7 Secrets Disney Doesn’t Want You to Know About Pirates of the Caribbean

Ahoy, me hearties! Pirates of the Caribbean is one of Disney’s most iconic attractions, sailing the high seas in both Disneyland and Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. With its swashbuckling scenes, detailed animatronics, and the oh-so-catchy “Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life for Me)” song, it’s no wonder that this ride has captured the hearts of millions. But as with any good pirate tale, there are secrets hidden beneath the surface that even the most seasoned adventurer may not know about.

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So grab your grog and get ready to discover seven hidden or lesser-known secrets about the Pirates of the Caribbean ride that Disney might just want to keep buried!

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1. The Magic Kingdom Version is a Bit of a Swindle

While Pirates of the Caribbean at Magic Kingdom Park in Walt Disney World is a fan favorite, it’s hard not to feel a bit swindled once you’ve experienced the original version at Disneyland. Why? Because the Magic Kingdom version is significantly shorter! At Disneyland, you’re treated to a whopping 15-minute journey through pirate-infested waters, whereas Magic Kingdom’s version clocks in at just around 8 minutes.

But the differences don’t stop there. The Disneyland version includes several additional scenes, such as eerie caverns and a thrilling descent into pirate territory that Magic Kingdom guests don’t get to experience. So if you ever find yourself sailing on both coasts, be sure to compare the two—you may feel like the Magic Kingdom version shortchanged you on pirate loot!

2. Pirates of the Caribbean: Politically Correct Edition

Over the years, Pirates of the Caribbean has undergone some significant changes to keep up with the times. Originally, the ride featured scenes that, by today’s standards, were pretty problematic. In one infamous scene, pirates were shown auctioning off women, while another featured pirates chasing women in what was then portrayed as a “romantic pursuit.”

In an effort to modernize the attraction and make it more family-friendly, Disney reworked these scenes. The auction scene, for example, now has pirates bidding for goods rather than women, and the chase scenes were altered to show women chasing pirates instead, with one even brandishing a rolling pin! Though these changes sparked some debate, they reflect Disney’s efforts to keep their rides fun and accessible for all ages.

3. Pirates of the Gross: Guests Behaving Badly

Here’s one secret that might make you want to keep your hands (and any other body parts) well out of the water. In 2022, reports surfaced that a guest had, well, relieved himself into the water while on the ride! Gross, right?

It’s an unfortunate reminder that while you’re floating peacefully down those pirate-filled canals, you may want to resist the urge to reach overboard or, heaven forbid, take a sip of the water. There may be more than pirate gold lurking below the surface!

4. Waxing Nostalgic: The Ride Was Almost a Wax Museum

Before Pirates of the Caribbean became the swashbuckling boat ride we know and love, Disney had originally planned for it to be a walk-through wax museum. The idea was to create a series of pirate-themed scenes featuring wax figures that guests could explore at their leisure. However, after the success of “it’s a small world” at the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair, Disney decided that a boat ride would be far more exciting.

And thus, Pirates of the Caribbean was born! It’s hard to imagine the ride as anything but a boat adventure now, but this little-known fact shows how even the most iconic attractions can start off with entirely different visions.

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5. Walt Disney’s Secret Hideaway: The Disneyland Apartment

In Disneyland, Pirates of the Caribbean has a hidden gem that most guests will never see: an apartment originally designed for Walt Disney and his family. Located above the entrance to the ride, this luxurious space was meant to be a private retreat for the Disney family during their visits to the park.

While Walt never had the chance to stay there (he passed away before the attraction was completed), the apartment was later transformed into the Disneyland Dream Suite. Much like the exclusive Cinderella Castle Suite in Walt Disney World, the Dream Suite became a coveted spot for randomly selected guests during Disney’s “Year of a Million Dreams” promotion. It’s just another layer of magic that most visitors will never get to experience firsthand!

6. The Cost of Pirate Plunder: $74 Million

When Pirates of the Caribbean first opened in Disneyland in 1967, it cost about $8 million to build. Adjusted for inflation, that’s equivalent to around $74 million today! Back then, it was one of the most expensive attractions Disney had ever built, and it’s easy to see why. With its groundbreaking audio-animatronics, detailed sets, and immersive atmosphere, Pirates of the Caribbean set a new standard for theme park rides.

Even today, it remains one of Disney’s most beloved and intricately designed attractions, proving that no expense was spared in bringing this pirate adventure to life.

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7. Real Skeletons Once Called the Ride Home

Perhaps the spookiest secret of all is that when Pirates of the Caribbean first opened, some of the skeletons used in the ride were real. Yes, you read that right—REAL human skeletons! Back in the 1960s, Disney’s Imagineers felt that the fake skeletons available at the time didn’t look realistic enough, so they turned to a local medical school to provide genuine human bones.

Over time, these real skeletons were replaced with fake ones, but rumors persist that one real skull remains on display at Disneyland. According to some sources, the skull above the bed in the captain’s quarters scene is the last remaining real bone in the attraction. Whether this is true or just a spooky urban legend, it certainly adds a chilling layer of mystery to the ride!

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So, there you have it—seven hidden or lesser-known secrets about Pirates of the Caribbean at Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Whether you’re a pirate-loving veteran or a first-time sailor, these fascinating tidbits add even more depth to the ride’s rich history and immersive storytelling.

Next time you find yourself boarding your boat and singing along to “Yo Ho, Yo Ho, A Pirate’s Life for Me,” keep an eye out for these little-known details. Who knows—you might just spot something new!

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