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Pirates of the Caribbean Ride Breaks, Guests Sent Backwards Down Track

The new auction scene on the Pirates of the Caribbean ride.
Credit: Steven Beyer, Unsplash

Last week, a unique experience unfolded for visitors on Pirates of the Caribbean at the Walt Disney World Resort when the ride temporarily malfunctioned. Guests found themselves in an unconventional situation as their boats began to move backward down the track.

As lights illuminated the ride, Disney Park guests captured their unusual journey on social media. In a video from @hi.imclover on TikTok, one guest said, “We’re drifting backward… because we’re stuck on the ride.”

@hi.imclover

Stuck on Pirates of the Carribean ride @Walt Disney World #piratesofthecaribbean #stuckatdisney #hilarious #waltdisneyworld

♬ original sound – Hi.I’mClover

“Something happened, then it stopped, then the lights turned on, and now we’re going backward,” another guest noted.

The activation of overhead lights not only highlighted the intricate details of the ride’s scenes but also dramatically shifted the atmosphere. What is typically a dark and immersive experience transformed, allowing guests to see the animatronics and set designs in a new light—quite literally.

Pirates of the Caribbean

Credit: Inside the Magic

It’s unclear what caused last week’s Pirates of the Caribbean breakdown, but the ride reopened shortly after the incident.

History of the Pirates of the Caribbean Ride

The Pirates of the Caribbean ride holds a storied place in the history of Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, Tokyo Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris. Over the years, the attraction has undergone several changes, many of which aimed to modernize its themes and eliminate elements considered controversial by contemporary standards.

Pirates of the Caribbean

Credit: Disney

Since opening in the late 1960s, the ride has seen substantial updates, particularly in the late 2010s, when significant changes were made to a misogynistic scene. The removal of the infamous “bride auction” scene sparked considerable discussions among fans and critics alike.

In an effort to empower the female characters depicted in the ride, Walt Disney Imagineers redesigned the animatronics to portray women as fierce pirates. While some applauded these efforts, others felt the historic ride should remain untouched.

Pirates of the Caribbean auction scene

Credit: Ed Aguila, Inside the Magic

Before Walt Disney Imagineering altered problematic scenes, they introduced Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) figures into the ride’s narrative. This decision was made to appeal to the newer generations who had come to love the franchise through the film series.

Recent Controversies Surrounding the Ride

As the Walt Disney World Resort continues to evolve, so too does the discussion surrounding the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. Many guests have expressed discomfort with the themes portrayed throughout the attraction, feeling that certain aspects perpetuate outdated stereotypes.

Some visitors have voiced that they felt objectified by the depictions of male animatronics.

Pirates of the Caribbean ride entrance

Credit: Inside the Magic

“I just think this is kind of a weird ride,” one TikTok user said in a viral 2023 clip. “I don’t know… It’s just a little bit rapey.”

“It feels like we’re the entertainment for them, and I do not like it,” read a comment on the video.

Have you been on a broken Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort ride? Share your experience with Disney Fanatic in the comments. 

About Jess Colopy

Jess Colopy is a Disney College Program alum and kid-at-heart. When she’s not furiously typing in a coffee shop, you can find her on the hunt for the newest Stitch pin.

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