New Animatronics at Disney’s Pirates

Just got back from Disney World. The best time of year to go is late September when all of the kids go back to school, because the parks were nearly empty. I didnt have to fast pass anything except for Epcot’s Soarin.

The last time I went, the Pirates ride was getting a face lift. I was a little worried that the introduction of so much Jack Sparrow stuff into the ride would spoil it, but I was only slightly right.

You see, the original ride was based mostly on historical accounts of the plundering, looting and sacking of some Carribbean cities, which culminated in the burning of a town, likely based on the real burning of Panama City by Captain Henry Morgan in 1671.

But now the story seems to be a hide and seek game with Jack Sparrow from the Disney Movies. Its not an improvement in the historical accuracy, but then again, the ride was mostly just a showcase for Disney’s animatronics. And it is the animatronics that have now taken a huge leap forward.

The new animatronics that power the Capt. Jack Sparrow character provide more lifelike movement and mannerisms than previous animatronic characters. It would be really nice if Disney could go ahead and phase the older versions out and replace all of the characters with the newer more lifelike characters.