Pirates of the Caribbean in Walt Disney World to receive much needed enhancements

[fantasmic101]

For those who have been to the parks in California and Paris France, you are quite aware that the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction in Florida is much smaller with less visuals and other great effects. In the last few years, the Disney company has been trying to find ways to enhance the attraction without making any changes to the classic attractions. It has been announced that the Walt Disney World will be adding some new features to the attraction that will be exclusive to only to Walt Disney World's Pirates of the Caribbean. The new features to the Pirates attraction will be ready for the May 5th Homecoming celebration. It has not been announced how many features are being added or the size of them, but they have promised it will be a welcome new addition to the attraction.

[tdsryan]

Exactly where is this announcement?

[fantasmic101]

The announcement came frm the Team Disney Building in Florida. The head Imagineer in charge of the Pirates of the Caribbean project is Lindsay Lewis from Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. He has been working in the research department for Disney since 2000 and joined the Imagineer team in the effort to enhance many older attractions.

[Brer-Rabbit]

We were told that in MAY the ride would go down for 9 months for refurbishment and so new added features. I dont know where you heard it would be ready for the May celebration, but its incorrect.

The changes they plan to implement are to add features that bring in elements of the movie including changing the name of the boat (the wicked wench) to the Black Pearl and adding 4 animitronic figures of Johnny Depp from the movie.

We just returned from the keys to the kingdom tour in which our tour guide shared this information.

[JCTigger]

i love the pirates of the carribean movie as much as the next guy but why do they find the need to have to change things fine change the name of the boat to the black pearl but do they have to add Johnny Depp to the ride i do not see the need to do so its not like the ride is not popular and they need his face to bring in guests i say just leave it alone or referb but dont add elements of the movie to it.. what happens when the second movie comes out and is a huge hit are they gunna close it again and add mick jagger?

[Horace Horsecollar]

The announcement came frm the Team Disney Building in Florida.
We just returned from the keys to the kingdom tour in which our tour guide shared this information.
Let's see... We have two contradictory stories about enhancements to the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction in Florida and their timing.

Although "fantasmic101" is new on these boards, the posts seem quite plausible. At first, I was very skeptical about the "announcement" beacuse I though this meant a public announcement. But the subsequent post from "fantasmic101" made it clear that this was an internal announcement. If new A.A. figures have been built and new effects have been designed, they could certainly be installed in a few months. (And I'm assuming that this means scenes such as the sword-fighting pirates in Disneyland Paris, not necessarily tie-ins to the movie).

Regarding the tour guide on the Keys to the Kingdom tour, I can only say that when I took the tour, the tour guide gave some misinformation. I think my tour guide thought her information was correct, but there are cases when it wasn't (and, no, I didn't blurt out corrections during the tour).

Being a skeptic, I won't believe anything completely until it's official, or I see it myself, or the news comes from someone with a perfect track record. But Pirates of the Caribbean needs some enhancements, so I hope "fantasmic101" is correct.

[All Aboard]

and add mick jaggerYou mean Keith Richards.

[MarkLem]

I for one welcome the changes and think the addition of Depp is great

[Tom Morrow]

I agree that Pirates could use a basic refurb, but not to add Depp or rename the boats. I think that the overall atmosphere of the ride is perfect the way it is. Just sitting there in the boat as you pass between the warring cannons and seeing the city in flames brings such a peaceful calm over me. :boat:

[JCTigger]

You mean Keith Richards.

yeah.. sorry i was writing in a huff... this news kinda upsets me if it is true... however if they do change it i will except it as fate and still continue to ride the ride as if nothing has happened... :earboy2:

[SeaShelley]

Oh please let this attraction be open by October 15, 2005!!!! My son will be so sad if he can't ride his favorite! pirate: Guess we'll have to come up with a new fav when we get there!

[wendy1974]

I don't pretend to have the inside track on Disney but let me ask this OBVIOUS question. Why would Walt Disney World choose to shut down one of their most popular attractions for 9 months right as their 50th anniversary celebration is starting as well as during the summer months, their busiest time?

[rocketriter]

I also don't understand why it would take 9 months to refurbish an attraction. (It's taking that long to refurbish It's a Small World, but I assume that's because they have to keep replacing work crew members who go insane.) They should be able to mock up a lot of the scenery and machinery elsewhere, then rapidly move it into place. Perhaps this means they're significantly rerouting the boat canal through the building--which means serious architectural changes, not just refurbishing.

As for whether this is a good idea, well, that depends on the quality of the final product. If they add wonderful stuff, then we'll love them for it. If not...

[wasabi girl]

Expensive news! We're (myself, DH, DD(19) and DD (17) going for the first time in Dec 2005. If this ride is closed We're going to have to schedule another trip!

[jodistar]

Oh please let this attraction be open by October 15, 2005!!!! My son will be so sad if he can't ride his favorite! pirate: Guess we'll have to come up with a new fav when we get there!

Anyone have any idea of when the ride is going down for refurbishment? I too will be going in October 2005 (end of October into November).....I absolutely love Pirates!

[PirateGirl]

Me too!! I'm visiting March/April & if I don't go on Pirates at least 5 times I'll be seriously miserable. OK the ride could (maybe) do with a little updating & Johnny Depp's character could enhance it but its basically fine as it is & is such a welcome - short queue - diversion from some of the more hectic MK areas. Does anyone have sight of an official announcement of the revamp yet? pirate: :boat:

[zagafi]

I also don't understand why it would take 9 months to refurbish an attraction. (It's taking that long to refurbish It's a Small World, but I assume that's because they have to keep replacing work crew members who go insane.)

Oh. My. God. Can't. Breathe. Laughing. Too. Hard.

[MarylandPirate]

Always been my favorite ride and me likes it just the way it is....arrrrrrgh! pirate:

[CTXRover]

I also don't understand why it would take 9 months to refurbish an attraction. (It's taking that long to refurbish It's a Small World, but I assume that's because they have to keep replacing work crew members who go insane.) They should be able to mock up a lot of the scenery and machinery elsewhere, then rapidly move it into place. Perhaps this means they're significantly rerouting the boat canal through the building--which means serious architectural changes, not just refurbishing.


Part of the length of the Small World Refurb was because it involved the removal of asbestos from the show building, which must be done with care. The Small World refurb was more than just a fixing up of dolls and painting some sets like some other refurbs of rides, it is in some sense an all-out re-do of the ride. A while ago, a pic was circulating on the internet of the loading area. Let's just say the bottom floor and everything around it appeared to be ripped up.

A more recent peak inside the walls of IASW reveal the new backdrop being installed that does in fact seem to mirror the original from Disneyland (looking much like the current white and gold version at DL).

As for a Pirates upgrade, I'm hopeful. I also wouldn't trust everything the Tour guides tell you. Some of the info our Keys to the Kingdom tour guide told us contradicted things I've read in Imagineering books, the Disney Magazine, even a Travel Channel special...much of it of which I noticed AFTER the tour. Anwyas, a tie-in to the movie, considering how huge it was, is not the end of the world, but also not necessary. Just update some of the animatronic figures, bring the sword-fighting pirates from DL Paris (one can resemble Jack Sparrow if they want) and perhaps give it a more substantial ending (the Florida version really doesn't have much of an ending storywise) would be my suggestions.

[JoyMouse]

We leave this Sat. If Pirates is closed now, I guess I will just have to shoot my 2 DD's! They will be dissapointed, but we will survive. :guilty:

[MPLsDad]

I don't think this rumour is true but if it comes to fruition my 4yo DS and I will be 2 very DISappointed mateys! pirate: pirate:

[Fortuosity]

(It's taking that long to refurbish It's a Small World, but I assume that's because they have to keep replacing work crew members who go insane.)

Ha-ha-ha! Thanks for the laugh.

[ryley26]

I just returned from disneyland and pirates is much better. I also can,t believe they would close this down during thier 50th. It would be great if they would add the resturant like in cali to watch boats go by and eat the atmosphere is fantastic. :wave:

[Planogirl]

I also don't understand why it would take 9 months to refurbish an attraction. (It's taking that long to refurbish It's a Small World, but I assume that's because they have to keep replacing work crew members who go insane.)
Quote of the day material! :rotfl:

Adding Johnny Depp maybe? Can you say ride over and over again? :love:

[Krispe]

I think Johnny depp would be a cool enhansement but as long as they don't go over board with it. Like limit it to one scene in the ride or something.

But anyway WDW's version does need a makeover. Disneyland is a classic and the one in DLP is wonderful, even the cue area is cool!

pirate:

[eeyore0062]

Yep, bring on Johnny Depp!!!!

[SnowyPrincesses:)]

Wasabi girl, I too am planning for Dec. 2005. I too will need to make a quick return trip if Pirates is closed!!!!!!! I better pick up some extra shifts at work.!!!!

[jazstar87]

In nov. this past year , i went on the behind the scenes tour ( the 7 hour one, highly recommend). i went to the wardrobe place that does every costumes at wdw and one lady was doing embroidering for the the one of dutch girls, and i went into the machine shop they had alot of aa figurines being made or redone and at the ride vechicals place they had referbish or new boats all lined up. so it is probably taking a year for the ride because it looks like they are redoing every thing. so don't worry soon it will be done because i know how we all want to go back on that ride and listen to the song over and over and over..... :D

The one thing that i think would be good for wdw pirate ride is like some more action scenes and more interesting scenes were they can use their disney magic like when sparrow is fighting barbosa ( i don't if i spell that right) and they have them half skeleton, half human. pirate:

[elmosmom]

Pirates is one of my favorite attractions and I'd hate for it to be closed when we go. I do wonder, as long as they are making several animitronic Johnny Depp's, do you think they could make one for my living room?

[CJK]

We're going on a family trip late this summer and my sister and family all said they're looking forward to taking the kids on the Pirates ride!!! While I agree the ride could do with a little sprucing up, would they really do it during the 50th anniversary celebration???? Say it ain't so!!!!!! pirate:

[dpic]

I also don't understand why it would take 9 months to refurbish an attraction. (It's taking that long to refurbish It's a Small World, but I assume that's because they have to keep replacing work crew members who go insane.)
:rotfl::rotfl:
I always thought if they sold 5 sandbags for a dollar as you enter IASW, WDW would never have to worry about money again.

[Dizzy4Dizney]

I really hope Pirates will be open in Nov. We are planning a Grand Gathering and I'd hate for the ones who never have been to WDW not to see Pirates.

[Lizzydoll73]

I found this on another site. They are going to add Jack Sparrow to the POC ride. I am praying it is done when we go next May. That is one of my favorite rides and my DD wants to see the dirty foot pirate on the bridge. She's never been to WDW but saw it on the vacation planning DVD.

Here's the link http://www.jimhillmedia.com/mb/articles/showarticle.php?ID=1261

[ColoradoBelle1]

Originally Posted by rocketriter:
I also don't understand why it would take 9 months to refurbish an attraction. (It's taking that long to refurbish It's a Small World, but I assume that's because they have to keep replacing work crew members who go insane.)

OK,so I'm ROTFLMAO. hahahahahahahahahahahaah
:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

As for animitronic Cap'n Sparrows...hmmmm, one for my bedroom would be nice.

:rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2:
Colorado Belle

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

We were told that in MAY the ride would go down for 9 months for refurbishment

Okay someone PLEASE tell me this is not true. This can't be true... they are refurbishing for 9mo starting when they have their busy summer season??? and 9mo from May would mean it's down throughout that entire rest of that year even through the holidays?
Ugh, I hope this isn't true and it really will be open when we go this June. There isn't a whole lot for "little but almost big" boys who aren't quite big enough to ride the rides requiring them to be TALL but who will be almost 8 and not interested in "baby" things. Pirates is his favorite- with Buzz only slightly below that since Buzz isn't quite as "cool" as he used to be (in my son's opinion- since everyone at school tells him Buzz isn't cool anymore).

*wahhhhhhh*

[greenyskp]

www.jimhillmedia.com

POTC Water Park
POTC Refurb.

Seriously, you guys gotta keep up with this site. Its usually very accurate.

Im mad about the refurb. Not that theyre closing it, but that they are adding Jack Sparrow. COME ON! If Haunted Mansion had been successful, would we see an animatronic Eddie Murphey? I dont think so....

Keep classic rides classic. There is something on jim hill's site about children and people who arent disney fanataics (such as ourselves) asking why there isnt a reference to the movie in the ride. And too many people were dissapointed.

Maybe this is mean.....but if you cant put the concept together that POTC was built YEARS and YEARS ago, and is a staple attraction, and the movie was made recently, and was just a concept for the movie, not a play by play of the ride, than you and your family, who obviously did no research on the disney parks before you left, deserve to be dissapointed, and let us folks who get the concept keep our ride.

I dont care what the other disney parks have in regards to POTC, In orlando, this is what we have. Go to paris if you want sword fighting, go to cali for a better ending.

Me and my friends and family have such a great time on the ride now, why does disney have to commercialize off of Jack Sparrow and his yummy goodness? I loved the movie. I love the ride. But if disney does this stuff with every ride......i dont know....

ill get off my soapbox, lol....

[raidermatt]

If Haunted Mansion had been successful, would we see an animatronic Eddie Murphey? I dont think so....


Wanna bet?

Ok, maybe Eddie's past "indiscretions" MIGHT have kept this from happening, but there were rumors of Jennifer Tilly's mug showing up as Madame Leota.

[sc9500]

So..........is it being refurbed starting MAY or not ? These threads drive me nuts !! :crazy: :crazy2: :faint:

[Plus4206]

***" .....but if you cant put the concept together that POTC was built YEARS and YEARS ago, and is a staple attraction, and the movie was made recently, and was just a concept for the movie, not a play by play of the ride, than you and your family, who obviously did no research on the disney parks before you left, deserve to be dissapointed "***

Believe it or not, the educated Disney fanatics on this board and all the others represent a very small fraction of the worlds population. I knew virtually nothing about WDW or even Disney prior to my first trip in '95. If PotC movie had been released in '93 or 94, I can imagine my family going on the ride and saying afterwards "hey, where was Sparrow ? " Our pre trip planning involved logistical aspects, not historical.

Nothing in DL or WDW remains static. Even the ultimate classic ride ( IMO ) CoP has undergone changes. Personally, adding a Sparrow charactor to the ride will not hinder or enhance the ride experience in the least. But I can also imagine kids riding PotC for the first time getting excited when they spot him for the first time.

I think sometimes we let " the good ole days " mentality cloud our judgement a little.

[SnackyStacky]

I think sometimes we let " the good ole days " mentality cloud our judgement a little.

Or we let the thought of one of our favorite rides being down for an extended time period cloud our judgement. ;)

[Brwhite]

So does anyone know if/when it will go down?

[greenyskp]

***" .....but if you cant put the concept together that POTC was built YEARS and YEARS ago, and is a staple attraction, and the movie was made recently, and was just a concept for the movie, not a play by play of the ride, than you and your family, who obviously did no research on the disney parks before you left, deserve to be dissapointed "***

Believe it or not, the educated Disney fanatics on this board and all the others represent a very small fraction of the worlds population. I knew virtually nothing about WDW or even Disney prior to my first trip in '95. If PotC movie had been released in '93 or 94, I can imagine my family going on the ride and saying afterwards "hey, where was Sparrow ? " Our pre trip planning involved logistical aspects, not historical.

Nothing in DL or WDW remains static. Even the ultimate classic ride ( IMO ) CoP has undergone changes. Personally, adding a Sparrow charactor to the ride will not hinder or enhance the ride experience in the least. But I can also imagine kids riding PotC for the first time getting excited when they spot him for the first time.

I think sometimes we let " the good ole days " mentality cloud our judgement a little.

I understand that. and i definitly can sympathize with the generations to come who will recognize Sparrow. I guess i just dont like change. Once they change it, we'll never be able to ride the original again. And like 20k, mr toad, whats soon to be carosuel of progress, and many more attractions, its just one piece of my childhood that i cant revisit. Ill always tell my kids about the POTC attraction when i was their age. If this had been a planned change since the movie came out, it would settle on me better. But theyre only doing it to market off of the success of the movie. I read that disney was embarassed about depps performance and were scared he was "too gay-looking" and thought the movie would be a flop. Had it been a flop, we'd get to keep POTC the way it is.

[rocketriter]

Oh, well, I'll finally chime in here. I can't see what the addition of a couple of Sparrow-like pirates is going to do to ruin this ride. Frankly, although I love the ride, after doing it for seventy-leven times I wouldn't mind an, "Oh, my gosh, look at that!" once in a while.

[Lady Cluck]

I just returned from disneyland and pirates is much better. I also can,t believe they would close this down during thier 50th. It would be great if they would add the resturant like in California to watch boats go by and eat the atmosphere is fantastic. :wave:

Maybe the nine months is for a structural remodel, to make room for a Blue Bayou restaurant. Right now, the area is not large enough to be able to accomodate the attraction and a restaurant. I agree that the night time water front atmosphere at Disneyland's Blue Bayou is magical. It would be wonderful if they could find a way to squeeze it in.

Maybe since POFQ lost their full service restaurant, they could add a copy cat version of the Blue Bayou in that space. The theming would fit in easily.

There is going to be a sequel to the POTC movie. If the second movie does as well as the first, then the tie in to the updated attraction could theoretically bring in more first time guests.

[Plus4206]

I don't know that Disney is trying to cash-in - so to speak - on the success of the movie in this case. I don't see the adition of Sparrow to the ride as being billboard or vacation info video material. Let's face it, Sparrow isn't going to spin the turnstiles any faster. There really isn't a financial gain to be made here.

Hey, at least they are doing something. It wouldn't cost Disney a dime to do nothing.

[dcentity2000]

Well good :)

Refurbs are always a nice thing - unless they're happening whilst you're there...



Rich::

[SammieG]

I also don't understand why it would take 9 months to refurbish an attraction. (It's taking that long to refurbish It's a Small World, but I assume that's because they have to keep replacing work crew members who go insane.) ...


:rotfl2: :rotfl: :rotfl2: :rotfl:

oh good one rocketiter!!!!

[becobscot]

[QUOTE=rocketriter](It's taking that long to refurbish It's a Small World, but I assume that's because they have to keep replacing work crew members who go insane.)
:rotfl: :rotfl2: rotflmao!

[becobscot]

Pirates is one of my favorite attractions and I'd hate for it to be closed when we go. I do wonder, as long as they are making several animitronic Johnny Depp's, do you think they could make one for my living room?
For your LIVING ROOM? Come on,elmosmom, we know what you are REALLY thinking! :rolleyes1

[greenyskp]

I don't know that Disney is trying to cash-in - so to speak - on the success of the movie in this case. I don't see the adition of Sparrow to the ride as being billboard or vacation info video material. Let's face it, Sparrow isn't going to spin the turnstiles any faster. There really isn't a financial gain to be made here.

Hey, at least they are doing something. It wouldn't cost Disney a dime to do nothing.

Sparrow in the ride = sparrow in the gift shop. thats what i meant. When POTC came out there was nothing (except the DVD) in the shops. I bet there will be so much stuff after they add him.....thats what i mean by marketing...

[AndyMcV]

Hi Gang

Just wanted to add my $0.02. I like Johnny Depp as much as the next person and he is a great actor but I don't understand why Disney would ever want to timestamp such a fantastic ride by adding him into it. What happens in 5 - 10 years when people are wondering who he is and why he's in the ride. I think that they need to make these rides as timeless as possible. Instead of adding a celebrity maybe they should work on adding new and neat affects. I think that the imagineers are pretty awesome. Adding a celebrity over effects is pretty lame (IMHO).

Andy

[cam-89]

Hi Gang

Just wanted to add my $0.02. I like Johnny Depp as much as the next person and he is a great actor but I don't understand why Disney would ever want to timestamp such a fantastic ride by adding him into it. What happens in 5 - 10 years when people are wondering who he is and why he's in the ride. I think that they need to make these rides as timeless as possible. Instead of adding a celebrity maybe they should work on adding new and neat affects. I think that the imagineers are pretty awesome. Adding a celebrity over effects is pretty lame (IMHO).

Andy

My thoughts exactly.

[ColoradoBelle1]

I also don't understand why it would take that long to refurbish...(It's taking that long to refurbish It's a Small World, but I assume that's because they have to keep replacing work crew members who go insane.)
:rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2:

[weeyore33]

I do not think this is going to interfedre with the timelessness of the ride, they are putting Captain Jack Sparrow as the captain of the Pearl- in 5-10 years more and more people will have seenPiates on Cable, tv, in school, we all know who Captain Ahab is, and Moby dick cam e out way before i was born, So it is not Johnny depp in the ride saying hi, im jonhhy depp! (if that were the case i would have to jump out of the ride and take a souvinier!)
relax, a pirate is a pirate, I wonder if they will do Captain Barbossa?

No matter what they do i am sure the ride will still be awesome!

pirate: i love Captain Jack Sparrow!!!!!!! :love:

[michaelwilliammidd]

So, I wonder what the actual rehab schedule is? This entire post says the rehab was to start in May from what I gather and guess what? It's almost July and still no rehab scheduled....wonder what the deal is? :confused3

[Minderbinder5]

Slightly off topic, but I thougt this would be a good thing to post...it's about PoC at DL...

I don't remember where I read it, but several months ago I read an article about possible future updates to the DL PoC. The journalist said that it all depends on the success of the second movie, but Disney was seriously looking at changes they could make to the ride without compromising the classic scenes in the attraction. What they came up with is brilliant, in my opinion.

At DL, there is a large part of the ride used for storage of the extra ride vehicle boats, and they are all on a track which connects to the main ride for swapping as needed. So, they were looking to convert that backstage storage track into an alternate ride that would be seen only after nightfall. In that ride, all the pirates would be in the moonlight and skelatons. The journalist also said the ride would have much more excitement because they would have bigger drops and the pirates would actually notice you and try to board your boat. I guess the track branches off just before you enter the large room with the big ship and canons, so it's perfect. It would have a full duplicate of the town with skelaton pirates and more action.

I love this idea because people who love the original can ride it during the day, and at night, all the thrill seakers and movie lovers could get their fill. I think it's an outstanding compromise!

:earsboy:

[qtwns]

I do not think this is going to interfedre with the timelessness of the ride, they are putting Captain Jack Sparrow as the captain of the Pearl- in 5-10 years more and more people will have seenPiates on Cable, tv, in school, we all know who Captain Ahab is, and Moby dick cam e out way before i was born, So it is not Johnny depp in the ride saying hi, im jonhhy depp! (if that were the case i would have to jump out of the ride and take a souvinier!)
relax, a pirate is a pirate, I wonder if they will do Captain Barbossa?

No matter what they do i am sure the ride will still be awesome!

pirate: i love Captain Jack Sparrow!!!!!!! :love:

You're right--they would be adding Cap't Jack Sparrow, not Johnny Depp to the ride. (Of course any similarities they can make to JD would be greatly appreciated here! :love: ) People will always associate great characters with the actors who portrayed them--that's what make them such good actors!

[Minderbinder5]

I wanted to post some corrections to my post from yesterday about the nighttime PoC changes at DL. I did some digging, and the original article that I read about these changes was on jimhillmedia.com, so you can read more about it there. Also, Jesse does some commentary on the topic in his second podcast at MousePod.

:earsboy:

[merfsko]

i love the pirates of the carribean movie as much as the next guy but why do they find the need to have to change things i say just leave it alone or referb but dont add elements of the movie to it.. what happens when the second movie comes out and is a huge hit are they gunna close it again and add mick jagger?
I agree! I love the PotC ride, and I have for thre eyears, but it wouldn;t bve the same if thinsg were changed. i know it probably need sot be done for some reason or another, but I still prefer a good old ride...

[tygerlilli]

Personally, I think the addition of Johnny Depp just about anywhere is a Good Thing Indeed :earsgirl:

[Bellis Belle]

HI All
We are from the UK and coming out Oct 22nd for 15 days. Does anyone know when rehab on this ride is due to start. One of our favourites. Will be gutted if it is down during our trip.
Thanks in eager anticipation
Nicky :cool1:

[mousefun]

They just added some new features to the cave section in the last couple of days. *** far as I know, the ride did not go down for it.

[ckret01]

Anyone know if the rehab is still going to happen?

[miss missy]

I guess this was rumor after all .....