Pirates of the Caribbean is one of the most iconic attractions in Disney Parks’ history. From Disneyland Park to Magic Kingdom Park, this swashbuckling boat ride has enchanted millions of guests for decades and even inspired the blockbuster Pirates of the Caribbean film franchise starring Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow. But did you know that Walt Disney World Resort initially didn’t plan to include it?
When Magic Kingdom Park opened in 1971, the Pirates of the Caribbean ride was noticeably absent from Adventureland. Despite the success of the original Disneyland Park attraction, Walt Disney Imagineers initially believed that Central Florida guests wouldn’t be interested in a Caribbean-themed attraction since the region is so close to the actual Caribbean. Instead, they dreamed up an entirely different concept for Frontierland: the Western River Expedition.
The Forgotten Plan for the Western River Expedition
As TikToker @themouselets explained in a recent video, Walt Disney Imagineers planned an ambitious attraction combining elements of a Wild West boat ride with animatronic storytelling, similar to Pirates of the Caribbean. The Western River Expedition would have been the crown jewel of Frontierland, taking guests on an adventurous boat ride.
@themouselets Day 3 of Disney Factmas – this is why Disney didn’t want to build Pirates at Magic Kingdom! Comment a land for me to cover next! #disneyworld #disneyfactmas #disneyhistory #piratesofthecaribbean
♬ 热血交响上进励志自由 Pirate Theme Hollywood Caribbean Pirates Style – Ian Laurence
“They felt like because Florida was so close to the Caribbean that guests wouldn’t really be interested in pirates in the Caribbean,” the TikToker shared. “Instead, they planned to have this huge, amazing attraction, kind of like a [Big Thunder Mountain Railroad] plus a Splash Mountain plus a Pirates of the Caribbean, called the Western River Expedition.”
This decision left Adventureland with just a few attractions, including Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room, Jungle Cruise, and the Swiss Family Treehouse. At the time, a walkway connecting Frontierland and Adventureland didn’t even exist.
A Cry for Pirates of the Caribbean
However, when guests arrived at Walt Disney World Resort, they were shocked and disappointed to find no Pirates of the Caribbean ride. Disneyland Resort’s version had become a fan favorite, and visitors to Magic Kingdom Park demanded to see the beloved attraction.
“Guests who were visiting Disney World came to Florida and were shocked and disappointed that there was no Pirates of the Caribbean,” @themouselets continued. “Disney heard all of the cries from guests, and they decided that they would build this ride.”
Plans for the Western River Expedition were scrapped, and Walt Disney Imagineers got to work adapting the New Orleans Square icon for Walt Disney World Resort. Magic Kingdom Park’s Pirates of the Caribbean attraction premiered in 1973, just over two years after Walt Disney World Resort opened.
A Beloved Disney Tradition
Since its debut, the Adventureland attraction has undergone several updates to keep it fresh for new generations. Captain Jack Sparrow animatronics were added in the 2000s, and a controversial bride auction scene was updated to reflect a more modern take on piracy. These changes have allowed the ride to maintain its status as one of the most beloved Disney Park attractions.
So, does Walt Disney World Resort need Pirates of the Caribbean? Guests answered that question loud and clear back in the 1970s—and their cries for this iconic attraction ensured it became a permanent part of Disney history.
Is Walt Disney World Resort better off with the Pirates of the Caribbean ride? Share your opinion with How to Disney in the comments.
