Fans of the iconic Pirates of the Caribbean ride at Disneyland Park were surprised to see the attraction temporarily close on December 11, 2024. Known for its rich history and immersive storytelling, the New Orleans Square classic has been a staple of Disneyland Resort since its debut in 1967.
A History of Adventure on Pirates of the Caribbean
Pirates of the Caribbean was one of the last attractions overseen by Walt Disney himself before his passing. For over five decades, it has taken guests on a swashbuckling journey through pirate-infested waters, with memorable animatronics, detailed sets, and the beloved “Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life for Me)” theme song.
Over the years, the attraction has undergone several updates to reflect changing societal norms. Most notably, the bride auction scene was reimagined to portray independent pirates selling chickens rather than women, sparking mixed reactions from fans.
Despite these changes, Pirates of the Caribbean remains a cornerstone of Disney Parks worldwide, operating at Disneyland, Magic Kingdom, Disneyland Paris, and Tokyo Disneyland.
An Abrupt Shutdown
On December 11, Redditor u/Recovery37 shared a photo of guests evacuating Pirates of the Caribbean after the ride unexpectedly shut down. Some Disney Park guests were left stranded in boats while Disney cast members worked to resolve the issue.
“Pirates got shut down,” they wrote, sparking speculation about the cause of the closure. Attraction breakdowns at Disney Parks are often due to technical issues or guest mishaps, such as dropped items in ride water. However, the exact reason for this particular incident remains unclear.
While temporary ride closures are common, they often leave guests disappointed. At the time of this article’s publication, Pirates of the Caribbean had reopened, and the ride queue was packed with holiday crowds.
“I don’t think the posted 20-minute wait is right,” Redditor u/whyisreplicainmyname commented. “Queue is packed.”
Do you prefer Pirates of the Caribbean in its updated or original state? Let Disney Fanatic know in the comments!
