Disneyland's Pirates of the Caribbean reopens with a high-tech twist
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ANAHEIM, Calif. - Disneyland’s legendary Pirates of the Caribbean ride has officially reopened to theme park guests, debuting a major technological upgrade to its classic treasure-filled grotto scene.
The attraction had been closed since May 3 to accommodate the installation of the new effects.
What we know:
The attraction is welcoming back guests with a brand-new, high-tech magical illusion.
For the first time, visitors floating past the iconic treasure grotto will witness a flesh-and-blood pirate sitting atop a pile of cursed gold transform into a skeleton right before their eyes.
The character is seen picking up a piece of cursed gold, turning into a skeleton, and then returning to human form as the weight of his arm drops the coin and releases the curse.
Developed by Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development, this transformation is powered by next-generation Audio-Animatronics technology.
The system is a hybridized setup that combines real-time front projection with a partially mechanically articulated head, allowing for incredibly detailed, emotional, and expressive figure movements.
Timeline:
1966: Founder Walt Disney personally oversees the development of the ride, making it the last attraction he worked on before his death.
1967: The Pirates of the Caribbean attraction and the adjoining Blue Bayou Restaurant open as staples of New Orleans Square at Disneyland.
1973: Following the ride's massive success, a second version opens at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom.
2003: The attraction spawns a massive film franchise, starting with "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl," followed by four sequels through 2017.
May 3: The ride and the Blue Bayou Restaurant temporarily close for a planned refurbishment.
June 26: The attraction officially reopens to Disneyland park guests.
What's next:
While the ride is fully open, the neighboring Blue Bayou Restaurant is currently operating under a "modified dining experience," according to Disneyland's website.
The Source: This report is based on an official announcement released by Disneyland Resort, as well as a promotional video released by Walt Disney Imagineering on June 26, which detailed the technical specifications of the ride's new upgrades.