At a glance
The play area is dedicated to young buccaneers and access is strictly limited to visitors under 1.40 m tall. It has two zones separated by a rope barrier and a large central mast. The first, designed for pirates in training aged seven to nine, is built around a course of walkways and a rope bridge. To get up there, you climb a rope, one of the two fishing nets or a wooden half-cylinder fitted with a rope. At the end of the route, a small hut lets you come back down by a slide or, for the most daring, by a stainless steel pole. The second zone is designed for the youngest, with easier structures and the famous plank over the drop.
The setting stays true to the atmosphere of the whole northern islet of Adventure Isle: the course was built from the remains of shipwrecked vessels, and a bell salvaged from one of them still works. Near the walkways, shells set into the rock still let you hear the sound of the sea when you put your ear to them. The land’s soundtrack, now made up of tunes from Pirates of the Caribbean, adds to the immersion. It’s a popular stop for families to catch their breath and let the children run off steam between two more intense rides.
The liveliest play area in Adventureland. A pirate-themed structure with slides, nets and walkways for young children, right next to Pirates of the Caribbean. Handy for a break to let off steam while parents keep watch from the nearby benches.
History
Opened on 19 December 1999, seven years after the park, the play area replaced the outdoor terrace of Captain Hook’s Galley, the restaurant that then occupied Captain Hook’s galleon. With no direct equivalent in the other Disney parks, it hasn’t seen any major documented changes since.
Technical data
- Opened
- 1999
- Type Play area
- Opening date 19 December 1999
Theme & story
Levels & accessibility
- Fear level none
- Thrill level low
- Emotional impact low
- Perceived wait none
- Minimum height None (open to all)
- Recommended age kids
- Wheelchair access must transfer from wheelchair
- Pregnant visitors suitable
Premier Access, Single Rider, PhotoPass
Not offered on this ride.
No Single Rider here. To save time, count on Premier Access or park opening.
No PhotoPass on this ride.
Not open during Extra Magic Time: it opens at the same time as the park.
Who it’s for
Pros and cons
Strong points
- Ideal for letting children run off steam
- Setting in keeping with Adventure Isle
- Two zones suited to different age groups
Weak points
- No shade in strong sun
- Close parental supervision essential
- Slippery surfaces in the rain
My verdict
Pirates’ Beach is a pirate-themed play area for children under 1.40 m, on the northern islet of Adventure Isle. Two progressive zones follow on from each other, with slides, nets and walkways in a very well made shipwreck setting. Free access, with no queue.
I recommend it as a break to let off steam between two Adventureland rides, especially in mid-afternoon when little ones start getting tired of queuing. Keep a close eye on them, as some walkways are narrow. Watch out in the rain, as the surfaces quickly get slippery, and there’s little shade in the height of summer.
Map & getting there
Pirates’ Beach is on the northern islet of Adventure Isle, in Adventureland, between Pirate Galleon and Skull Rock.
Your questions about this ride
01 How can you avoid long queues for the most popular rides?
To avoid long queues at Disneyland Paris, I combine several tactics. First, Single Rider is free and really speeds things up on the rides that offer it, including Crush’s Coaster, Flight Force, Ratatouille and Spider-Man, as long as you’re happy not to ride with your group. Next, Disney Premier Access is a paid service that gives you priority access to the headline rides. If you’re staying in a Disney hotel, Extra Magic Time lets you into the park before official opening, and it’s the best time to ride the popular attractions back to back without queuing. Finally, heading to the most popular rides during a parade or a big show empties the queues considerably.
02 Are the queue times shown in the park reliable?
Yes, the queue times shown in the app or on the screens around the park are generally reliable. They’re often the same as, or slightly longer than, the real wait, which helps you plan your day better.
03 How can I find out if a ride will be closed for refurbishment during my trip?
Disneyland Paris publishes the list of rides closed for refurbishment on its official website, several weeks in advance. Because the parks are open all year round, the maintenance teams sometimes work on days when the parks are open, which leads to temporary closures. My advice: check this calendar (or the one on my blog) before booking, especially if there’s one particular ride you really care about.
04 Which rides might scare young children?
Several rides at Disneyland Paris can frighten young children even without a height restriction. Blanche-Neige et les Sept Nains, in Fantasyland, has dark scenes with the witch that can catch them off guard. Les Voyages de Pinocchio also has some unsettling scenes. La Tanière du Dragon, under Sleeping Beauty Castle, is home to a very impressive animatronic dragon. Phantom Manor, in Frontierland, plays on a ghostly atmosphere and is really intense for toddlers. Pirates of the Caribbean switches between cheerful moments and darker scenes. I’d suggest watching how your child reacts before you get on.
05 How far in advance does Disneyland Paris announce ride closures?
Disneyland Paris publishes the list of ride closures around 2 to 3 months in advance. For major rides, the park tells visitors about planned construction work at least two months before it starts. I recommend checking the official calendar (or my dedicated page) a few weeks before your visit, as dates can change. That way you avoid the nasty surprise of finding out on the day that your favourite ride is being refurbished.
