Inside the Magic of Captain Jack Sparrow’s Pirate Tutorial

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Just outside the Tortuga Tavern seaworthy recruits receive training from legendary pirate Captain Jack Sparrow himself.  Captain Jack Sparrow’s Pirate Tutorial surfaced in Adventureland at Walt Disney World in Florida.

Aided by trusty crew mate Mack (some may even say made possible by), Captain Sparrow enlightens his new band of junior buccaneers to the merits and skills needed to become proficient pirates.  Upon completion, each potential plunderer earns their very own “crew member” certificate.

Captain Jack Sparrow’s Pirate Tutorial wandered into Walt Disney World just as the second film featuring Johnny Depp as the bumbling buccaneer set course for theaters.  “Pirates of the Caribbean Dead Man’s Chest” (2006) proved pirates popularity and thus a new treasure chest for Disney.  A second pirate powered addition, The Pirates League (featuring maritime make-over magic) would arrive a couple years later.

Setting the Stage

Just a few short steps away from Walt Disney World’s famous Pirates of the Caribbean attraction rests a nondescript stage.  During the course of the day, this stage comes to life with budding buccaneers earning their crew status.  Assisted by first mate Mack, Captain Jack Sparrow’s Pirate Tutorial guides young guests in their quest for swashbuckling adventure.

Skills and Drills

Proper pirate protocol, like learning left from right (port/starboard) and how to garner the attention of a passing vessel (while marooned) help the Captain select his would-be crew (of 4) to train.  Once recruits are assembled on stage, savvy skills like swordsmanship are cleverly and comedically conveyed.  Even escape has its place in a pirate’s life (the fine art of distraction and running away).

With a raise of the sword and sinister snarl, the crew is ready and more recruits are brought up on stage.  A pirate’s pledge is practiced and all recruits are pronounced worthy crew under the service of Captain Jack Sparrow.

A round of “Yo-Yo (A Pirate’s Life for Me)” wraps up the short show (15-25 minutes in total).  Captain Jack Sparrow makes his escape as Mack closes the tutorial.

WATCH: an early version (2006) of the same Captain Jack Sparrow’s Pirate Tutorial (notice: no stage):

Setting Sail

Captain Jack Sparrow’s Pirate Tutorial, similar in style to Jedi Training Academy, is a lighthearted “Pirates of the Caribbean” (movie) themed experience.  Each participant receives a pirate crew member certificate).

Captain Jack Sparrow’s Pirate Tutorial is included with park admission.  Lessons take place on land (stage) within Adventureland at Walt Disney World’s (Florida) Magic Kingdom Park. Mack and the Captain make several appearances during the day (check the Magic Kingdom’s website for times. As this is an outdoor adventure, bad weather has the potential to cancel the show(s).

Source and images: Disney, Michael Gavin, YouTube

in Disney, Entertainment, Theme Parks

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