I’m not sure that I’d call myself a super-seasoned Disney cruiser, but I’ve sailed with Disney Cruise Line 9 times, and it’s become my favorite way to vacation. One of the things I discovered as I researched all the need-to-know topics for my first cruise back in 2016 was that there were a lot of people who didn’t care for the Pirate Night menu in the rotational dining restaurants. In fact, most of the advice I saw recommended making reservations for one of the fine dining locations on Pirate Night, skipping the menu altogether.
With most things, especially when it comes to food, I typically do my own thing and pay no attention to reviews as it’s such a subjective topic. If it’s too spicy, doesn’t have enough salt, or has too much of a certain ingredient, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the food is bad. I like to try things myself before judging them, as we all have different tastes.
When I saw the Pirate Night menu, I felt like it was pretty safe to say that nothing on it stood out to me as a must-try, so we skipped it on our first cruise and ordered room service. On cruises after that first one, we would try for a Palo dinner reservation, and if we couldn’t get one, we’d either eat at one of the quick-service locations by the pool or order room service. To this day, I have not eaten in any of the main dining rooms on Pirate Night, and I’ve been on 4 of DCL’s ships! I *think* that might change during my next cruise, but the jury is still out.
I recently came across a thread in the Disney Cruise Line forum on DISboards.com where a poster flat-out asked what’s so bad about the Pirate Night food. I was honestly really surprised by how many others weighed in on what they love about it instead of what’s so bad about it, and I thought I’d share some of the responses here with all of you in case you’re on the fence about giving it a try.
Everyone has different tastes. For us it’s our favorite menu of the cruise – crab cake, shanghaied noodles and falafel are awesome. You will always find something you will enjoy on the menu.
@xiphoid76 on DISboards
I usually get the beef option most nights (I’m a plain eater and I don’t do seafood). I enjoy the Strip Loin on Pirate Night very much. I prefer that over the beef offering on the rotational menu in Royal Palace/Court, and some of the other options on the 7 night cruises too. The corn bread (Johnny Cakes) is delicious too. I’m not a big fan of the nightly bread offerings but this is one I make a point to eat.
@CamColt on DISboards
I don’t get it either, I quite enjoy the Pirate menu, but don’t care for the entrees. I get: Mango Soup, Baby Gem Salad and Samosa as apps. I then get two crabcakes as my entree and I love the sundae with the pineapple coconut ice cream. Once I learned to get the crabcakes as my entree….game changer!
@Erica1016 on DISboards
Add me to the ‘I like the Pirate Night menu’ camp. It’s not my favorite menu, but I definitely look forward to it (and have had it a few times). For some, I guess it might be the cuisine-that menu has a Caribbean flair which some may not be as familiar with (or not like). Of course, everyone has their personal preferences; that’s just a guess on my part.
@RedHead0186 on DISboards
I’ve only sailed once, on the Wish, and pirate night was my second favorite menu! The cornbread was delicious as were the crab cakes. The chicken was juicy and tender. I really enjoyed it. Actually, I liked it more than Arendelle, but not as much as 1923.
@Aaryana on DISboards
This discussion thread has some great information, so if you’re looking for more details on the Pirate Night menu, head over to DISboards and join the discussion!
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