PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN
ADVENTURE LAND
DISNEYLAND RESORTS PARIS
INTRODUCTION
It was many years before the series of Johnny Depp films that ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ originally created as a theme park ride by the Disneyland people.
In fact the idea was first thought up way back in the 1950s and rather than the ride we know today, it was going to be a wax museum that featured different pirates. Thankfully though, for any fans of the POC ride, this idea changed to be an indoor adventure boat ride that featured some wonderful animatronics, skeletons, sword fights, comic and frightening pirates, burning buildings and water flumes.
Along with Phantom Manor POC is one of the darkest rides at Disney's theme parks.
As well as Disneyland Paris this ride is also a big attraction in California’s Disneyland, Florida’s The Magic Kingdom and Disneyland Tokyo.
An interesting historic fact (perhaps one that could win you Millionaire!!) is that this was the very last attraction that Walt Disney oversaw himself.
The characters in the ride were created by Mark Davis and the catchy music for the ride was written by George Bruns and Xavier Atencio.
WHERE WILL YOU FIND THE RIDE?
Pirates of the Caribbean is located in of Adventureland, in Disneyland Park, Disneyland’s Resorts, Paris.
The ride is easily seen across the bay from ‘Captain Hook's Jolly Roger’ and ‘Skull Rock’ in Adventureland.
You will see the large white sign outside the attraction that is actually housed in a large fortress. It is all situated under the mast of an old ship.
When you get there you may worry that the queue seems long, but the ride does load quickly and it is unusual to have to queue for too long.
Other attractions that are close to POC carry on the pirate theme.
You can explore Adventure Isle, which is an area that is based on Peter Pan and Treasure Island. There is also a playground for children – Pirate Beach.
If you fancy something to eat, close by is the Blue Lagoon, which also gives the diner a view of Pirates of the Caribbean. Alternately you can get fast food on a ‘real’ pirate ship and eat at Captain Hook's Galley; if a snack and a drink are needed there is also Le Comptoir du Capitaine (The Captain's Counter) nearby.
Jack Sparrow can be found near to the Jolly Roger at the Pirate's Beach, and in the Halloween season, the Pirates of the Caribbean take part in the Disney Villain Parade
JUST WHAT DOES THE RIDE INVOLVE?
The whole POC experience starts as soon as you enter the attraction and make your way through the long underground passage that has pirate scenes and themes, skeletons caverns etc adding to the atmosphere.
When you reach the boats that transport you on the ride you soon see the crew members who are all authentically dressed as pirates; these ‘pirates’ see you onto the boat with a little pirate act as they brandish their pistols evilly at you.
You then board the boats (which hold around twenty people) and you are ready to set sail on a ride that tells a story with the use of animatronics, high-technology, special effects, haunting music that will stay in your head all day and a great atmosphere – this pirate adventure isn’t a white knuckle ride so that means that all the family can enjoy an exciting ride together in an underground world where pigs and drunken pirates snore, screaming women are chased by lecherous pirates and skeletons come to life singing the haunting Pirates song – ‘Ho Ho Ho it’s a pirates life for me’!!
The first thing that you pass on the ride is the lovely Blue Lagoon restaurant, where you can see the lucky diners tucking into the lovely food from which delicious smells waft your way, then the boat turns past the wrecks of pirate boats under a dark Caribbean sky complete with moon and sparkling stars. The boat then begins to be pulled slowly up through a waterfall ramp, all around you is the sound of waterfalls until suddenly the sound of distant gunfire grows louder and head towards the fort with different scenes of fighting pirates (there is so much to see that each time you go on you notice something different in the scenes around you)
The boat then passes through a cave before sliding down a small water flume that you into the midst of a battle between the pirates and residents of the fort.
The boat journey takes you through a burning town, the Hurricane Lagoon, the Treasure Chamber complete with skeletons, and finally the Captains and Crews quarters before you see the end of the ride ahead of you
When you leave the boat you exit through Le Coffre du Capitaine (The Captain's Chest). A typical Disney shop that sells a variety of items such as model ships, costumes, pirate figures, toy muskets and cutlasses etc. It is also were you can purchase the photographs taken on the ride.
After leaving Le Coffre du Capitaine you find yourself in a town square that is supposedly built to be under the protection of the fated fort, nearby is the entrance to the Blue Lagoon Restaurant.
RIDE DETAILS
Medium length boat-conveyed dark ride
Not recommended for children under 1 year old.
The ride features two short water flumes, one after the prison scene, and another after the burning town.
Transfer from wheelchair is required.
Children 4 - 7 years may find parts of the attraction a little frightening.
Unsuitable for pregnant women due to the plunging nature of the boats when "under attack" by the pirates.
There are no lap belts or restraints needed on this ride
There is no Fast Pass for this ride.
You will not be absolutely soaked during this ride, but do remember that the ride does contain moving water and some drops that do splash, so be prepared to protect cameras, phones etc.
IN CONCLUSION
You may be able to tell that I love this ride!!
It is not a white knuckle one but it is ideal to get away from cold winter weather or to shelter from hot sun.
The theming and music both while queuing and whilst on the ride are authentic and entertaining.
Once you are in the boat, the journey lasts for an entertaining 10 and a half minutes, ten minutes that is not too scary or frightening for younger family members, or too energetic for older members of the family. It is in fact an ideal family ride that you will want to ride over and over again.
Ahoy there me hearties!! 
