March 7, 2013 9:14 AM
Good morning! This day in Disney history, March 7th,1997. Pirates of the Caribbean reopens after being renovated.
In its original form, the Disneyland attraction contained a scene in which pirates were shown chasing women in circles. Along a "comical" reversal in which an overweight woman was seen chasing a pirate. When guests were offended by this depiction, Disney initially changed the woman chasing the pirate by having her try to hit him w/a rolling pin. In 1997, this scene was changed so that the pirates pursued women holding pies, & the large woman is chasing a pirate w/a stolen ham. However, the audio of the women's giggles while being chased remained despite complaints. Sometime after this the audio was also removed.
In addition, originally, one overweight pirate (sometimes known as the "Pooped Pirate", pictured below) was shown exhausted from his pursuit of an unwilling teenaged female. He brandished a petticoat as guests floated past & uttered suggestive dialogue, including: "It's sore I be to hoist me colors upon the likes of that shy little wench", & "I be willing to share, I be". Behind him, the woman he had been pursuing would anxiously peer out from her hiding place inside a barrel.
In the refurbishment, the "Pooped Pirate" was recast as the Gluttonous Pirate, a rogue in search of food. His dialogue included lines such as: "Me belly be feeling like galleon w/a load of treasure", & "I be looking for a fine pork loin, I be". The woman hiding in the barrel was replaced by a cat. Do you prefer the current version of POTC w/Jack, Jones & Barbosa? Or do you miss the 1997 version? Or perhaps the original 1967 one? Why?
My mom's favorite ride! She never saw the addition of Captain Jack but she did see the change that Lilsterner mentioned....and was not happy! Every time I ride POTC my thoughts turn to how much fun she had on it...the drops were as close to a thrill ride that she ever wanted to go on. I have to admit I usually get misty eyed riding it as I pretend she is sitting next to me. -
Gia
785.6 #121 10:02AM
I miss the original scene with the women being chased. That was more realistic! When the change was made to chasing food I was surprised at the addition of the overweight woman chasing the ham. I thought it was funny that there was a change to be PC in one aspect but just became as stereotypical in another one. I miss the funny historical aspect of the original but I don't mind the addition of Jack, Barbosa, and Davey Jones. -
LilSterner
2656.0 #18 9:22AM
Original all the way, baby! -
meridafan
1036.7 #83 9:17AM
Since I didn't go on the attraction until about 2002ish, I never saw the original. But, after watching those DL sing-a-long videos, I always feared that the hanging barrels at the end were going to explode (like in the videos), but realized that it was just for TV. -
BaseballMickey_CM
2861.2 #16 10:10AM
I love the original and grew up with it. I do however like the integration of Jack Sparrow, Barbosa & DJ. This was well done! Thank you Duchess! -
ShariRenee
1560.9 #50 10:23AM
I miss the chase scenes but I enjoy the Jack /Barbosa additions. I really enjoy "This Day in Disney History" posts, Thank you! -
GrumpyPirateDad
502.4 #237 10:35AM
It didn't like when they changed it, but do like it be since the added Sparrow, and Barbosa . Cool pic by the way! -
7mouskedoodles
161.1 #2137 10:49AM
Thanks, that's a lot of history. -
GoofyJoe
1864.1 #41 11:00AM
I liked the original version. I never understood why they felt a need to be politically correct in some areas, but not in others, ie...auctioning off rope bound women. Puzzling. However, I do like the newest version with all the character additions. -
DisneyGrandma
339.4 #433 11:02AM
Every time I ride I miss the original one. I don't understand the change and never will. I also remember at the end of the ride while going back up, there was a pirate trying to steal a bag of treasure. -
adventurerEnDisneylandia {AED}
278.7 #746 11:02AM
I liked the original and was sad they gave in to PC pressure. The Jack Sparrow addition feels commercial to me. I miss the original battle scene. -
happiestplace
44.0 #3887 11:10AM
I loved the old version. I'm not a huge fan of the newer one. My favorite part is Carlos.. and the red head of course lol -
fairyshley
467.5 #261 11:41AM
I prefer the pre 97 version. This was my dads favorite ride and he always had a big smile when riding POTC. He passed away in 97 so he never saw the refurb. Thanks for this post 👍 -
Philliprocks
276.7 #763 12:13PM
Thanks for the great information! I have that scene of the young woman popping up out of the barrel in my head now. I forgot about that scene. I liked the pre 97 version of pirates and personally I didn't notice the dialog in that scene because there was so much going on. -
leftmyheartinwonderland
272.8 #804 12:46PM
I always found it hysterical that they got rid of this scene but left in the women being auctioned off....You'd think that is a lot more offensive than being chased around -
Dave
8652.8 #2 12:52PM
At 6 years old I clearly remember the original pirates chasing the wenches ... 25 years later I still miss the original... Thank u for the history facts on this ride! 😊 -
MaliceInWonderland
23.6 #4774 1:03PM
Love disney history. Thanks for sharing. -
Splashmountgirl
332.3 #463 1:21PM
Wonderful history! I like this newest version not a big fan of assault -
Tealtownfan
693.4 #144 2:55PM
I don't like the new additions to POTC, and was really bummed the first time I rode it and saw Captain Jack. I get it, and I understand why they did it, but if I had my way, they would never really change anything in the Disney parks...just expand it :) -
CountryBearTrixie
210.8 #1483 4:12PM
i think people that got offended are dumb, you cant just go back and change history and what happened in those times, that's how things were, men chased girls, i havent seen that change still in these times, people are too sensative and need to grow a harder shell, you cant live under your protective shell forever -
zombiesix
254.8 #965 6:22PM
This day in history has to be one of my faves so far! Thank you for posting this. POTC is my favorite attraction since I could remember! Love everything about it including all of its history!! :) -
MagicalLand
378.5 #358 7:30PM
This was my dad's FAVORITE ride! He had to go on it every single time we were there! The kids still mention something funny he said or did on this ride, every time we ride it now! It will always remind me of him!! Thanks for sharing this... It made me smile! -
MrsPrinceCharming
8:19PM
Amazing as usual!! I had no idea about all the switches. How times change. I love the tubby guy who's all full and glutinous! Thanks for the history lesson as always 😘 -
CourtyAstroBlisters
440.2 #282 8:50PM
As always Duchess_SMK your This Day in History posts are genius! I like the way they added Captain Jack and company! They did it without being overwhelming. But all in all I liked the original, it depicted they way I thought pirates would act! Aarrgghhh!⚓ -
Boundin
425.4 #299 8:52PM
Thanks, I LOVE your history posts!! I have the entire Pirates soundtrack before 1997 with the old, "sore I be..." So that explains it, thanks! -
adisneyfamily
514.8 #228 9:21AM
I'd enjoy his suggestive comments. -
madsdad
1128.7 #72 9:21AM
I grew up with the original from 1967. I miss several parts of this attraction that have been changed over the years. I'm sure that Duchess will provide the details of those later this month when we have another awesome Disney History from her... I will say that, true to Disney's high quality art and imagination, the renovation is a very nice upgrade. Thank you SMK for this Disney History and for clearing up the sometimes misunderstood facts about the reasons for the changes on this great attraction. -
MyPark
944.4 #91 9:43AM
I like the original. It fits historically but it wasn't until recently when I listened to the soundtrack that I noticed the "Hoist me colors" line and actually know what he's talking about. Oh my! -
cesium55
529.7 #217 9:46AM
The original just captured the "pirate life" it was a classic. It's sad how people let a ride offend them instead of enjoying it for what it was made for "fun" -
justinschu4
21.7 #4919 9:47AM
I will never understand the fascination with pirates in general. People do understand what a pirate is right? Murderer and thief and many other unmentionables. I mean why is it ok to have women tied up and auctioned off to the highest bidder but people thought those other things were offensive? -
dolewhipkarlita
14.9 #5693 3:05PM