5 new experiences available at Walt Disney World Resort hotels

Disney announced a number of new guest offerings that are now available to book at the various hotels around the Walt Disney World Resort.

These include joining a pirate crew, learning to become a mermaid, fishing ecursions, art classes and new cabanas.

Here’s a look at what out there:

Captain Hook’s Pirate Crew at Beach Club Resort

Reservations are now open for a new group experience that invites young recruits ages 4 to 12 into the world of pirate feasting and treasure seeking, high-energy sailin’ and swashbucklin’ fun. The new Captain Hook’s Pirate Crew teaches youngsters pirate ways, and lets them follow clues that will lead to hidden treasure and being named to Captain Hook’s Pirate Crew. Armed with clues, young buccaneers will comb through the resort and set sail on a pontoon boat around Crescent Lake. Once the treasure is unearthed, all join in a Pirate feast that includes selections such as Cannon Meatballs with marinara or macaroni and “gold” sauce for entrees, along with a treasure chest treat or fruit for dessert. Captain Hook’s Pirate Crew is priced at $55 per child (plus tax); the adventures begin April 28. For more information or to book a reservation, call 407-824-KIDS.

Mermaid School

Guests can become part of Ariel’s world at the Mermaid School at select Walt Disney World resort hotels. Guests ages 4 and older can enjoy an hour-long class where they’ll be fitted with a swimmable “tail” and led through activities teaching them how to swim in a pool like a mermaid. Mermaid School will be offered on select dates at Art of Animation Resort, Caribbean Beach Resort, and the Yacht and Beach Club Resorts. Classes are $50 per person (plus tax). Bookings will open mid-March through 407-WDW-PLAY.

Cabanas at Yacht and Beach Club Resorts

Reservations are open for rentals of the new poolside cabanas at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts. These private hideaways exclusive to Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts provide guests with a bevy of services, including:

• Padded furniture (chairs and couch)
• Dedicated Disney cast member service
• Cocktail service
• Mounted television with cable access
• Complimentary sunscreen and other skincare products
• Mini-refrigerator stocked with complimentary soda and water
• Complimentary fruit tray
• Plush towels
• Lockable cabinet
• Charging outlets for mobile devices

These new cabanas are exclusively for guests staying at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts. Reservations for half and full day rentals are now open for dates beginning March 17 through 407-WDW-PLAY.

New Art Programs

All-new master classes led by professional artists at select Walt Disney World resort hotels will have guests creating their own masterpieces. Classes range from $35 (plus tax) to $50 (plus tax) per person, offered to ages 12 and older for most experiences.

The lineup includes: 

• Win, Paint, Show at Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
• Wild About Painting, Animal Kingdom Lodge
• Painting on de’ Bayou (adults), Painting by the Lagoon (kids), Port Orleans – French Quarter Resort. NOTE: children’s painting class is $30 per person (plus tax); designed for ages 6 and older; accompanying parent required.
• Painting in the Vineyard, Yacht and Beach Club Resorts
• Canvas and Wine Glass Painting on the Boards, BoardWalk Inn

Bookings (select dates per resort) are available through 407-WDW-PLAY.

Fishing Excursions

Board a 21-foot SunTracker pontoon (up to five guests) or a tournament-style NITRO bass-fishing boat (for one or two participants). Outings (two or four hours) are catch-and-release. The fleet has been joined by a new NITRO ZV21, operating out of the Magic Kingdom marinas. For more information or to book an excursion, guests can call 407-WDW-BASS.