At a Glance
Duration: 8 minutes, 30 seconds
Look Out For: creepy skeletons and otherwise scary theming as well as loud noises such as cannon blasts and splashing
Opening on December 15, 1973, Pirates of the Caribbean is a dark ride attraction featuring spectacular scenes, amazing theming, and a catchy tune that’s probably already stuck in your head. But how scary is Pirates of the Caribbean? Let’s take a look at the ratings:
1. Ride Length
Pirates of the Caribbean has a ride duration of 8 minutes and 30 seconds. Throughout its run time, this ride takes a meandering journey through many pirate-themed show scenes.
2. Height Requirement and Warnings
Pirates of the Caribbean does not have a height restriction. However, be aware that the spooky theming may be too intense for some younger riders.
3. Ride Vehicles and Restraints
The Pirates of the Caribbean ride vehicles consist of one large boat with 5 rows and seat around 30 people. This generous amount of space may make this ride more doable for the more claustrophobic among us and also makes the ride fast-loading and unloading.
4. How Does Pirates of the Caribbean Work?
This attraction is a fairly standard water-based dark ride in which the boats travel along a track through the show scenes.
5. Is Pirates of the Caribbean Scary?
Pirates of the Caribbean is certainly scary at some points. As a Pirate themed dark ride, there are generous amounts of darkness and, well, Pirates. Those who don’t like scary imagery or loud noises might want to take a moment to consider this one as there are a few creepy skeletons at the beginning of the ride as well as cannon-blasts booming and splashing around the ride vehicles. The scenes later in the ride aren’t scary by nature, but the beginning does have a spooky vibe to it – so be prepared for that.
6. How High is Pirates of the Caribbean?
Pirates of the Caribbean does not involve heights. As an indoor dark ride, the track stays very low to the ground.
7. How Fast is Pirates of the Caribbean?
Pirates of the Caribbean does not go fast. Aside from the one drop early in the ride, the boats float at a very slow and leisurely pace.
8. Does Pirates of the Caribbean Have Drops?
Pirates of the Caribbean has one unexpected drop at the beginning of the ride. It certainly doesn’t hold a candle to Splash Mountain or any roller coaster in the park (for reference, its only 14 feet compared to Splash Mountain’s 53 feet), but I had to include it, if only for the surprise element and the fact that it’s entirely in the dark. Don’t worry though, I’ll let you know exactly when to expect it in the ride walkthrough section below.
9. Does Pirates of the Caribbean Cause Motion Sickness?
Pirates of the Caribbean should not cause motion sickness for most riders.
10. Is Pirates of the Caribbean Claustrophobic?
Pirates of the Caribbean could be claustrophobic to some riders. While its ride vehicles and dark ride areas are fairly spacious, the long ride duration, its slow-moving nature, and the fact that it’s a water-based ride could make some riders feel trapped. This is ultimately up to you, but if other similar rides like Splash Mountain make you feel claustrophobic, you might want to look out for this one.
11. Are There Animatronics on Pirates of the Caribbean?
There are many animatronics on Pirates of the Caribbean. While they aren’t especially scary by nature (save for maybe those skeletons at the beginning *shudder*), this ride might be a no-go if any members of your party don’t care for being surrounded and serenaded by citizens of the uncanny valley.
Pirates of the Caribbean Queue Walkthrough
You enter the queue from outside and proceed through a wide dungeon-like area before heading into some pirate-themed hallways. While it is an indoor queue, it does feel fairly large with its high ceilings and wide walkways. However, it is a very dark area with lots of intentional props and set design that make it really feel like your back in pirate-times. You’ll make your way onto the loading platform where you’ll likely be seated very quickly due to the large ride vehicles.
Pirates of the Caribbean Ride Walkthrough
Once you’re on the ride, you’ll set off through a dark cave with waterfalls all around. From there you’ll pass through several morbid scenes (with those creepy skeletons I mentioned earlier) and into a dark area.
THIS is where you can expect that unexpected drop. While it is short and not especially steep, you should be aware its coming all the same.
The rest is a simple water-based dark ride as you travel through several scenes – the first being a huge sinking ship with loud cannon blasts, splashing, and flashing lights. This is easily the most intense of the scenes so as long as you don’t mind this part, the rest of the ride is pretty tame.
You’ll pass a village under siege, the famous redhead auction scene, another night-time village section, and finally past the town in flames as the famous song plays in the background.
Yo-ho, yo-ho, a pirate’s life for me!
At the end of the ride, you’ll come across a dungeon full of inmates and find Captain Jack Sparrow in the treasure room. With that, you’re back on the loading station and will be off the ride fairly quickly.
That’s it! Remember, everyone’s riding experience is a little bit different and only you can decide whether to hop on that ride vehicle or not – I just hope this guide helps you be prepared and enjoy every second of your Disney experience!
So what do you think? How scary is Pirates of the Caribbean? Leave a comment to help keep this guide up to date!
For a full visual of the ride and queue, be sure to check out this video from 4K WDW:
