Disneyland’s Pirates of the Caribbean was the last
attraction Walt Disney personally oversaw. Walt was diagnosed with lung cancer
November 2, 1966 and passed away December 15. Pirates was due to open the
following spring. The fake skeletons originally planned to adorn the ride turned out to be big disappointments. With opening day swiftly approaching, Imagineers
turned to UCLA’s Medical Center, which provided several real skeletons. Since
then most of the bones have been replaced with lifelike (deathlike?)
substitutes. Apparently the only remaining remains are a skull and crossed
bones mounted on a bed in the treasure room. The ride has undergone other changes
to keep up with the times. Several pillaging pirates have given up chasing skirts
and seem more interested in food and drink. Following the release of the Disney
pirate movies, Barbossa, Davy Jones and three versions of Captain Jack Sparrow
were added. The most recent addition is a mermaid from “On Stranger Tides.”
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