45 years ago today, guests at the Disneyland® Park took the first ride on the Pirates of the Caribbean® attraction. Since its opening on March 18, 1967, it has become a guest favorite and a version of it can now be found in 4 Disney Theme Parks.

In honor of its birthday, enjoy some Pirates of the Caribbean® factoids on us!

  • The original Pirates of the Caribbean® attraction in Disneyland® Park is the last attraction that Walt helped design. He passed 3-months before it’s opening.
  • Written in 1967 by George Bruns and Xavier Atencio, “Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life for Me)” is the Pirates of the Caribbean® attraction’s theme song.
  • A Pirates of the Caribbean® attraction was not part of the original plans for Magic Kingdom® Park. It was believed that because of Florida’s close proximity to the Caribbean, there would be little interest. Due to high guest demand, the attraction was quickly built and opened by the end of 1973.
  • In the queue of Pirates of the Caribbean® at Magic Kingdom® Park, guest will find two skeletons locked in a cell playing chess who are stuck in a stalemate.
  • At Disneyland® Park, guests can eat at the Blue Bayou which overlooks the opening to Pirates of the Caribbean®
  • The attraction at 3 Disney Parks include references to Jack Sparrow, Captain Barbossa and the blockbuster “Pirates of the Caribbean” films. All three include the smoke/waterfall effect with projections of:
    • Davy Jones and Blackbeard, alternately, at Disneyland® Park
    • Blackbeard at Magic Kingdom® Park at Walt Disney World® Resort
    • Davy Jones at Tokyo Disneyland®
  • The Pirates of the Caribbean® attraction can be found inside the Adventureland® Area at Magic Kingdom® Park, Tokyo Disneyland®, and Disneyland® Paris. Disneyland® Park is the only place you will find it in a different land – New Orleans Square.

Check out this video of the Capt. himself, Walt Disney, discussing the plans for the original Pirates of the Caribbean® attraction in Disneyland® Park