Commotion Engulfs Pirates of the Caribbean at Magic Kingdom, Ride Shut Down for Safety

Walt Disney World Resort guests recently experienced an unexpected disruption on one of Magic Kingdom Park’s most iconic attractions. Those waiting to board Pirates of the Caribbean in Adventureland were suddenly told to leave the queue as Disney cast members rushed to clear the area.

Pirates of the Caribbean has been a beloved part of the Disney Park experience since its debut at Disneyland Park in 1967. Walt Disney World Resort’s version opened in 1973, and versions followed at Tokyo Disneyland and Disneyland Paris. The ride’s popularity eventually inspired the Pirates of the Caribbean film franchise, which later influenced updates to the attraction itself. Johnny Depp’s Captain Jack Sparrow animatronics were added in the mid-2000s. In the late 2010s, Imagineers replaced the controversial bride auction scene, transforming the women once presented as prizes into confident female pirates.

As with most changes to Disney classics, the update to the auction scene sparked mixed reactions. Some fans criticized Disney for softening the ride’s depiction of piracy, while others praised the move toward a more inclusive, family-friendly experience. Still, some argued the attraction should be updated even more.

In 2023, the ride became a viral talking point again when a TikTok creator shared her discomfort experiencing Pirates of the Caribbean as a female guest.

“I just think this is kind of a weird ride,” she said. “I don’t know… It’s just a little bit rapey.” Other women echoed her feelings, with one writing, “It feels like we’re the entertainment for them and I do not like it,” and another adding, “I always felt violated on this ride.”

Even amid years of debate, Pirates of the Caribbean has remained a cornerstone of the Magic Kingdom— until this week’s sudden evacuation changed everything for some Disney Park guests. On September 29, a Reddit user named u/ferretbeast recounted their experience waiting in line for the Adventureland ride.

“We just got quickly escorted out of line and lots of commotion… We couldn’t get much info but it was chaotic. They opened every possible exit and scooted us out in record time,” the guest wrote.

Disney cast members onsite did not give guests any details about what caused the abrupt shutdown.

“It was just a weird evacuation experience and I’ve been through several,” the user continued. “…I worked at Disney for the college program and have been more times than I can count… last time I saw this chaotic/quick of an evac a jungle cruise boat sank. Could have just been the type of guests in line today though. Who knows.”

Walt Disney World Resort didn’t comment publicly on this incident involving Pirates of the Caribbean. Whatever triggered the safety measure, the attraction reopened later that same day, allowing guests to resume their visit to the Adventureland boat ride.

Have you ever evacuated a ride at Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park? Share your experience with Disney Dining in the comments!