If you remember, earlier I posted about possible changes to Pirates of the Caribbean within the Disneyland California and Disney World theme parks. Just yesterday, however, Disney confirmed the changes with an official press release.
According to the press release, Disneyland California’s Pirates of the Caribbean attraction will re-open with the specified changes on June 24 and Walt Disney World Florida’s attraction will re-open on July 7.
While many purists worry that these changes will dampen the experience, it is important to note that the ride is not changing so much as having a nice, thin layer added to the attraction that will feature the Jack Sparrow and Captain Barbossa animatronics. Also included will be a special effect featuring the villainous Davy Jones played by Bill Nighy in the upcoming sequels.
The changes come as little surprise to both Disney Theme Park fans and fans of the movie as well. The attraction has undergone a resurgence of popularity following the release of the enormously popular film, “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl.”
“Successfully adding the popular characters from the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ films with the mythology of our classic attraction is an example of Disney synergy and Walt Disney Imagineering at its finest,” Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, said in the press release. “These additions will result in an exciting new chapter for the attraction and an unforgettable experience for our guests, giving them another reason to come and be a part of our continuing 50th anniversary celebration.”
The 50th Anniversary Celebration, which continues through November of this year, will highlight the changes in the ride at both parks. As for now, there is no word as to whether the international parks will receive any refurbs concerning the Pirates of the Caribbean Attraction.