasure.
Buy Something in Plaza del Sol Caribe Bazaar
After riding on Pirates of the Caribbean, you’ll pass through Plaza del Sol Caribe Bazaar. If you’re planning a day inspired by Johnny Depp, you’d be silly not to purchase something in the Disney merchandise store. Browse the store for the perfect Pirates of the Caribbean-inspired t-shirt or a Captain Jack Sparrow hat. If you’re feeling playful, pick up a sword and have a pretend sword fight in the store with a family member or even a Disney Cast Member.
Meet Captain Jack Sparrow
Look out for Captain Jack Sparrow as you pass through Adventureland in Magic Kingdom Park. He meets Guests close to the Pirates of the Caribbean entrance. In particular, you may find him on the stage opposite the attraction entrance. Check the My Disney Experience App for up-to-date times on the day of your visit to the Disney Park.
Visit Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto
Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto is a unique hideaway at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. While it isn’t directly linked to Pirates of the Caribbean, it’s a tiki bar with plenty of artifacts and treasures that we think Captain Jack Sparrow would approve of. We recommend planning to visit Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto earlier in the day to secure a table inside the tiki bar without a long wait. While you may have to join the waitlist, visiting earlier in the day should allow you to beat the evening crowds. In honor of Captain Jack Sparrow, why not sip on a Polynesian Pearl or a Rum Flight? There are plenty of other cocktails to choose from, too, if neither of those drinks takes your fancy.
Take part in A Pirate’s Adventures: Treasures of the Seven Seas
Why not take part in a scavenger hunt around Adventureland in Magic Kingdom? There are five missions to complete, and you’ll receive a reward for each one you finish. Complete them all, and you’ll receive a special bonus that is signed by Captain Jack Sparrow. Visit The Crow’s Nest in Adventureland, where you can participate in A Pirate’s Adventures: Treasures of the Seven Seas. Pick up a talisman that will enable you to read a secret treasure map. You’ll need to allow around twenty minutes for each mission.
Sail across Seven Seas Lagoon
Part of the Disney experience is to use the variety of transpiration modes in the Walt Disney World Resort. Every Guest is welcome to use the different modes of transport and visit other parts of Lake Buena Vista, not just the Disney theme parks. Channel your inner pirate by catching a boat across Seven Seas Lagoon to a Disney Resort hotel. Upon exiting the Magic Kingdom theme park, keep to the right and enter one of the boat launches to Disney’s Grand Floridian, Disney’s Polynesian Village, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, or Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. Look out for the pirate ship boats to give you a Captain Jack Sparrow-inspired experience.
Stay at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
While the Deluxe Disney Resort isn’t related to Pirates of the Caribbean, the rumor is that Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is where Johnny Depp stays when he visits the Walt Disney World Resort. So, if you want to take a Disney vacation that Johnny Depp inspires, book to stay at the Disney Resort hotel. While you may need to spend a small fortune, staying at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort guarantees a luxurious experience. You also have easy daily access to Magic Kingdom Park.
Attend Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Experiencing the Magic Kingdom Halloween event is only possible if you take your Disney vacation in August, September, or October. However, if you are in the Walt Disney World Resort when Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is taking place, you most certainly want to attend for a Johnny Depp-inspired experience.
Captain Jack Sparrow is known to meet Guests throughout the evening, providing the perfect opportunity to dress as a pirate and get a photo with him. The Pirates of the Caribbean ride also features live-action characters throughout the ride line and inside the attraction. You won’t want to skip riding the Disney attraction because it has a long line. Ensure you ride it early in the evening to enjoy the limited-edition fun.
Finally, Mickey’s Boo-To-You Parade features a Pirates of the Caribbean section. You will see Captain Jack Sparrow and Blackbeard aboard the Black Pearl.
Now, prepare to make sail! It’s a pirates life for you! So, drink up me hearties, yo ho!
