Pirates of the Caribbean - WDW History

Pirates of the Caribbean

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Location: Magic Kingdom » Adventureland » Pirates of the Caribbean

Pirates of the Caribbean's Logo
Pirates of the Caribbean
Dates
Construction
1972 (1972)
Opening
December 15, 1973 (1973-12-15)[1]
Address
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Latitude — 28.4180355
Longitude — -81.5841900
Ride Details
You May Get Wet
Number of Drops — 1
Longest Drop Height
14 ft (4.3 m)
Longest Drop Length
52 ft (15.8 m)
Longest Drop Degree — 22
Audio Anamatronics — 125
Flume Capacity
155000 gal. (586738.8 liters)
Vehicle Information
Riders per row — 4
Riders Per Vehicle — 24
Vehicle Type — Boats
Restraints — None
Building Descriptions
Landscaping — Caribbean
Theme — Pirates
Guest Assistance
  • Offers Hand Held Captions
  • Must Transfer from WC then to Ride

Pirates of the Caribbean originally opened up in Disneyland, like most rides in the Magic Kingdom, and became an instant success. The ride originally was not going to be part of the Magic Kingdom in Florida due to its location to the Caribbean. The thought was it wouldn't be exotic enough for the region. Instead, a ride/area called Western River Expedition with cowboys and Indians was going to be built. Guests demanded the ride to be made in the Florida park and it opened 2 years after the parks opening.

Contents

[edit] Ride Differences

The ride at Disneyland is actually almost twice as long as the one in the Magic Kingdom and has 3 drops instead of 1. Both parks closed down the ride in 2006 (2006) to be enhanced. Scenes from the Pirates of the Caribbean movie were added along with an overhaul of some of the systems.

[edit] 1990s Changes

Two pirates in constant checkmate
Two pirates in constant checkmate

In the 1990s some of the pirate audio tracks were changed. What was known as the "Pooped Pirate" had his lines re-done. The audio used to be:

(((Oh, shiver me soul. It's dead wore out, I be. (Chuckles) Am I too fast these lot footed wenches be for the likes of an old swag-bellied pirate such as I? Now, where be that fascinatin' little old treasure? Ay? (Chuckles) Heave to, maties! Say, have you set your eyes on a bewitchin' maiden in your travels? Oh, she be a lively lassie she were! Oh, I tell you true, it's sore I be to hoist me colors on the likes of that shy little wench. (Laughs) Favor, keep a weather eye open maties. I be willing to share, I be! (Laughs).[2])))

[edit] 2004 Changes

In 2004 (2004), the ride was changed slightly to be a little more politically correct. This included having pirates being chased by women with brooms instead of the other way around. Some of the script had been changed as well to be more politically correct.

[edit] 2006 Changes

The ride went down for an extensive rehabilitation in 2006 (2006) which included the addition of Jack Sparrow and change of the story line to where Barbosa and his crew are looking for Jack. Some new features include a 'waterfall' with Davy Jones' face projected onto in the falls. Much of the audio and anamatronics received upgrades as well.

[edit] Ride Details

When the ride was build in the park, the Walt Disney World Railroad was in the way. To get around the railroad, the ride was built underneath it. That is the main reason for the drop at the beginning of the ride. The drop is a 21 degree drop which consists of a 52 foot slide and is 14 feet tall. It is also in complete darkness. There are 220 audio speakers on the ride and 3 sub-woofers during the battle scene.

[edit] Ghost Stories

The ride is also said to be haunted. The spirit of George, a welder who died when a beam fell on him, is said to haunt the attraction. At the beginning and end of the day, cast members must come on the public announcement system and tell George good morning and night, if not the ride is known to shut its self down.

[edit] Related Items

[edit] Image Gallery

[edit] Map

[edit] References

  1. Polsson, Ken. "1972-1982". Chronologoy of Walt Disney World. Retrieved on December 27, 2008.
  2. http://www.waltdatedworld.bravepages.com/id212.htm Walt Dated World - Politically Incorrect Pirates
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