Is the Pirates of the Caribbean Ride Scary and Plus Size Friendly?

Is the Pirates of the Caribbean ride scary? What about plus size friendly?

We all know that Disney is the “happiest place on Earth” (and I have to agree), but does that mean all the rides are cheery? The Pirate of the Caribbean ride is my FAVORITE Disney ride (especially now they’ve changed the Tower of Terror to Guardians of the Galaxy), but some people wonder whether or not it’s scary.

There are a lot of things to do and see in Disney, no matter what park you head to, and honestly, there’s never enough time to do it all.

So, if you’re headed for the first time, you might be wondering whether or not it’s really worth the wait. Lucky for you, I’m a Disney nerd who LOVES this ride… so I’ve ridden it a few times. Let’s cover if the Pirates of the Caribbean ride is scary, and if it’s the right attraction for your party.

What to expect on the ride – thrills, spills, and pirates!

The Pirates of the Caribbean ride in California’s Disneyland is the last ride Walt Disney himself worked on. It officially opened on March 18, 1967, just a few months after Disney’s December 15, 1966 death. Its one of the most popular and well-known rides in all of the Disney Parks. Uniquely, in its case, the movie series is based on the ride (instead of the other way around).

The ride itself is a dark ride in a boat that takes guests through pirate-infested waters where they witness looting, pillaging, and burning buildings. Most of the ride is a tame, relaxing drift through the waters (with fictional guns going off and pirate music) but there is one big drop that might surprise first-time riders. While it’s not a traditional “water ride” like Splash Mountain, there is the potential to get wet – the ride does take place in water.

So, is the ride actually scary?

I would say for the average rider it’s a no. But the looming darkness and occasional “gun” burst could be startling for some of the younger crowds. Some to consider this a more intense ride based on the content, but overall it’s considerably more funny than scary. Compared to other Disney rides like Space Mountain, it’s not “thrilling” per-say. It takes more the form of a trip through scenery that you’ll see in The Haunted Mansion. If you have children that frighten easily, I might skip it. But it really is appropriate for all ages, pending they can deal with the dark.

Wait times

I find the wait time for Pirates of the Caribbean to be relatively short considering. If it’s peak season or you’re visiting during a holiday, you might face longer wait times. However, TouringPlans.com predicts wait time under 30 minutes most days, and in my experience is between 10 and 20. You can always check wait times on the official Disney Park apps. You can access this attraction via Genie+, but really won’t need to.

Height requirements

There is no height requirement for the Pirates of the Caribbean Ride. That means you entire party should be able to enjoy it. But parents (or guardians) will want to make sure to sit next to smaller children so they don’t get antsy in the boat as there aren’t really any restraints.

Is Pirates of the Caribbean plus size friendly?

I know the burning question you’re all wondering… it’s not necessarily scary, but is it plus size friendly?

There’s honestly nothing worse then getting to the front of the line only to realize you don’t fit. There’s that moment of seat juggling, sucking it in, and your ride bestie trying to jam the belt into the lock… only to succumb to that telling sigh and taking the walk of shame back to the front gate.

What a serious bummer. But I’ve got stellar news for you… the Pirates of the Caribbean Ride IS plus size friendly!

Seats

The Pirates of the Caribbean rides feature “quick load” boats that hold approximately 30 people – though it does depend on the size of those particular 30 people.

There are no seatbelts in the boats, so you’ll need to stay seated on your bottoms safely throughout the ride. BUT because there aren’t any seatbelts, there isn’t anything to try and fit!

Both sides of the boat offer different scenery to view, if you have small children you might want to put them on the outside so their view isn’t blocked by taller people.

Large sized people will fit less to a bench, so you might get to enjoy your own bench seat. I’ve seen families split up so the kids are in the seat in front or behind mom, dad, or grandma, that way everyone’s comfortable and everyone goes on the ride.

It’s worth noting that while Pirates of the Caribbean is NOT a “water ride” in the traditional sense, those seated at the front of the boat could get splashed. However, most riders will stay dry.

Accessibility

For the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, you’ll need to transfer from your motorized scooter or ECV to a standard wheelchair to move through the queue. Then, once you’ve arrived at the front, you’ll need to transfer into the ride vehicle.

Where can you find the Pirates of the Caribbean rides?

Each Disney theme park includes a variation of this ride, which means wherever you go, you can see pirates. You’ll find that each theme park set includes the Pirates of the Caribbean in their respective Adventureland section.

Disneyland, Anaheim

If you’re visiting the original Disneyland park in Anaheim, California, you’ll find the ride located in New Orleans Square. The line for this ride will take you through some pretty detailed and well-themed queue, so even if the line is long, you won’t be bored.

Disney World, Magic Kingdom

You’ll find Pirates of the Caribbean in the Magic Kingdom Park. You’ll find it in the Adventureland section of the park, all the way to the side of the park across from the Tortuga Tavern.

Disneyland Paris

Over in Disneyland Paris, you’ll also find the Pirates of the Caribbean ride located in Adventureland. It’s described as being in a “battle-scarred fortress” that’s located at the back of the park.

Disneyland Tokyo

You’ll find the Pirates of the Caribbean ride in Disneyland Tokyo also in Adventureland. This time, it’s fairly close to the gate, just off the World Bazar when you get into the park.

Tips for riding the Pirates of the Caribbean ride

• Skip the Lightening Lane: Unless it’s a particularly busy day or you’re dying to get on this ride ASAP, you can honestly skip getting the fast ticket for this one. The ride lineup is well-detailed, and the wait times are fairly small.
• To avoid getting wet, sit in the middle: This is not a water ride, but it is in the water and you could still get wet. If you’re at the front of the boat, you’ll be more likely to get splashed. If you don’t want to risk it, sit in the middle of the boat.
• Enjoy the views: The Pirates of the Caribbean ride is one of the most detailed and beautiful rides at Disney. Take a moment to soak in all the details, especially as you go through the blue bayou scene.
• Don’t skip it, especially if you’re in Disneyland OG: Maybe it’s the history-lover in me but this was the last ride Walt himself had a hand in making. In fact, if you’re in California it’s the actual last ride he worked on.

Pirates of the Caribbean ride fun facts

• The ride capacity is 3,400 people PER HOUR, which means a lot of people can get some pirate action a day.
• The first version of this ride opened on March 18, 1967, it was the LAST ride Walt worked on before he died.
• It’s a Small World (TERRIBLE ride, in my opinion) was going to have a Pirates section but it never made it in.
• A real bone (or skull) was used as part of the setting for the actual ride – it’s rumored that a former Imagineer donated it.
• It was supposed to be a walk-through wax museum.
• The original scene (which I’ve actually seen) featured some handsy animatronic pirates auctioning off and chasing “wenches” – this has since been changed and now features pirates after pie.
• The attraction inspired the movie (not the other way around).
• There are over 120 animatronics used in the ride.
• You’ll find at least one hidden Mickey somewhere on the ride.

Rides similar to Pirates of the Caribbean

• Indiana Jones is a similar ride that’s a little more exciting.
• The Haunted Mansion is another ride through a set attraction.
• Splash Mountain takes place in water (though you WILL get wet).

Other rides in Adventureland

• Jungle Cruise
• Magic Carpets of Aladdin
• Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room

Should you ride Pirates of the Caribbean?

It might be on the boring side of rides at Disney, but Pirates of the Caribbean is my favorite. Maybe it’s the history or maybe it’s the dark water-focused calm, but I love riding it regardless. If it’s your first trip to any Disney Park, I highly recommend visiting this attraction. Even if it’s not, I think it’s worth a visit – especially if you want to see one of the last things Walt Disney worked on himself.

Final thoughts: Is the Pirates of the Caribbean ride scary?

I LOVE the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, and I can tell you with 100% certainty, it’s not scary for most of us. That said, the ride can be dark at times and it does include pirates, fire and a scary laugh, so if you have younger adventurers with you, they might find it a little frightening.

All-in-all, it’s a great ride, a lot of fun, and something that Walt Disney worked on himself. It’s also plus size friendly, due in-part to the fact there aren’t any seatbelts you need to work your way into (thank, God!).

Pirates of the Caribbean ride FAQs