‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ gets a new update
Category: DisneylandCategory: Travel
The dark water ride in Disneyland is one of the most popular attractions in New Orleans Square. It opened in 1967 and was the final attraction that was supervised by Walt Disney himself. Since then, there have been several updates, and now, June 2026, there is a new magical and visual aspect to this attraction.
The Audio-Animatronics captures the attention of guests as their boat sets sail then descends to the depths of the past via a couple water falls. Once down, the story of the pirates of the late 1700s comes into view.
In the first incarnation of the attraction with drunken men, an auction of women, and a humorous jail scene, the pirates demonstrated they were a dastardly bunch.
The Pirates of the Caribbean movie was created with scenes from the Disneyland attraction. It was the first time a ride was the impetus for a film. This 2003 film hit the top of the charts, with Johnny Depp portraying Captain Jack Sparrow in an entertaining and over-the-top performance. Several sequels followed to make the Pirates franchise very lucrative for the studio.
Updates to the attraction over the years
To bring some new aspects of the film to the Disneyland attraction, in 2006 characters from the movie were added to the ride. Jack Sparrow and Davy Jones joined the gang of pirates. And at one time, the real Johnny Depp surprised guests by actually being there in the attraction. That was a memory those folks will never forget.
The attraction then changed again in 2017 to reflect the politics of the time. There was no more auctioning of women and the men did not chase them around, as they had drunkenly done in the past. Instead, they chase the booze they carry.
Now, in June 2026, the attraction has been updated with more Disney magic. Guests now see the pirate that sits on a pile of cursed gold transform before their eyes, from a man into a skeleton. How did they do this? The creative team combined the Audio-Animatronics with real-time front projection to create this dramatic change to the character. It is just a small change to the experience itself, however it adds a new fun and fresh aspect and demonstrates the magic guests experience around the park when they step through the gates.
Telling stories through the attractions is what Disneyland is all about. Instead of just being a park with rides and food, Disneyland is there to bring guests into their stories.
Various incarnations of the attraction joined other Disney parks after the huge success in Disneyland: Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom (1973), Tokyo Disneyland (1983). Disneyland Paris (1992), and Shanghai Disneyland (2016).
Guests to Disneyland set sail for an adventurous trip to the West Indies in the late 1700s, via this popular attraction, and now with an additional bit of magic. And, when the tale is told, they return to modern time via another waterfall, only this time they ascend.
Argh, matey.
Walt Disney talks about Pirates of the Caribbean
How the new magic happens
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She is a long-standing member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.
Images from inside: Christian Thompson/Disneyland Resort