July 9, 2023, will be a notable day for Disney. It will mark the 20th anniversary of the release of Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl, the first film in the now iconic franchise. There were actual doubters that a movie based on a theme park ride would work, but five movies later, the Pirates of the Caribbean movie franchise grossed more than $4.5 billion at the box office and turned Jack Sparrow into one of Disney's most notable characters.
It's also led to Pirates of the Caribbean, already a great attraction, becoming an institution for Disney. Almost every park worldwide has its own version of this attraction, making it a global hit.
Ranking the different versions of Pirates of the Caribbean can be difficult. Some guests may like one more than the other, and it's been shifted to how Disney has changed the ride over the years with upgrades from the movie characters to changing the tone of moments. Here's how each version of Pirates of the Caribbean around the world ranks and shows why this attraction remains so beloved, no matter what part of the globe it hails from.
5. Walt Disney World
It should be remembered Disney never intended for Pirates to be in Disney World. They had to bow to demand to quickly put in an abbreviated version, lacking one drop and overall feeling shorter. It gets points for the great queue area in Adventureland that has bits like two skeletons playing chess and a different unloading area. It still has the usual fun moments and bits, yet it seems lacking when compared to other versions.
It's not a bad ride by any means, but it's just not as fun as it could have been. Perhaps if Disney had planned an upgraded version of Pirates in Orlando from the start, it might rank higher. Ass it is, it's a good but not a great version of the attraction.
4. Disneyland California
It's hard to beat the original version. First, its place in New Orleans Square is perfect, with a gorgeous queue area leading the boast past the Blue Bayou restaurant. The two drops are great, and then there's the overall classic experience of the ride, even with its various changes over time. No matter how old you are, you can sing along with that song and enjoy the gags and effects.
An underrated part is the "waterfall up" that leads guests back to the loading dock, bringing the journey full circle. From its location to the history of the ride, there's a reason the original Pirates still has a place in the hearts of any Disney park fan.
3. Tokyo Disneyland
Putting this above the other two Pirates' rides may seem daring, but there's a good reason for it. First, it's unique seeing the ride with a Japanese flavor to it, even as it keeps to the same storyline and layout. Recently reopening after months of refurbishments, this version of the ride now has better sound and effects while still maintaining that same classic formula.
Perhaps the biggest of all is that it still has the original auction scene down to the cries of "We wants the redhead!" In many ways, this is a time capsule to how the original take on the ride worked while still boasting Jack Sparrow and other touches. That elevates it higher in the rankings to be a great ride into the past.
2. Disneyland Paris
When it opened in 1992, this version of the attraction quickly set itself apart from its counterparts. First, the audio-animatronics are even better, including two characters engaged in a sword duel. The entrance area is beautiful, with a recreation of a fort and welcoming guests to a fine adventure to match a vibrant area.
But the truly notable part is how it basically "reverses" the original attraction. This time, guests experience the town ransacking first and then enter the caves showing skeletons, including a zombie-like Captain Barbossa. It's a good turn to emphasize where the hunt for treasure can end and a unique coda that makes this version of the ride darker but more exciting.
1. Battle For The Sunken Treasure, Shanghai Disney
This standout version of the ride may have a different storyline and layout, but it also has some of the most stunning special effects of any Disney ride. It's there from the start as, before the eyes of guests, a skeleton transforms into Jack Sparrow. From there, it's a rollicking mix of dark rides, screens, and special effects to make it feel as if guests are going underwater and above it for a crazy adventure.
Some purists may sniff at how it's not actually a boat ride, but the illusion is there to make up for it. While Disney fans would love to see it replicated in the U.S., this version of Pirates remains a theme park experience unlike any in the world.