Disney Guests Push Pirates of the Caribbean Boat Through “Offensive” Ride Scenes
On June 28, several Disneyland Resort guests were forced to push their boat through Pirates of the Caribbean after the ride broke down. One of the Disney Park guests shared her experience in a video on social media.
The original Pirates of the Caribbean ride opened in New Orleans Square at Disneyland Park in 1967. Versions were later added to Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Park at Disneyland Paris Resort, and Tokyo Disneyland at Tokyo Disney Resort. In its decades of operation, the attraction has entertained millions of Disney Park guests around the world.
Pirates of the Caribbean has undergone several changes over the years, from the addition of Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) animatronics to an overhaul of the bride auction scene. This late 2010s change saw brides-for-sale become independent female pirates, causing a divide among Disney Parks fans. Some nostalgic fans felt the original Pirates of the Caribbean shouldn’t change, while others thought it was beneficial to make the ride more inclusive. Still, another subset of Disney Park guests felt the attraction didn’t change enough.
In 2023, a Disney Park guest went viral after posting a video about her discomfort with the male animatronics on Pirates of the Caribbean. “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 agreed. “It feels like we’re the entertainment for them and I do not like it,” one commented. “I always felt violated on this ride,” another replied.
Despite the backlash, Walt Disney Imagineering hasn’t announced any more changes to Pirates of the Caribbean. The ride continues operating normally at Disneyland Resort—well, most of the time.
Last month, TikTok user @cynthiaa822 shared this video after getting stuck at the top of a hill on Pirates of the Caribbean. Disney cast members forced the guests to rock the boat repeatedly until it dropped.
@cynthiaa822 we got stuck on pirates of the Caribbean 😭😭😭😹 they made us go back n fourth till we pushed down #disneyland #piratesofthecaribbeanridedisneyland #disney #fypシ #ridesatdisney #fyp
“They made us go back n fourth till we pushed down,” the TikToker recalled.
After forcing their way down the hill, the guests’ ride on Pirates of the Caribbean continued.
It’s unclear what caused this attraction malfunction, as Disneyland Resort rarely issues public statements about minor issues like this one. However, Pirates of the Caribbean eventually reopened and operated normally in the days following the incident.
What’s your silliest memory from Disneyland Resort or Walt Disney World Resort? Share it with Disney Dining in the comments!
It’s just ridiculous. All these rides are set up like really would have happened in life. I mean, just like the uh, yeah, jungle ride. You know, through there with the natives, they had to change that the other stuff, they’ve had to change just to suit people who don’t know anything about history, and that was one of the things that was doing to teach history and what history was about. I mean, it’s already didn’t happen, and that’s how it did happen. They used to sell off women and things, but if women are offended by it, just don’t ride to ride.
Agree with comment above. No one makes anyone ride a ride. You chose so next time skip it.
I agree with the above statement. Some people need a life.