If you look in dark crevices of the beach club you’ll find its now home to a new crew of pirates. Pirates that will take your kids (age 4 and up) off your hands for three hours, and they promise to keep them from walking the plank.
I mentioned the new activity briefly, but have more feedback to give.
Your kids will yell “shiver me chicken tenders!” as the pirates feed them a full meal.
They’ll go on a REAL HUNT in dark waters. So be prepared to sign a liability waiver.
But I guarantee they will have an amazing time. If not, the pirates will find you wherever you are and ask you to pick up your kids early. Worried they will be taken by Captain Hook, who definitely makes an appearance? Totally normal.
The bad news is, well, that this swashbuckling experience has replaced the kids activity room. It’s gone and sorely missed. There is no longer a room to stop in at the Beach/Yacht to down activity if it’s raining or if everyone hash had a longish day.
The only activities take place in the pool area and occasionally around the campfire. If you mention something about this to cast members, many of them will also express their disappointment with the lack of a kids club room.
Who needs a babysitter when you can leave your kids (ages 4 to 12) with a pirate with a hook for a hand?
He comes with excellent references and will watch your kids from 5:00 to 8:30pm at just $55 per child (price includes dinner). Parents are welcome to drop their kids off as early as 4:30pm at the Seaside Retreat at Disney’s Beach Club. Dinner is served between 715 and 745.
Upon entering Pirate Hideaway, seasoned members of Captain Hook’s crew will assist you in the first, most crucial step towards becoming a pirate—receiving your pirate name. Next, they’ll teach you the many skills crucial to life on the high seas such as talking like a pirate, swabbing the deck and singing sea chanties!
Captain Hook himself will be checking in to examine progress and get kids started on their first treasure hunt. Kids will solve puzzles and gather clues on land before setting sail along Crescent Lake. Yes. They do set sail. Apparently there are enough Disney Cast Members to ensure kid safety. All kids are required to wear life vests. Captain Hook isn’t the only one who should be scared of the crocodiles.
While subject to change, the menu features several entrees, including Cannon Meatballs with Marinara and Macaroni and Gold Sauce—as well as the Treasure Chest Treat or fruit for dessert.
If you’re worried about leaving your kids with a pirate, teach them what to do in case they are forced to walk the plank and they will be fine. My plan, I’ll be teaching my kids what to do in the events things turn for the worse for them while I make a reservation for a nice restaurant to go to while they are on their pirate adventure.
It is portrayed as a gastropub inspired restaurant reminiscent of a cozy lighthouse. While I respectfully disagree with this description, I have to say that this new restaurant that replaces THE CAPTAIN’S TABLE and THE YACHT CLUB is not to be missed.
While there are no views that really made me feel as if you are in a cozy lighthouse, the food itself leaves an impression strong enough to serve as a navigational aid for a million maritime pilots at sea. Right now, the reservations are somewhat easy – but you should grab one now before the word starts spreading.
The fare is not really toddler/child friendly. Kids can choose “skirt steak”, “cheeseburger”, or ravioli. Make sure that you ask that the side of fried green beans be substituted by fries.
For dessert, kids have the choice of “smores” or mini macaroon ice cream sandwiches. All I have to say is, the picture below says a thousand words. As inspirational as it is, would you have tried this gourmet smore with dried strawberries at four years old?
Luckily, there were amazing appetizers and main courses for my children to nibble on with me.
These rolls with bacon jam and chive butter on the side:
Or this grape leaf wrapped baked goat cheese:
The appetizers were a hit with my children, and the servers were more than happy to replenish the rolls and toasted baguette.
For dinner, I chose the Tbone steak with truffled butter.
The steak came with a side of homemade barbecue sauce. For me, the sauce was the best part. I used it as dip. Could not finish the steak – wasn’t the best I’ve tasted.
If I hadn’t been on the dining plan, I would have had appetizers instead of a main course, so I suggest you do the same until they work out the kinks!
Grape Leaf-wrapped Baked Goat Cheese
– Oven-roasted tomatoes and toasted pumpkin seeds with grilled baguette – $9.00
Hearth Oven Pie
– $19 White Clam pie $18 Caramelized Leek and Chorizo Pie $17 Seasonal Market Vegetable Pie – $17.00
Parker House Rolls and Spreads
– With bacon jam, pub cheese, and citrus butter – $12.00
Roasted Garlic Shrimp
– Roasted garlic shrimp – $15.00
And don’t forget about the dessert! The pavlova and trio of puddings was absolutely amazing!!
