Tale of The Inflatable Sword

Pirate Night on our first Disney Cruise--March 2007

I want to tell the story of the inflatable pirate sword.  This inflatable pirate sword came into our lives in the summer of 2006.  It was a prize in a McDonald’s Happy Meal during the launch of the first Pirates of the Caribbean movie.  At the time, we knew were going to be taking our first Disney Cruise in March of 2007 and had begun collecting items that might be useful during the trip.

Pirate Night on our most recent Disney Cruise--December 2012

That inflatable sword went with us on our first Disney Cruise and every Disney Cruise since then.

It has also traveled to Walt Disney World for the Pirates and Princess Party at the Magic Kingdom—this party no longer exists but at one point was a “hard ticket” event similar to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party or Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and had its own parade, etc. 

Also, the boy carried this sword when taking a Pirate Adventure Cruise that is just for kids when we stayed at Caribbean Beach Resort at Walt Disney World.

We have since added to the inflatable collection—adding parrots and hooks. 

Ironically, we get asked about this inflatable sword when it appears on Pirate Night on the ship.  “Where did you get that?” folks ask.  When we tell them that we got it from McDonald’s in 2006 they give us the look that is both recognition of good planning and disappointment.

Yes, the boy has admired the “real” fake plastic swords and weapons that are available for purchase both at Walt Disney World and on the ships.  Our retort to his request to purchase one is that he already has a pirate sword.

What he also may not realize is that with his inflatable sword, we don’t have to worry about airport security and that it takes up nearly zero space in the luggage.

Disney Cruise--July 2011

Will this inflatable sword be returning to the Caribbean to fight once again?  Definitely!  It is in the tote with all of the other pirate gear—jewels, parrots, hats and headgear—just waiting to be packed for their next adventure.