Disney Tips Your Guide To A Great Disney Vacation
Walt Disney World Resort guests were caught off guard this week when Magic Kingdom Park’s iconic Pirates of the Caribbean ride abruptly shut down, leaving dozens of visitors stranded in their boats. The classic Disney attraction, which prominently features Johnny Depp’s Captain Jack Sparrow, has been a fan favorite for decades, but recent technical issues have raised concerns about its aging infrastructure.
A Disney Classic With Hollywood Ties
Credit: Disney
Originally debuting at Disneyland Park in 1967, Pirates of the Caribbean quickly became one of Disney’s most beloved attractions, later inspiring the blockbuster film franchise starring Johnny Depp. Following the success of Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003), Walt Disney Imagineers incorporated animatronics of Captain Jack Sparrow into the ride, giving guests the chance to spot the iconic pirate at various points throughout the adventure.
Though the attraction has undergone multiple changes over the years, including the controversial removal of a bride auction scene, it remains a cornerstone of Magic Kingdom’s Adventureland. However, like any Disney Park attraction, it occasionally breaks down.
Guests Stranded When Pirates of the Caribbean Ride Suddenly Stops
Credit: Disney
On February 20, a Reddit user shared an inside look at Pirates of the Caribbean with the lights on after the attraction came to an abrupt stop. Guests sat motionless in their boats, waiting for Disney cast members to arrive and assist with evacuation procedures. From u/AffectionateHouse120:
current status
Disney Parks fans found the behind-the-scenes look fascinating. The post amassed more than 1,600 upvotes and over 200 comments.
“I never imagined the water was that clear,” u/Cirrus-Stratus commented.
“It’s so clear that I actually thought they drained it as part of the evac until I saw your comment and went back,” u/vita10gy replied.
Credit: Ed Aguila, Inside the Magic
But the Disney Park guest said the ride stop wasn’t as magical as it seemed.
“Novel for about 5min and then you’re over it…,” they wrote.
Another Disney Parks fan agreed.
Credit: Inside the Magic
“I got stuck on the ride for 45 minutes a few years back,” u/TiamatLucario recalled. “Right beside one of the cannon splashes that actually hits the boat. Which they didn’t turn off even though the ride stopped. Splashed every 15 seconds for 45 minutes straight. I may or may not have PTSD now.”
The Future of the Pirates of the Caribbean Ride
Credit: Disney
Pirates of the Caribbean eventually reopened after the temporary closure, though Walt Disney World Resort has not provided details on the cause of the breakdown. The attraction, which has been in operation for over 50 years, requires frequent maintenance to keep it running smoothly.
Have you ever evacuated a ride at Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park? Share your story with Disney Tips in the comments.
