Disneyland Paris Resort has quietly altered its version of Pirates of the Caribbean, once again raising questions about the ride’s evolving legacy. Fans have noticed several animatronics missing from the attraction, leaving some to wonder whether Disney is making further changes to address past controversies—or if there’s another reason for the disappearances.
Are More Changes Coming to Pirates of the Caribbean?
Since opening at Disneyland Park in 1967, the Pirates of the Caribbean ride has undergone multiple modifications. From its expansion into Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort, Tokyo Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris to the introduction of Pirates of the Caribbean film franchise characters, the ride has never remained entirely unchanged.
One of its most notable updates came when Disney removed the infamous bride auction scene, replacing the once-objectified women with independent female pirates. While some fans praised the change as necessary, others felt Disney was sanitizing a classic attraction. Still, criticisms of the Pirates of the Caribbean ride persisted, with some guests arguing that its portrayal of pirates remained problematic.
Now, Disneyland Paris Resort guests have reported the disappearance of multiple animatronics, leading to questions about whether further modifications are in store.
Animatronics Missing Without Explanation
According to a report from PixieDust.be, Disneyland Park (Paris) has quietly removed several male pirate animatronics without making an official announcement. Months ago, a well-known swinging pirate figure vanished. Now, two dueling pirates have also disappeared, though their swordfight audio still plays behind a black curtain.
A trio of pirates singing “A Pirate’s Life for Me” has been reduced to two. Meanwhile, a donkey animatronic that had previously been missing has returned, adding to the mystery.
Disneyland Paris Resort has not commented on whether these removals are part of an intentional update or routine maintenance. Attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean frequently undergo refurbishment, and animatronics are sometimes temporarily removed from rotation. However, with no word on when—or if—the missing figures will return, speculation continues.
Pirates of the Caribbean and Its Ongoing Debate
As one of Disney’s most iconic attractions, Pirates of the Caribbean has faced scrutiny over the years. In 2023, one guest went viral for criticizing the ride, saying, “I just think this is kind of a weird ride. I don’t know… It’s just a little bit rapey.” Her statement sparked heated discussion online, with some guests agreeing while others staunchly defended the ride’s legacy.
“I always felt violated on this ride,” one person wrote.
“The way people COMPLAINED abt the forced brides scene being removed… Automatically on a list,” another added.
While it’s unclear whether the recent animatronic removals are related to past controversies, the continued evolution of Pirates of the Caribbean suggests that Disney is still refining the attraction’s themes. Whether this is part of a larger reimagining or just regular upkeep remains to be seen.
Should Walt Disney Imagineering make more changes to the Pirates of the Caribbean ride? Disney Dining would love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
