Magic Kingdom is finally getting its first lounge, and the location’s Pirates of the Caribbean theme will add to the excitement of the new guest experience at Adventureland.
An exciting new addition is coming to Adventureland at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, per Walt Disney Imagineer Chris Beatty. On Saturday morning, Beatty took to the stage during the live Destination D23 event held at Disney’s Contemporary Resort near Magic Kingdom Park at the Walt Disney World Resort. The new experience will be the first-ever lounge-type location in the park.
Peg-Leg Pete, the so-called “Barker Bird” in the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction, will finally make his swashbuckling return to Adventureland after being forced to walk the plank in 1975.
The new location will be inspired by Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean and will have the look and feel of a tavern. It won’t only be a place for food and drinks with a swashbuckling theme; it will also serve to extend the experience of Pirates, allowing guests to dive deeper into the story of Captain Jack Sparrow, his scurvy crew, and the adventures they have on the high seas.
No specific date was revealed for the completion of the new dining location, as Imagineers are currently in the design process for the tavern. More details will be shared in the future.
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.
Johnny Depp’s portrayal of Captain Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean film series is nothing short of iconic. From the moment he first appeared on screen in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003), Depp’s captivating performance has become synonymous with the character and has left a lasting impact on The Walt Disney Company.
Over the course of more than a decade, Depp’s portrayal of the character is a masterclass in character acting, as he infused Jack Sparrow with a mix of charm, wit, and vulnerability, making him instantly likable despite his morally ambiguous nature. One of the most impressive aspects of Depp’s performance is the attention to detail he brings to the character. From the way Captain Jack Sparrow slurs his speech to his distinctive, slightly drunken gait, Depp crafted a character that is both memorable and unpredictable. He drew inspiration from various sources, including rock stars, cartoon characters, and even Keith Richards, the legendary guitarist from The Rolling Stones, whom he acknowledged as an influence for the character’s mannerisms.
Depp’s portrayal earned him widespread critical acclaim, and he was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in The Curse of the Black Pearl. Audiences and critics alike praised his ability to fully immerse himself in the character and create a captivating and entertaining performance that carried throughout the series.
As the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise continued, Depp reprised his role as Captain Jack Sparrow in multiple sequels, including Dead Man’s Chest (2006), At World’s End (2007), On Stranger Tides (2011), and Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017). Despite mixed reviews for some of the sequels, Depp remained a standout in each film, consistently bringing depth and charisma to his portrayal of the beloved pirate captain.
However, a sad note will likely bring any hope that fans had about Johnny Depp returning to the role of Captain Jack Sparrow to an end. Disney Dining recently covered Johnny Depp, who is also known for roles in other films like Edward Scissorhands (1990), Sweeney Todd (2007), and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005), was found passed out in a hotel room. The actor was touring as part of his band, Hollywood Vampires, when the reported incident occurred.
As reported by the Daily News Hungary, the show’s cancellation occurred when Johnny Depp fainted in his hotel room. Throughout the day, the show’s staff noticed his absence, but some assumed it was usual for him to miss sound checks. However, it was later revealed that Depp had been consuming alcohol during the sound check period. The official statement from the band after the cancellation was made stated that “we can assure you that all band members are safe and healthy,” but nothing more has been given at this time.
Outside of the issues with ex-wife Amber Heard and the allegations brought forth, many insiders have shared that Disney had issues with Johnny Depp, especially in the later movies. Unsealed court documents following the defamation trial revealed that Disney was frustrated with the actor after he allegedly appeared “drunk and stoned” on a television appearance. In addition, the alleged issues included “serious and worsening drug and alcohol use, lateness and not showing up at all in filming, and movie studios’ unhappiness with Mr. Depp.”
While these are just allegations, they do paint a picture for potential issues that have come forward– and Johnny Depp has his own list of problems with The Walt Disney Company— and it likely could mean the end of Captain Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise.
Disney was already not likely to bring Depp back in, stating that it was “noncommital” on the actor, but with other alleged problems, the company will likely track ahead with its original plans for Pirates of the Caribbean 6, which did not involve Captain Jack Sparrow. This isn’t confirmed, but it does seem like an official step toward what we all feared.
Of course, the biggest thing is that Depp is okay. Many fans were concerned about his health, and hopefully, the entertainer will be back to doing what he loves soon.
However, the chances that a relationship with Disney reforms– which was already a murky subject– may be completely and totally gone.
In the heart of Adventureland at Walt Disney World, an iconic and immersive attraction awaits, transporting guests to a world of pirates, treasure, and high-seas adventure. Pirates of the Caribbean is a timeless and beloved experience that has captivated visitors since its debut in 1973. Join us as we set sail on this thrilling and immersive journey through pirate-infested waters.
As guests enter the queue area of Pirates of the Caribbean, they are instantly transported to a vibrant and bustling pirate’s cove. The richly detailed surroundings, including weathered buildings, cascading waterfalls, and mysterious caves, set the stage for an unforgettable adventure. The ambiance is enhanced by the haunting melody of “Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life for Me),” which serves as a captivating introduction to the world that awaits.
Once aboard their pirate galleon, guests embark on a captivating voyage through a pirate-infested Caribbean island. The attraction showcases a series of meticulously crafted scenes, featuring animatronic pirates, lively townsfolk, and thrilling pirate battles. From cannon blasts and fiery explosions to humorous encounters and hidden treasures, the journey is a non-stop adventure that immerses guests in the swashbuckling spirit.
One of the highlights of Pirates of the Caribbean is its impeccable storytelling. The attraction seamlessly weaves together various scenes, creating a cohesive and engaging narrative. From the pirates’ pursuit of treasure to their humorous escapades and encounters with the likes of Captain Jack Sparrow, the story unfolds before guests’ eyes, drawing them into a captivating world of piracy and excitement.
Pirates of the Caribbean has stood the test of time and remains a beloved attraction for visitors of all ages. Its combination of thrilling scenes, memorable characters, and immersive theming has made it a staple of the Disney experience. Whether it’s the first visit or a return voyage, the attraction continues to captivate and entertain guests with its timeless charm.
Pirates of the Caribbean at Walt Disney World’s Adventureland is a must-visit attraction for fans of adventure, pirates, and immersive storytelling. From the moment guests step into the pirate’s cove to the thrilling journey through pirate-infested waters, the experience is a swashbuckling adventure that leaves a lasting impression. So, set sail with Captain Jack Sparrow, experience the thrill of pirate battles, and uncover hidden treasures as you embark on a memorable voyage through Pirates of the Caribbean.
Johnny Depp may not be done as Captain Jack Sparrow, after all.
The Pirates of the Caribbean franchise has served as a $4.5 billion money-maker for The Walt Disney Company. The franchise, which has five total movies, has all starred Johnny Depp as the lead protagonist, alongside others like Keira Knightley (Elizabeth Swann Turner) and Orlando Bloom (Will Turner). The last film, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, was released in 2017, and a lot has happened since then.
Disney reportedly turned its back on Johnny Depp amid allegations from his ex-wife Amber Heard saying that the actor had physically and emotionally abused her. The ex-couple underwent two different defamation trials, one in the U.K. and then one in the United States. The defamation trial in the United States concluded last summer and resulted in a resounding victory for Mr Depp over Ms Heard. Though Amber Heard vowed to appeal the decision, she eventually settled with Johnny Depp outside of court, paying the actor $1 million this past December.
Some fans have held out hope that Johnny Depp would return to the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, but the actor revealed during the defamation trial that he wouldn’t return to Disney “for $300 million,” and he has since moved to Europe and is exploring both his music and acting career overseas, with a new movie titled Jeanne Du Barry that was just released at the Cannes Film Festival a couple of weeks ago.
Of course, the elephant in the room has been the question of a reunion. Even though neither side has come out and said that they want to reunite, they both understand that fans want to see it happen. Johnny Depp has made appearances for select fans using his Captain Jack Sparrow persona, but there’s a big difference between bringing out the character every now and then, and actually returning to Disney for a movie.
Disney has finally broken the silence on what we could expect in the future for Pirates of the Caribbean 6, including Johnny Depp’s status.
In an interview with the New York Times, Disney Studios Motion Picture Production President Sean Bailey shared that they are excited about the next stages of the franchise.
“We think we have a really good, exciting story that honors the films that have come before but also has something new to say,” he said.
When asked about the status of Johnny Depp for the film, Bailey said that Disney was “noncommittal at this point.”
This is an interesting phrase from Disney, to say the least. The comments do not close the door on a potential return, but they also don’t point to anything guaranteed at this point. Pirates of the Caribbean Producer Jerry Bruckheimer shared in the past that Disney had developed two scripts, neither of which would likely involve Johnny Depp, but that’s to say that the story couldn’t be adjusted or changed, if the two parties were to come to an agreement in the future.
