Originally, the stretch between the skeleton-pirate-treasure room and the Wicked Wench room was a somewhat boring, quiet, and dark ride. This all changed with the Jack Sparrow/movie-inspired additions that occurred a few years ago. This Davy Jones projection on the mist effect was a way cool addition, and a nice intro to the Pirate Ship Attack on a Spanish Town Scene.
This shot is from a vintage viewmaster reel, showing the Pirate Ship attacking a Spanish Town. You can almost smell the smoke effects!
Here’s what the Wicked Wench is shooting at. I have always loved coming out of the dark tunnel into this huge set area of the ship, the canon fire, and the dueling shadows on the wall.
Here is what the Pirate Ship looks like now, with the exchange of Blackbeard for Geoffrey Rush’s character, Barbossa, from the “Pirates” movie.
Apparently, Producer Jerry Bruckheimer would not give permission to refurbish the attraction’s ship into the Black Pearl. Since it is a Disney-owned movie, I have my doubts to this story. Anyone in the know care to comment?
This poor pirate has lost his sight. Back in July of 2006 he was 20/20, now he’s wearing a patch. Poor varmint. It was pointed out to me by a reader that all the figures on the Wicked Wench are from the same facial mold. Check it out!
See more Disneyland Pirates of the Caribbean photos at my website.
