International Talk Like a Pirate Day
Fans of Disney’s Peter Pan and Pirates of the Caribbean series ought to know that Sunday, September 19th is the International Talk Like a Pirate Day. This entirely unofficial holiday which began in 1995 is a celebration of pirate-y lingo, from the “arrr”s to the “avast me ‘earties, yo ho!”. Thanks to the efforts of millions of fun-loving pirate-wannabies, the holiday has spread around the world and will soon be upon us once again.
But fear not, me urchins, it’s never too late to join in on the fun. Here’s a list of ways ye Disney fans can celebrate this here very special pirate-y day. Yaaarr.
Pirates of the Caribbean Ride, image from Disneyworld.disney.go
Celebrate ITLAPD at the Magic Kingdom and Disneyland Theme Parks
1. Brush up on your pirate-y lingo and mannerisms, courtesy of a Pirate Tutorial given by Captain Jack Sparrow. Be sure to keep up the act all day! (Magic Kingdom)
2. Ride the Pirates of the Caribbean ride over, and over, and over again. Don’t forget to sing along! (both parks)
3. Take a journey on Peter Pan’s Flight. Be sure to take off yer hat in tribute when the great Cap’n Hook meets his demise in the mouth of a hungry crocodile. (both parks)
4. Explore Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island. Climb the peaks of Castle Rock, uncover buried treasure, and discover the secrets of Smuggler’s Cove. (Disneyland)
5. Climb the Swiss Family Treehouse and imagine that you are defending your family’s jungle home from renegade pirates. (Magic Kingdom)
6. Buy a Goofy pirate ears bandanna, eye patch, or captain’s hat, and wear it all day. These pirate accessories are available for sale in both parks.
7. Join The Pirates League and receive a new pirate name, pirate-themed face paint, and your own eye patch, sword, and sheath. (Magic Kingdom)
8. Children between the ages of 4 and 12 can enjoy a Pirate Adventure Cruise that departs from one of four Disney World resorts (Yacht and Beach Club, Grand Floridian, Caribbean Beach Resort, Port Orleans Riverside). On the pirate adventure, the kids will learn to talk like a pirate, visit ports of call, and return home with a bag of pirate booty. (Disney World Resort)
9. Book a pirate-themed room at the Caribbean Beach Resort and go to sleep every night with visions of pillaging and buried treasure dancing in your head. (Disney World Resort)
10. After an exciting day at the parks, unwind at home with Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy on DVD and snuggle up with a pirate-themed plush.
Pirate-themed room at the Caribbean Beach Resort, image from Disneyworld.disney.go
Lyrics to “Yo Ho” (A Pirate’s Life for Me)
Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate’s life for me.
We pillage, we plunder, we rifle, and loot,
Drink up, me ‘earties, yo ho.
We kidnap and ravage and don’t give a hoot,
Drink up me ‘earties, yo ho.Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate’s life for me.
We extort, we pilfer, we filch, and sack,
Drink up, me ‘earties, yo ho.
Maraud and embezzle, and even high-jack,
Drink up, me ‘earties, yo ho.Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate’s life for me.
We kindle and char, inflame and ignite,
Drink up, me ‘earties, yo ho.
We burn up the city, we’re really a fright,
Drink up, me ‘earties, yo ho.We’re rascals, scoundrels, villans, and knaves,
Drink up, me ‘earties, yo ho.
We’re devils and black sheep, really bad eggs,
Drink up, me ‘earties, yo ho.Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate’s life for me.
We’re beggars and blighters, ne’er-do-well cads,
Drink up, me ‘earties, yo ho.
Aye, but we’re loved by our mommies and dads,
Drink up, me ‘earties, yo ho.