LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Dec. 19, 2008-Every day, two special guests are recruited to help rid the newly renovated pool at Ole Port Royale of pesky pirates at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. Donning pirate hats and eye patches, the young lads and lassies take up their swords to defend the pool’s territory from the buccaneer who is later locked away in the pirate dungeon.

As part of the Disney Difference, this Magical Moment reflects the unique events Walt Disney World Resort guests can experience only at Disney. Robin Burkett, area manager of recreation for Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and Pop Century Resort, said more guests are volunteering to participate in the Magical Moment openings. “It’s something out of the ordinary that makes the guest experience unforgettable,” she said.

The new pirate-themed pool and deck, which opened in early September, nearly doubles the capacity of the previous facility and features an 82-foot-long slide from a pirate fort. The nine-month upgrade also includes two anchor-shaped spas, another pool and a children’s “aqua play area,” which sits under a crow’s nest, emptying water on young mateys every few minutes.

Recreation Host Rich Alvis, one of the original creators of the resort’s Magical Moment, said the pool’s pirate theme sets the stage for imaginative adventures. “It’s a real Magical Moment for the kids because it’s personally involved. They make sure the pool deck is safe before we can open it,” he said. “It’s our way to make children feel a part of the magic at Disney”