From WDWHistory

Location: Magic Kingdom » Adventureland » Pirates of the Caribbean

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.

[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

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 built 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

This is an article that makes you think "never tohhugt of that!" Overall RatingFoodServiceAtmospherePrice/ValueRomanceSuitable for ChildrenOkay for Children: It's great for kids of all ages. We went with a group of 14 ranging in age from 4 to 49 and eevoyrne had a great time. Okay for Couples: I can think of better places for a couple.Be Sure to Try: Parmesean mashed potatoes, beef, dessertsGeneral tips:If you are making reservations for a large group and want to be at one table make sure you tell them that. We made reservations at 3 different restaurants for our group of 14 and each time the put us at 2 separate tables.The Mouse For Less Tip: I would suggest making dinner reservations later in the evening, especially if you have the dining plan because you get so much food for lunch and dinner you need a lot of time in between.Extra Comment: We found the easiest way to get there was to take the bus to the Magic Kingdom and then take the monorail to the Contemporary.

[edit] Image Gallery

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  Sign and barker bird before the 2006 rehab (from disneypix.com)

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  Flag added after the 2006 rehab

[edit] Videos

1992 Ride-through

[edit] References

Is there a way to remove/not dsapliy a static block via Custom Layout Update? A block that I created myself. Not the newsletter, compare products or recently viewed products. A block that I don't want on certain categories/pages.Please help and thanks a lot.