Flooded POTC boats

[MattsPrincess]

We just rode last night. I was really hesitant to get on, having read this thread. I was already chilly, but DB likes it and there was only a 5 minute wait. So, on we got. We were seated in the 2nd to last row. No one in the back row, then just the two of us in ours, and the rest of the rows were 4 people (almost all adults) each. Stepping into the boat, there was water on the floor, i'd say MAYBE 1/4 inch, right up against the side. I was like, oh boy...here it comes.

We didn't get soaked. We didn't get wet. We didn't even get misted. Not a drop on us or our seat on the drop or from any of the cannon balls. Obviously I can't guarantee no one else in our boat got wet, but it didn't seem like it. I didn't see anyone from our boat or the one in front of us getting off wet.

Just one experience, so take it for whatever that's worth. But, just thought i'd share. Not everyone on every boat is getting soaked to the bone.

 

[anniemae]

We just rode last night. I was really hesitant to get on, having read this thread. I was already chilly, but DB likes it and there was only a 5 minute wait. So, on we got. We were seated in the 2nd to last row. No one in the back row, then just the two of us in ours, and the rest of the rows were 4 people (almost all adults) each. Stepping into the boat, there was water on the floor, i'd say MAYBE 1/4 inch, right up against the side. I was like, oh boy...here it comes.

We didn't get soaked. We didn't get wet. We didn't even get misted. Not a drop on us or our seat on the drop or from any of the cannon balls. Obviously I can't guarantee no one else in our boat got wet, but it didn't seem like it. I didn't see anyone from our boat or the one in front of us getting off wet.

Just one experience, so take it for whatever that's worth. But, just thought i'd share. Not everyone on every boat is getting soaked to the bone.

I think this is part of the problem. It seems like it is random. Some people get off and they are as dry as they were when they stepped in the boat, and others are getting completely soaked as if a huge bucket of water was dumped on them. And everything in between. You just don't know, it's a gamble.

 

[Murron]

Not sure its random vs weight in boat.

 

[IBelieveInTheMagic]

I am most concerned with the slick ramp leaving the ride for my mom, I can't risk a fall

I have a few posts back but I don't think I added this to them. I definitely noticed this last month as the entire black rubber mat was completely wet and covered and I hadn't ever seen that before and even commented to my DH about it. I had on tennis shoes and it did not feel slippery to me (I wiggled my feet to see) but I agree this can't be a good thing. I'd definitely suggest holding on to the hand rail if able to.

Heather

 

[BoardWalkBelle]

I went on POTC for the first time in probably a year this past Friday during the party. My family and I sat in the second to last row of the boat. We didnt get wet.. But, i noticed when we boarded the boat, it had some standing water, and also, when disembarking after the ride, i noticed the disembarking area was very wet. And also, I have noticed , for many years now, the restrooms near the ride are always wet(floor), and have always wondered why.

 

[eeyoresnr]

I read an article last week that says since the refurb it is worse than ever... somehow they slowed down the drop? we went in October 9-18 and didn't notice the difference ... but the article said the boats are taking on water because of the slower drop and more water in the boats means more weight... it said that the ride was having to be shut down periodically throughout the day to drain the water from the boats...

 

[samsteele]

I was at WDW 2 weeks ago and only managed to ride POTC twice in 2 weeks. It was down/closed most mornings at rope-drop for hours at a time. I rode once during the MNSSHP and asked not to be seated in the front row and there was no problem with this. I was in the second row, far left hand side, and my arm was splashed a bit but no major soaking. There was some water in the bottom of the boat and the seats were wet but my feet were not soaked. The last time I rode, I was seated in the third row, far left hand side again, and only minimal splash. Not soaked. I was relieved because last Feb I was seated in the front row and received a good soaking. While in line at Jungle Cruise, I asked a CM what was going on with POTC and the constant closures. She explained that the summer renos did fix some problems but have now led to new larger "mechanical" issues. She added that the rumor amongst the CMs is that POTC will likely have to close soon for a very lengthy rehab. Please take this rumor with a grain of salt. It is not confirmed whatsoever. It is simply what one young CM from a neighbouring ride told me 2 weeks ago. However, given how often it has been down over the past month, it would not be surprising if a lengthy closure for badly needed rehab came sooner rather later. My guess is that they are trying to officially keep the ride open for the busy Christmas holidays. Whether they actually can or not remains to be seen.

 

[zimomiller]

We rode the POTC last Friday and made sure we rode in the back row just in case.
Our boat was loaded full. The people in the first row got noticeably wet. The floor of the boat even in the last row was wet but not swamped.

We did note that the floor was very wet as we rode the moving floor ramp on the way out. Never was that way before.

 

[piccolopat]

I wanted to let everyone know that I had a voicemail message from Disney after sending an email complaint about POTC. They are trying to fix this (or so they say). Please consider emailing customer service with your complaints. Perhaps we can make a difference.

 

[Jennygt]

I wanted to let everyone know that I had a voicemail message from Disney after sending an email complaint about POTC. They are trying to fix this (or so they day). Please consider emailing customer service with your complaints. Perhaps we can make a difference.

That's good to hear

 

[jtwibih]

We rode Saturday and got extremely wet. The poster above who said something about the exit areas being extremely wet was what I noticed most. The conveyor taking you up into the shop was pretty wet from top to bottom. That's the first time I've ever noticed that but maybe it's just because I've become so aware due to the posts on this board.

 

[skateshome]

Rode it end of last week. Didn't get wet at all.

 

[BC1836]

Phone conversation with Guest Services CM. Explained the problem (after sending it in an e-mail). CM expressed concern, mentioned the "new boats," and stated that the info would be passed on to appropriate individuals.

WDW execs to the rescue? The waiting begins.

 

[TxWriterMama]

I mentioned our experience with POTC many pages back on this thread, but I also had emailed WDW about our experience (including date and time, the water coming into the boat, the listing, the cannon puff that knocked my glasses askew, the slip-n-slide ramp, etc.)

This afternoon, I had a chat with a Guest CM who expressed the same concerns mentioned above. He was very nice, thanked me for my detailed response and assured that Disney is well aware of the issues with the water coming into the boats and the listing. He mentioned that there will be another refurbishment to address the problem. He was also interested in any discussions or communications from CMs at the ride.

If nothing else, I'm at least impressed by the phone call instead of the standard customer service emails most businesses would have sent. Although--weirdly enough--the CM called my husband (the phone # on our MDE account) looking for me. I hadn't included my phone number in the email so I'm assuming they cross-referenced my name with MDE accounts/visitors to the resort and parks during that time period to find me...

 

[larryz]

Although--weirdly enough--the CM called my husband (the phone # on our MDE account) looking for me. I hadn't included my phone number in the email so I'm assuming they cross-referenced my name with MDE accounts/visitors to the resort and parks during that time period to find me...

Not weird at all -- they have all your data.

 

[poison ivy]

This afternoon, I had a chat with a Guest CM who expressed the same concerns mentioned above. He was very nice, thanked me for my detailed response and assured that Disney is well aware of the issues with the water coming into the boats and the listing. He mentioned that there will be another refurbishment to address the problem. He was also interested in any discussions or communications from CMs at the ride..

I'm glad to hear this. They're going to have to close it to fix it. I'm guessing sometime during the winter after the holiday season which means anyone attempting to ride it now, will continue to endure all the problems. Very interesting that they want to know the communications coming from CM's at the ride.

I remember our boat came to a halt 3x at the end of the ride. directly under the hanging leg / next to the jail scene / and at the jack sparrow treasure room. There were at least 10+ boats all backed up in this area and it took about 10 mins. to slowly work thru it to the exit. We were practically a walk-on during MNSSHP. I can't imagine how bad this will be during peak times.

For anyone holding a FP or really hoping to ride it right now, I'd recommend hitting it first thing and requesting to sit towards the back. I wouldn't attempt it otherwise unless there's no line. Things are a mess.

 

[AngieInOH]

We're going in January. I actually hope they do take the ride down after the Holidays...... that way I won't be tempted to ride it. I don't want to be soaked but I most likely would take my chances, and would be greatly upset if my family were soaked. I love this ride and was looking forward to taking my girls on it.

 

[anniemae]

I think they should close it and start fixing immediately. It's obvious something is very wrong.

 

[mmutt]

We have visited WDW once sometimes twice a year for the past 10 years and had never gotten wet on POTC until this past year. SO it does happen but is random since it's not supposed to get you wet. And yes, I was wet, a full wave came right at me and yes, it was pretty gross and unexpected. My kids thought it was hilarious!

 

[Meriweather]

well, I have gone 3-4 times a year since 1998 and more often than that to DLR (from when it first opened there ) and never got more than a sprinkle here and there.
I do not want to get soaked......so if it is closed to fix it fine, if not, I won't be riding it for the first time ever when visiting. I go in January and again in March.