Your family’s magical vacation is booked, and it’s official, you are headed to Walt Disney World. As a mom of two boys, it is easy to feel as if a lot of the extra experiences are geared to the princess lovers in your group. Don’t you worry, Disney does a fantastic job of making sure that everyone in your group is included!
Take a look at some of the unique experiences for boys (or girls who aren’t into princesses!) at Walt Disney World, some are even budget friendly or better yet, free!
Pirates League – located in Adventureland
Photo: Walt Disney World, Kent Phillips, photographer
The Pirates League is similar to Bibbity Bobbity Boutique but this experience is tailored to the pirate or mermaid lover in your family. There are 2 different paths you can choose from that are based level pirate and mermaid packages both starting at $44.95.
Check out below what the WDW website says about what you can expect to be included as well as how to book your time at the Pirates League:
The First Mate Package
$44.95
- Facial makeup and hair to become Ghosted Pirate, Zombie, Captain Hook, Blackbeard or Black Eyed Jack
- Sword and sheath (The Pirates League logo sash)
- Reversible bandana
- Earring and eye patch
- The Pirates League bag
- Temporary pirate tattoo
- Unique pirate coin necklace
- Pirate’s key
- Official pirate name
- Personalized pirate oathThe Mermaid Package$44.95
- Luminous mermaid makeup and makeup palette and nail polish
- Mermaid hairstyle and color-changing hair clip
- Distinctive mermaid necklace
- Mermaid sash
- Mermaid bracelet
What you need to know about the Pirates League:
- Reservations for The Pirates League can be made up to 180 days in advance and are highly recommended. For booking, please call (407) WDW-CREW or (407) 939-2739. Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call.
- Aspiring pirates joining The Pirate League must be 3 years of age or older. Children must be accompanied by an adult (18 years of age or older) for the entire experience.
Harmony Barber Shop – Main Street USA
Didn’t have time to get a haircut before your trip? Or perhaps it is time for baby’s first haircut. You can get haircuts all around before hitting Splash Mountain!
Haircuts (by Disney pricing standards) aren’t even that expensive. You can expect to pay $19 for adults, $18 for kids 9 and under. If you want to do the first haircut package, it is $25, but comes with commemorative Mickey ears!
Jedi Training – Hollywood Studios
Photo: Walt Disney World, (David Roark, photographer)
My Star Wars loving kiddos throughly enjoyed their time in Jedi Training. This is a free experience, however my best tip is that you arrive to Hollywood Studios as soon as it opens to sign up. To sign up head to the Indiana Jones gift shop, the actual name is the Indiana Jones Adventure Outpost.
Under the direction of the Jedi, the recruits learn how to use the Force to use lightsabers to the best of their ability. Make sure you have your camera ready, you are sure to capture some memorable moments.
Caring for Giants – Animal Kingdom
We’ve written about Caring for Giants at Animal Kingdom, you can read about it here. This is an adventure that you and your family will remember forever. Get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures
For an hour, you’ll meet animal specialists who care for the African elephant herd living in Animal Kingdom. These experts will give you a peek what an average day caring for the elephants look like.
During the experience, you will be about 80 feet away from the elephants—so you’ll enjoy a closer encounter with the elephants than you would during other in-park experiences.
Pirate Adventure Cruises
Aspiring pirates who are 4 to 12 years of age can set sail on a pirate adventure for approximately 2 hours. On the cruise they will following clues to discover hidden treasure.
Sailing between resort marinas, these brave pirates will stories of pirates past and discover clues that may just lead to a bountiful treasure chest.
At the final port of call, kids split up the pirate booty, as they enjoy a snack (such as goldfish crackers or pretzels) and a drink (such as water or a juice box).
Prices range from $39 to $49 for reservations call: 407-WDW-PLAY
DinoLand USA – Animal Kingdom
DinoLand USA located in Animal Kingdom is a huge departure from the other theming within Animal Kingdom. While a lot of the Disney purists don’t love this area of the park, my kiddos really do. With fun rides and dinosaur touches everywhere it is a part of the trip that they really enjoy.
Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom – Free
The Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom is an interactive card game that you and your children can play for free. Pick up your first set of cards to get started in the Firehouse on Main Street USA.
Once you’ve gotten the cards, use the clues on map you received to locate the 20 magic portals. These portals are situated throughout Adventureland, Fantasyland, Frontierland and along Main Street, U.S.A.
Those wanting to play this game, are able to get a new set of cards each day.
Pin Trading – All Parks
Both of my boys love to pin trade while they are in the parks. This activity certainly isn’t a new or totally unique experience, but it is something that will add a special element to your trip. My youngest adores pin trading and he might even like the experience more than the rides at the park. Check out the details about how to pin trade in this article.
What kinds of experiences can boys enjoy at Walt Disney World that they can’t experience anywhere else?
Another unique experience is the opportunity to go on a Wild Africa Trek in Animal Kingdom. This guided tour takes you through the African savanna, where you’ll get up close and personal with exotic animals like giraffes and hippos. Boys will love the chance to feel like real explorers as they cross rope bridges and venture into the wilderness.
For boys who love cars, the chance to get behind the wheel of a race car at the Richard Petty Driving Experience in Magic Kingdom is sure to be a hit. They can buckle up and race around the track, feeling the adrenaline rush of high-speed driving.
Boys can enjoy the thrill of a classic carnival game with a Disney twist at Toy Story Mania in Hollywood Studios. They can compete against family and friends in a variety of games inspired by Pixar’s Toy Story franchise, from balloon popping to ring tossing.
No matter what you decide to add on to your Walt Disney World vacation, you are sure to have a fantastic time, but maybe just maybe, by focusing on things other than princesses your crew will have an even more exciting trip!
