My family and I recently returned from a 5-night cruise aboard the Disney Fantasy. We’ve been on several Disney cruises, but this was the first time the weather caused Disney to make some changes to the Pirate Night entertainment.
In this post, we’ll share what Pirate Night was like during rough weather, including how the show was moved and modified, where we recommend standing to watch the indoor performance, and whether it’s still worth seeing. For a more detailed look at what Pirate Night is normally like on a Disney cruise, including the activities, shows, and menu, you can check out our full Disney Cruise Pirate Night post here.
What Pirate Night Activities Changed During Our Disney Fantasy Cruise?
On this trip, Pirate Night was the third day of our cruise. We had spent a really great day at Lookout Cay before coming back to the ship to change and have lunch. When we arrived back at our stateroom, the red Mickey pirate bandanas were laid out for us, and pirate-themed activities were starting up around the ship. Characters were coming out for meet-and-greets and photos wearing their pirate outfits, and the rotational dining menu would feature pirate-themed food options.
Later in the afternoon, as the ship was getting ready to leave Lookout Cay, the captain gave us an update that we could expect some rougher seas that night. Soon after, we received a notification through the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app that the family-friendly pirate show, which normally takes place around 7:30 PM, would be moved indoors due to the weather.
We started experiencing wind and rain, and could feel the ship rocking back and forth a little bit, so I don’t think they wanted to take any chances with the performers being outside on Deck 11.
The later pirate show, which takes place around 10:15 PM and features live music and fireworks, was still expected to go on outside as usual. Thankfully for us, it seemed the only adjustment would be moving the earlier pirate show indoors.
What Happens When the Pirate Night Show Moves Indoors?
From the notification in the app, we knew the show would now take place in the atrium. Thinking there might be less space for everyone to watch compared to when the show is outside on Deck 11, I decided to arrive about 45 minutes early to find a good spot.
It didn’t take long for the crowds to start arriving, and soon the atrium and the decks overlooking it were full. In the past, we’ve arrived about 15 minutes before the outdoor show and still managed to find a decent viewing spot, but that definitely wasn’t the case this time.
We’ve seen the Pirate Night show a few times now, so I was curious to see how they would adjust the performance to fit into the smaller space. Ultimately, the show was shortened to about 15 minutes, with the entire second half being left out.
The characters still took everyone through the rules of being a pirate, followed by some dancing before the show ended. During the usual outdoor performance, this is when Captain Hook and Mr. Smee make their entrance, and there’s a whole second half involving Pirate Mickey as Captain Hook tries to take control of the ship. None of that took place during the indoor version.
Another big difference was the lack of a large screen. When the show is held outside on Deck 11, it’s also displayed on the Funnel Vision screen, so even if you don’t have a great view of the stage, you can still follow along. In the atrium, there was only one small projector screen that showed a few elements of the performance, but not the actual show. Depending on where you were standing, you might not have been able to see that screen either.
With less space in the atrium and no large screen to watch the show on, we were glad we arrived early and found a good spot.
Where Should Families Watch the Indoor Pirate Night Show?
If you find yourself in a similar situation, with the Pirate Night show being moved into the atrium on the Disney Fantasy, I highly recommend standing where we did to watch the show.
You can choose to stand on Deck 3, which is the main level of the atrium and is closer to the raised “stage” area where the characters perform. However, there isn’t a lot of space down there, and I was worried my kids wouldn’t be able to see over anyone standing in front of them. Without a big screen to watch, it didn’t seem like the best spot for our family.
Instead, I went up to Deck 4 and stood against the railing on the right side, closest to the Grand Staircase. From this spot, we had an excellent view of the characters as they came out onto the Deck 4 balcony, made their way down the stairs, and danced on the stage area below.
My 5-year-old was tall enough to see over the railing on his own, but I ended up needing to hold my 3-year-old because he couldn’t see over it. With the Halloween decorations in the atrium, he couldn’t really see through the railing either. From this spot, we could also see the small projector screen that played a few different elements of the show.
As the show got closer to starting, the area filled up quickly with people trying to find a place to watch. If you aren’t right against one of the railings on the upper decks, I would recommend trying to find a different spot, likely on Deck 3. From behind the first row of people on Deck 4 or 5, it would be difficult to see down into the atrium at all. However, on Deck 3, you might still have a chance to see the characters as they dance on the stairs and on the raised stage area.
Is the Indoor Pirate Night Show Still Worth Watching?
I would say yes, as long as you’re able to arrive a little early and find a good spot to watch from. Even though the show was shorter than usual, my kids still enjoyed seeing the characters, and with how crowded the atrium was, I didn’t mind that it was only about 15 minutes long.
However, if you find yourself arriving right as the show is starting, I would probably recommend skipping it. If you’re standing in a second row behind people on the upper decks, you likely won’t be able to see much of anything. The same goes for Deck 3 if you’re standing farther back in one of the hallways rather than in the main atrium area. At that point, I think you’re better off finding another activity to enjoy instead.
If your kids happen to still be awake for the later pirate show around 10:15 PM, that’s another option to consider, weather permitting. Our later show did end up outside on Deck 11 as originally scheduled. It’s a completely different performance, but it does include fireworks, which are pretty cool to watch while you’re on a cruise ship! Our kids typically aren’t awake that late, so the earlier family-friendly show is usually the better option for us.
I hope this post helps if you find yourself dealing with some rough weather on Pirate Night during your Disney cruise, and that your family still gets to enjoy some pirate fun! Even though it wasn’t quite the Pirate Night show we’re used to, we were still glad we made the time to see it!