Changes coming to Pirates of the Caribbean

[Jared]

No, it isn't a recreation of the Blue Bayou, fit with a full bar. (Too soon?)

According to the Disney Parks Blog,, changes are coming to Pirates of the Caribbean. Details are scarce at this point, but from what I understand, Imagineers are set to add mermaids to the caverns near the beginning of the ride.

I have never seen the fourth film and didn't even know it included mermaids, but that seems to be the takeaway here. Since this is all being done overnight, I wouldn't expect much else.

[Mousemates]

No, it isn't a recreation of the Blue Bayou, fit with a full bar. (Too soon?)

Certainly not too soon...when I saw the title of the thread I was going to give a little tongue in cheek remark along the same line.

[DisneyDINK]

They could probabbly dig up some old mermaids from Submarine Voyage or 20,000 Leagues or something, kinda like they did with America Sings and Splash Mountain with the birds.

Is Ariel available? No, she's probably too busy with her new ride and stage show and a meet-n-greet or two.

[DizneyFreak2002]

There be mermaids in these waters...

[SBETigg]

Yeah, I think it's too soon. But this sounds like an interesting change. As long as they don't tip my boat over, I'm okay with it.

[Melanie]

Hmmm. Interesting indeed. But they were mean mermaids.

[JabberJaws]

Hmmm, considering they are doing this overnight, I am thinking that means no animatronics. (Seems like it would be difficult to add animatronics over a period of nights without disrupting the daily operation of the ride.) I suppose they could put up scrims or something to hide the spots where they are adding the mermaids.

If not animatronics, then maybe some kind of projection effect, though not sure how you would make an effective looking mermaid with a projection effect.

I wouldn't think they would use old mermaids from 20K or something like that, as the ones from the rides have a particular, sort of dangerous/wild feel to them.

Be interesting to see what happens with this, though I wouldn't expect it to blow anyone away. Still, nice to see them continue to plus the attraction.

[DizneyFreak2002]

Hmmm, considering they are doing this overnight, I am thinking that means no animatronics. (Seems like it would be difficult to add animatronics over a period of nights without disrupting the daily operation of the ride.) I suppose they could put up scrims or something to hide the spots where they are adding the mermaids.

If not animatronics, then maybe some kind of projection effect, though not sure how you would make an effective looking mermaid with a projection effect.

I wouldn't think they would use old mermaids from 20K or something like that, as the ones from the rides have a particular, sort of dangerous/wild feel to them.

Be interesting to see what happens with this, though I wouldn't expect it to blow anyone away. Still, nice to see them continue to plus the attraction.

You hit the nail on the head... Supposedly the mermaids would be projections in the water with a reference to them somewhere along the way so you know they are there... Oh and probably somewhere in the cave scene... But who knows for sure? These were supposedly ready a few months ago but are now coming online... So, maybe there is an AA somewhere behind a tarp...

EDIT: apparently these are going to be figures, not projections... and not very friendly...

[AgentC]

EDIT: apparently these are going to be figures, not projections... and not very friendly...

Great. Just what I need when I have finally convince my son to ride POTC. Scary mermaids!

[Butters]

Sounds like a potential plus

[Tekneek]

Yeah, they were scary mermaids. I haven't seen the film, but I recall some bits from the trailers. Reminds me that we should probably watch the film at least once before we go back to WDW.

[Mousemates]

Anything but a completely scary, tempting and threatening mermaid would be completely out of place on the ride (especially where they are talking about doing it). In my opinion, the MK could use an infusion of some old school "scare the pants off the kids" Disney magic now that Snow White is gone.

Back in the day Snow White scared both me (way back in the seventies) and my both of my kids as they have grown up...but never so much that they weren't willing to ride it again. In fact, I kind of think dealing with and facing up to a few mild Disney scares as a child is helpful when dealing with more genuinely troublesome things as kids grow up.

So I say do it for the children and the scarier the better.

[Melanie]

Anything but a completely scary, tempting and threatening mermaid would be completely out of place on the ride (especially where they are talking about doing it).

I agree with this, I just think it could create some interesting situations when little Sally's mom tells her there are mermaids on the attraction and it's not Ariel, or Arista or Adella for that matter.

[Dsnygirl]

Liking the idea, it'll be interesting to see how it plays out. Wish it'd be done before we all show up!!

[Jared]

Liking the idea, it'll be interesting to see how it plays out. Wish it'd be done before we all show up!!

I suspect it will be done in early October.

[BriarRose0708]

I agree with this, I just think it could create some interesting situations when little Sally's mom tells her there are mermaids on the attraction and it's not Ariel, or Arista or Adella for that matter.

Not to mention Aquata, Alana, or Andrina!

Never seen the fourth film but I wish this would stop. It's becoming too much for me.

[AgentC]

Not to mention Aquata, Alana, or Andrina!

Never seen the fourth film but I wish this would stop. It's becoming too much for me.

I am terribly impressed that you watched more than the first. Though I have to admit we've watched the cartoon a few times on the Disney channel.

And just to be clear scary really doesn't bother me. I'm used to my son refusing to go on many rides. Just cross your fingers for me that he grows out of it.

[MNNHFLTX]

Will they be sitting the beach next to the crabs?

So mermaids, hmm....I will withhold judgement until I see what they've come up with.

[Melanie]

You know what effect I wish they'd bring to Florida? The projection of the two pirates sword-fighting on the fortress walls. That is such an easy, but cool and enhancing, effect.

[MinnieMommie]

Thanks Jared. Sounds cool. I am imagining a very nice addition.