Via DisDining.com
Even if Walt Disney never set foot in Magic Kingdom, his influence and legacy can be found all over the Disney Park. Attractions and experiences such as the Carousel of Progress, Enchanted Tiki Room, Haunted Mansion, “it’s a small world,” and Pirates of the Caribbean can all be traced back to Walt Disney’s whimsy, imagination, and vision.
Although we never knew Walt personally, we can make a few assumptions about his vision. For one, we can imagine that his vision didn’t include a single pest infestation inside one of his beloved rides. But, alas, poor Jack Sparrow, Pirates of the Caribbean is reportedly infested with more than swashbucklers…
According to an Inside the Magic article, an anonymous source claims that “more than 500 bats” are currently roosting inside the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. The source continues, claiming that the pests have allegedly “attacked multiple Disney Cast Members and Guests” alike.
If bats are truly infesting the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, then there’s no way for Walt Disney World Resort to exterminate them, as bats are currently protected in Florida all year round, and no harm can come to them.
Walt Disney World Resort has neither confirmed nor denied these rumors, but we certainly hope they can shed some light on this situation soon. After all, the idea of plunging down a dark ravine into a pirate cave becomes much less appealing if there are hundreds of bats involved.
Remember in Jurassic Park (1993) when Ian Malcolm says, “Yeah, but, John, if The Pirates of the Caribbean breaks down, the pirates don’t eat the tourists.” Well, he wasn’t wrong about that, and bats aren’t going to be eating anybody either, but that doesn’t mean they don’t pose any danger.
Bats can spread several diseases and viruses, although sources say that the risk of infection is low. If there are hundreds of bats roosting in Magic Kingdom’s Pirates of the Caribbean attraction, that risk may become exponentially higher.
That being said, it’s a huge ‘if” seeing as we don’t know for sure whether bats are roosting in the slow-moving dark ride or not. The next time you’re riding the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, keep an eye out for bats and Jack Sparrow alike.
Please note that the story being reported on in this article has not been confirmed, nor is it indicative of Disney Dining’s personal views on Walt Disney World’s operations.
