Pirate Theme Character Meal Restaurant at MK in 2009?

[#1disneyfan]

We just returned from WDW yesterday. We had dinner at Tony's in MK on Monday night. Our waiter told us that there are plans in the works for a Pirate Theme Character Meal Restaurant in MK to open next year. He said it would be in the area behind Aloha Isle where there used to be a counter service restaurant. He sounded pretty certain about his information. Anybody else heard about this?
Holly
:minnie:

[Robin]

It sounds like he's talking about the El Pirata Y el Perico which is directly across from PotC. The only time I hear of it being open is during the P&P party.

There is also an empty restaurant to it's right that used to serve Asian style food.

Personally, I'm getting a bit charactered out. I don't mind the characters, I simply don't think it's worth paying extra to see them during dinner when they are all over the park.

[TominPok]

I wonder if your waiter was referring to the "Tortuga Project" that Jim Hill talked about a few months back in this article (http://jimhillmedia.com/blogs/jim_hill/archive/2008/03/02/monday-mouse-watch-will-a-new-name-really-be-enough-to-boost-ticket-sales-for-wdw-s-pirate-princess-party.aspx)? According to Jim, WDW had been planning to turn the Adventureland Veranda into a character dining experience, but with pirates instead of princesses. However, since the Pirate and Princess parties haven't been so popular, Jim says the project has been tabled for now.

While I like seeing Captain Jack and friends around PotC, I wouldn't be too thrilled with having to interact with the scroungy bunch while I'm trying to eat.

[Tagrel]

I don't know - with the clamor for a more 'boy oriented' character meal, I can see this one being popular. They could have PotC characters along with Peter Pan and Hook at this one. Throw in Wendy or a full size Tinkerbelle and I'm sure it would bring in boys and girls. Throw in look alikes for Jack and Elizabeth and bring in the mom's and dad's! :peri:

[ghost1000]

I heard whispers about Tortuga last year. I'm glad to hear they're moving ahead with it. I've also heard a few other rumors about Adventureland.

[Robin]

However, since the Pirate and Princess parties haven't been so popular, Jim says the project has been tabled for now.

Maybe it's not the popularity, but simply they've hit the limit of what people can afford. There's already MNSSHP, MVMCP and now twice a year they run the P&P party. If they want to fill the park with AP holders they need to bring back the 'day of the party' discounts.

[TominPok]

Maybe it's not the popularity, but simply they've hit the limit of what people can afford. There's already MNSSHP, MVMCP and now twice a year they run the P&P party. If they want to fill the park with AP holders they need to bring back the 'day of the party' discounts.

That could very well be. The parties aren't exactly cheap as it is, and I'd recently heard that this year they have established "premium" nights for MNSSHP and MVMCP which go for $56/adult - that's over 20% more than last year's price! If I'm going to spend that much money, I'd rather it be for a much more festive event than P&P.

[Robin]

I'm surprised they don't market the parties to locals. I've seen them advertise the Florida Resident 4 day pass, Typhoon Lagoon and events like the Flower & Garden, which is usually partnered with the 4 day pass. But not the parties.

For a person who either can't afford or doesn't want a multi-day pass, the parties are a good deal compared to the cost of a one day ticket.

If I near the MK on the day a party is being held, I notice a lot of people heading to the park in the afternoon/evening. I am thinking at a lot of people are saving their park ticket and only using the party ticket.

Times are tough and people are figuring out ways to cut corners.

[SusanP]

If Captain Jack were to appear, I could see a room full of mothers bringing their sons!!! I know it would be that way for my sister and nephew!

[Photographer]

If they offer dining with Jack Sparrow and pirates, I'll be there...a lot!