A Pirate’s Guide to New Orleans Square
If you’ve ever walked through New Orleans Square and heard someone shout “Savvy?” in a vaguely familiar voice, you might have just wandered into one of my favorite bits of Disneyland magic: an encounter with Captain Jack Sparrow.
You don’t book it. You don’t line up for it like a traditional meet-and-greet. He sort of… appears. Like any good pirate.
And if you’re anywhere near Pirates of the Caribbean, you want to be ready.
Where You’ll Usually Find Captain Jack
Jack tends to roam the area around Pirates of the Caribbean and New Orleans Square, sometimes near the ride entrance, sometimes by the water’s edge, sometimes closer to the little walkways and balconies.
You might spot him:
- Bantering with guests near the Pirates of the Caribbean queue
- Leaning dramatically on a railing like he’s contemplating his next ship
- Walking through the crowd with that famous, slightly wobbly swagger
He doesn’t always have a formal line. Often, it feels like you’ve just crossed paths with him on the docks—exactly how it should be.
What It’s Like to Meet Him
Jack doesn’t just pose and smile. He interacts.
He might:
- Ask if you’ve seen any rum (of course).
- Inspect your kid’s bubble wand like it’s a mysterious treasure.
- Comment on your ears, Spirit Jersey, or pirate gear.
- Give you pirate advice that may or may not be trustworthy.
He’s quick, witty, and completely in character. Don’t be surprised if your simple “Can we take a picture?” turns into a mini comedy show.
Tips for Getting a Great Jack Sparrow Moment
1. Hang Around New Orleans Square
If meeting Jack is a high priority, plan a little “pirate time” in your day. Grab a snack, sit near the Pirates of the Caribbean area, and just people-watch for a bit. Character interactions here can be more spontaneous than scheduled.
2. Have Your Camera Ready
Because he roams, your window might be short. Have:
- Your camera or phone unlocked and ready
- Someone designated as “photographer”
- Kids prepped to step forward when you say, “Okay, your turn!”
You might get just a quick snapshot—or you might get several while he acts out an entire scene.
3. Let the Kids Talk to Him
Some kids get shy, and that’s okay, but if they’re up for it, encourage them to ask a question:
- “Where’s your ship?”
- “Have you seen Davy Jones?”
- “What’s your favorite treasure?”
Jack is amazing at playing off whatever they say. It’s often the conversation, not the photo, that your kids remember.
4. Dress for the Part
You don’t have to wear pirate gear, but if someone in your party has:
- A pirate hat
- A skull-and-crossbones shirt
- A mini Jack Sparrow costume
…you’re probably going to get an extra-fun reaction. He loves “recognizing” fellow pirates and declaring them part of his crew.
5. Be Patient and Flexible
Characters like Jack appear at different times throughout the day and may come and go quickly. Treat it like you’re hunting for hidden treasure—a magical bonus, not something that will ruin your day if it doesn’t line up perfectly.
If you miss him once, you might catch him after your next spin on Pirates or a stroll through New Orleans Square later in the day.
Photo Ideas You’ll Love
When you do meet him, here are some fun photo poses to try:
- “Join the crew” shot – Everyone stands in a line doing their best pirate pose while Jack “leads” the crew.
- Sword or spyglass pose – If your little one has a toy sword or bubble wand, Jack loves treating it like a prop.
- Pointing to the attraction – Stand with Jack so Pirates of the Caribbean is in the background, like he’s inviting you onto the ship.
These make perfect Instagram shots and great scrapbook memories.
Why This Meet-and-Greet Feels Extra Special
Unlike the more formal character lines, meeting Jack Sparrow feels less like a scheduled photo op and more like a story unfolding in front of you. You’re in a richly themed land filled with pirate music, the smell of churros and river water, and the sound of Pirates of the Caribbean boats splashing below.
And suddenly—there he is.
It feels spontaneous, personal, and a little bit mischievous… exactly what you’d hope for when dealing with pirates.
Final Thoughts
If you have a pirate fan in your family (or secretly are the pirate fan), don’t rush past New Orleans Square. Build in time to wander, explore, and keep an eye out for that familiar hat and braids.
Meeting Captain Jack Sparrow around Pirates of the Caribbean is one of those small Disneyland moments that turns into a big core memory—especially for kids who walk away convinced they just met a real pirate.
And honestly? For a few minutes, you might believe it, too.