Disney Tips Your Guide To A Great Disney Vacation
Ahoy, me hearties! Pirates of the Caribbean is one of Disney’s most beloved and iconic attractions, sailing through both Disneyland in California and Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom in Florida.
With its swashbuckling scenes, highly detailed audio-animatronics, and the oh-so-catchy tune “Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life for Me),” it’s no wonder this ride has captured the hearts of millions of guests over the decades.
But as any pirate knows, there are always a few hidden treasures beneath the surface—secrets that even the most seasoned adventurers might not know. So, grab your grog and get ready to uncover seven little-known facts about the Pirates of the Caribbean ride that Disney might prefer to keep buried!
1. The Magic Kingdom Version Is Shorter—Significantly!
If you’ve sailed the high seas on Pirates of the Caribbean at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, you’ve probably had a fantastic time. However, for those who have also experienced the original version at Disneyland in California, it’s hard not to feel a bit shortchanged.
That’s because the Magic Kingdom version is significantly shorter! While the Disneyland ride takes you on a 15-minute journey through eerie pirate caverns and battles on the high seas, the Magic Kingdom version lasts about eight minutes—almost half the length!
Disneyland’s version also features extra scenes, like the misty caverns with treasure-filled skeletons and a longer descent into the depths of pirate territory.
Credit: Disney
So, if you’re lucky enough to visit both parks, be sure to experience both versions and decide for yourself which is more plunderingly delightful!
2. Pirates of the Caribbean Has Been Updated to Be Politically Correct
Like many older attractions, Pirates of the Caribbean has gone through changes over the years to keep up with modern sensibilities. One of the most infamous scenes in the original ride depicted pirates auctioning off women, along with pirates chasing women in a questionable “romantic pursuit.”
In an effort to make the attraction more inclusive and family-friendly, Disney updated these scenes. The auction scene now features pirates bidding for goods, and the chase scenes have been reimagined to show the women chasing pirates—one even wielding a rolling pin!
While the changes were met with some debate among Disney purists, they reflect Disney’s commitment to evolving its attractions to ensure they remain fun, engaging, and appropriate for guests of all ages.
3. A Shocking Guest Incident: Pirates of the Caribbean Gone Gross!
Here’s one secret that might make you think twice before dipping your hand in the ride’s water. In 2022, a viral story made waves when a guest reportedly relieved himself into the water while riding Pirates of the Caribbean. Yes, you read that right—gross!
Credit: Inside the Magic
This unfortunate incident serves as a reminder to keep your hands—and certainly any other body parts—safely inside the boat. And if you were ever tempted to take a sip of the ride water (please, no), you may want to reconsider. There could be more lurking in those pirate waters than just treasure!
4. Before the Boats: Pirates Was Almost a Wax Museum
One of the most interesting facts about Pirates of the Caribbean is that it wasn’t originally intended to be a boat ride. Early on, Disney had planned for the attraction to be a walk-through wax museum featuring scenes of pirate adventures and historical artifacts.
However, after the success of “It’s a Small World” at the 1964–65 New York World’s Fair, Disney’s Imagineers decided a boat ride would be far more engaging and exciting. This decision led to the creation of the immersive, story-driven Pirates of the Caribbean ride we know and love today.
It’s hard to imagine Pirates as anything but a boat journey now, but it’s fascinating to think about how different the attraction could have been if they had stuck with the original concept!
5. Walt Disney’s Secret Hideaway Above Pirates of the Caribbean
Did you know there’s a secret apartment hidden above the Pirates of the Caribbean ride at Disneyland? Walt Disney himself originally intended this space to be a private retreat for his family when visiting the park. Unfortunately, Walt passed away before he could stay there, and the apartment was later transformed into the exclusive Disneyland Dream Suite.
Credit: Ed Aguila, Inside the Magic
Much like the Cinderella Castle Suite at Walt Disney World, the Disneyland Dream Suite is a beautifully designed space that’s not open to the public. During Disney’s “Year of a Million Dreams” promotion, lucky guests were randomly selected to stay overnight in the suite.
This luxurious hideaway remains one of the most coveted experiences for Disney fans, adding an extra layer of mystery and magic to Pirates of the Caribbean.
6. The Price of Pirate Adventure: $74 Million Today!
When Pirates of the Caribbean first opened at Disneyland in 1967, it was a technological marvel with cutting-edge audio-animatronics, elaborate sets, and immersive scenes. The cost of building such an attraction? A hefty $8 million, which was an enormous sum at the time. Adjusted for inflation, that would be about $74 million today!
It’s no surprise that Pirates of the Caribbean was one of the most expensive attractions Disney had ever built. Even now, it remains a gold standard for immersive theme park experiences. Every detail, from the pirate ships to the treasure-filled caves, showcases the incredible artistry and innovation that went into creating this legendary ride.
7. Real Skeletons Once Called Pirates of the Caribbean Home
Here’s a spooky secret: When Pirates of the Caribbean first opened, some of the skeletons used in the ride were real human bones! Back in the 1960s, Disney’s Imagineers felt that the fake skeletons available at the time weren’t realistic enough. So, they reached out to a local medical school, which provided actual human skeletons to use in the ride.
Credit: Disney
Over time, these real skeletons were replaced with more convincing artificial ones, but rumors persist that one real skull remains in the Disneyland version of the ride. It’s said to be located above the bed in the captain’s quarters scene, adding an eerie touch of authenticity to the attraction.
Whether or not this rumor is true, it certainly makes for an intriguing mystery—and a spooky pirate tale!
Final Thoughts
From its hidden apartment to its controversial changes, Pirates of the Caribbean is full of fascinating history and behind-the-scenes stories that make it more than just a ride. It’s an enduring symbol of Disney’s ability to create immersive, engaging experiences that stand the test of time.
So, the next time you find yourself boarding a boat and humming along to “Yo Ho, Yo Ho, A Pirate’s Life for Me,” keep an eye out for these hidden details. Whether you’re riding in Disneyland or Walt Disney World, the magic and mystery of Pirates of the Caribbean will always have new secrets to uncover.
