I Can't Believe This!!!

[lucysdad]

I was just checking on my points on the Disney VISA web site and I saw a link for a Pirates of the Carribbean ride update. So, I clicked on it and now I wish I hadn't. It seems the imagineers decided that they needed to add Captain Jack Sparrow and somebody else to the ride! The imagineers called it a natural and seamless fit. Now, I think Jonny Depp was as cute as a button in that movie and I'm looking forward to the sequel, but the ride is a classic. You don't update a classic. Then it's not a classic anymore. I hate what they did to the Tiki Room and now I'm afraid I'm going to hate Pirates. Why can't they leave well enough alone? If they were looking for something to freshen up they should have come up with a plan for the old 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea Grotto. What's next? Eddie Murphy in the Haunted Mansion?
Lucy's Mom

 

[notnothin]

Not trying to be mean or anything, but this news has been out for months and months. Soft openings began on Saturday at WDW. The changes seem to be well liked overall from all reports I've seen/heard. IMNSHO, the changes look great, and I can't wait to experience it!

 

[DVCLiz]

Um, did you know that Pooh has a whole playground where 20,000 Leagues used to be?? Just didn't want to upset you if you happened by expecting to still see it closed off...

I've always had the hots for that hairy-legged pirate, myself, but I wouldn't be too sad to see Johnny Depp added. I think he'll only be in one set - it's not really that much of a change.

 

[toyotaae86lg]

I'm not sure about changing classics either but I saw the soft opening video of pirates and it looked amazing. I leave in two months for my 10 night stay at disney and I personally can't wait to ride the new pirates.

 

[Bonnie40]

My daughter's an ICP CM this summer and she was telling me about the soft opening for POC. She said it was fabulous! She said the attraction has been freshened up and they've added Captain Barbosa on the ship and 3 different Capt Jack Sparrow's. So far all the buzz has been positive! Can't wait to check it out myself in August!

 

[lucysdad]

Well, I have been out of the loop on this one. I just stumbled onto the link this afternoon. It has disappointed me so. I just don't think this ride needed to be turned into a Jack Sparrow attraction. I remember riding Pirates as a kid when it first opened. I remember being amazed by the battle scene and feeling like I was out on the ocean, transported by time. I truly believe this ride is a classic and that it should have been respectfully not turned into a tribute to a movie that will become dated in a few years.
Lucy's Mom

 

[maliboomer]

I'm not sure about changing classics either but I saw the soft opening video of pirates and it looked amazing. I leave in two months for my 10 night stay at disney and I personally can't wait to ride the new pirates.

Any chance you have a link for it?

I wouldn't worry much, all the reviews so far have said it was not done over-bearingly.

 

[travelitis]

My family is really excited and glad for the update. We loved POTC before the movie, but after the movie we felt that Jack Sparrow and Capt. Barbosa needed to be added. We loved the Pirates movie and are looking forward to the 2nd one coming out which corresponds with the ride update. I hope I get a look at the new POTC this week.

 

[konslerg]

... I just don't think this ride needed to be turned into a Jack Sparrow attraction. Lucy's Mom

Well, I just had the great opportunity to ride the new Pirates this evening, and believe me when I tell you it has NOT been turned into a Jack Sparrow attraction at all ...but the three Jack Sparrow animatronics are spectacular, very life-like and gorgeous!

The ride itself is basically the very same ride. When you first enter the caverns, there is a new mist/water effect where Davy Jones face is projected on the mist. Very nice effect! Very ominous. The next change is that the captain on the first big pirate ship (on the left) is Barbossa, but you hardly even notice that change.

One thing we DID notice is that they play movie theme music instead of Yo Ho Yo Ho in the beginning of the ride. Yo Ho Yo Ho comes later. All the scenes except the very last one (the treasure room) are almost exactly the same. In the scene where they are dunking the mayor, the voice-over asks the mayor where Jack Sparrow is and the mayor says he'll never tell ...and if you look quickly, you'll see Jack on the right standing behind some dressmaker forms. But if you don't know where to look, you just might miss him altogether.

The next scene where you see him is a scene on the left where a drunk pirate is leanig up against a barrel. He too is saying something about looking for Jack. It used to be that a blond woman popped her head out of the barrel ...now it's Jack Sparrow, but again, if you're not looking closely, it's easy to miss him.

Then the treasure room ...this room has been completely re-done and just before you exit your boat, you see Jack relaxing in a rocking chair holding some of the treasure. He says about three sentences but I can't begin to remember the words ...something about finding the treasure. (I need to go back a few more times LOL).

I think you'll like the new additions. The rehab is nothing like some of the complete rehabs of the past (Imagination comes to mind!) and the additions really do add some continuity to the storyline.

Gloria in Miami

 

[konslerg]

Any chance you have a link for it?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTQ5eWBlApY

This one is for Disneyland, not WDW, but the Jack Sparrow part is exactly the same.

Gloria in Miami

 

[Miranda Danda]

Thanks so much for the link- it looks amazing! Johnny looks truly freaked out by the likeness of Jack Sparrow!

 

[Ladybugsy]

I was a little freaked out too...lol. It looks amazing.

 

[Tazicket]

Geez!! Are you sure the Jack Sparrows are really animatronic? I'm not sure I'm entirely conviced....they look amazing!

 

[Martha7]

Thanks so much for the link! We just got back and missed being able to ride Pirates, but look forward to the new version!

 

[makinorlando]

DD and I rode POTC on Saturday night, and the changes are great and in most cases I would consider them subtle. It is not "all about Jack".

In some cases I really had to think about what was changed (and we have ridden the ride many many many times). Where they have added Jack it "fits" in the scene - it does not jump out as out of place.

For all those who think they will be disappointed, please give it a chance with an open mind.

Oh, about the battle scene at the beginning - my DD never used to "duck" when the shots were being fired, but Saturday night she was - they sound much more realistic. I think you will be pleasantly surprised!

We gave to

 

[STEAMBOAT209]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTQ5eWBlApY

This one is for Disneyland, not WDW, but the Jack Sparrow part is exactly the same.

Gloria in Miami

Thanks for the link, I just missed the soft opening, trip ended and we had to leave on 6/30, but enjoyed the link, thanks

 

[jazstar87]

Wow that is insane! They did an awesome, job...

 

[notnothin]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTQ5eWBlApY

This one is for Disneyland, not WDW, but the Jack Sparrow part is exactly the same.

Gloria in Miami

WDW version of the video can be found in a link within this thread:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1153366

 

[ryley26]

I think the differences are pretty small. Can't wait to ride it but have to wait till 07.

 

[dreamalittledream]

This is really cool. I love the Johnny and his look alike. but did you notice him chomping on gum the entire time? Bet he didn't get it at Disney.