socalMAN123 Posted June 26, 2006 Share Posted June 26, 2006 Hey everyone! Yesterday, my dad and I went to DL to see if the soft opening of Pirates was true. I'll let the photos explain the story, but I'm just gonna say that the new Pirates is AMAZING! ---Brent I don't like exits. It means the ride/day is over. Thanks for reading! Wow, that's a big whale. OMG, Robb didn't clean up after his dinner! Elissa hates these things. They eat rodents. The new opening area that replaced the old sign and parrot. Here is a really bad picture of the final scene of the ride where Captain Jack is singing and counting gold. Check out that enterance. Isn't it hot? We were waiting for the Mark Twain to come when suddenly we heard this huge scream. I turned around and saw CMs talking to a huge crowd waiting for Pirates to open. Immeadiatly, I knew they were going to open it. My dad and I ran over there and they le They have already started taking the bleachers down from the premiere. A new pin trading area is to be found right by Big Thunder. The Columbia is all dressed up for the premiere last night. Thank god some skelton thing didn't come and attack us. After that, we decided to ride Splash Mountain. At least I could get on one water ride that day. So we went and looked at stuff from the movie. Doesn't this chair look awesome? When we got to the park, it was closed. We asked cast members and they said it might open later. We kept our hopes up. Arrr, this ride rocks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
obeygiant Posted June 26, 2006 Share Posted June 26, 2006 That Jack Sparrow animatronic really looks exactly like him... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeemerBoy Posted June 26, 2006 Share Posted June 26, 2006 I know I'll catch hell for saying it, but so be it. To Marc Frasier Davis (3/30/13 - 1/12/00), I'm just gald you didn't get to see this done. Sadly, money wins out again. Eh, nice pics though. Scott "over Macho Grande?....no, I don't think I'll ever get over Macho Grande" B. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luxo Posted June 26, 2006 Share Posted June 26, 2006 I love Marc's characters and it saddens me to see some replaced by celebrity replicas, but I'll have to see the chasnges for myself sometime. Great Photo TR! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcjaco Posted June 26, 2006 Share Posted June 26, 2006 Seriously, what happened to people listening to the "No flash photography" rule........ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SLUSHIE Posted June 26, 2006 Share Posted June 26, 2006 ^ It never happened. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Imhotep Posted June 26, 2006 Share Posted June 26, 2006 I dont really see what the big deal is about updating the ride with characters from the movie.. Its not like they gutted the whole thing and completely changed the ride. The ride is just growing with the times, and being updated to be identifiable to a whole new generation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Director_Guy Posted June 26, 2006 Share Posted June 26, 2006 So.... did they put the old politically incorrect parts back in? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phazan Posted June 26, 2006 Share Posted June 26, 2006 Haha! Nice! Same picture I took last time I was at DLR! Nice TR, as always Brent! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
socalMAN123 Posted June 27, 2006 Author Share Posted June 27, 2006 I dont really see what the big deal is about updating the ride with characters from the movie.. Its not like they gutted the whole thing and completely changed the ride. The ride is just growing with the times, and being updated to be identifiable to a whole new generation. Amen. I don't see much of a problem with them adding movie AAs into the ride. Actually, I think they are quite cool and that they add to the ride experience. Personally, I think the water effect is the coolest and most unique thing added to the ride. Anyways, thank you for the comments. ---Brent Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pvcoasterguy Posted June 27, 2006 Share Posted June 27, 2006 Pirates did not lose anything. In fact, they made it go back to the "un-polictical correctness" old ways. They are updating it, and adding a few new things. Think of it as frosting on a cake. The cake itself is the normal, old-style pirates. The icing is the new effects/AA's they added in. Most people like the icing, but a few just like the good old cake, with no icing. Um... yeah. That's the best way I can explain it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USRoadTripper Posted June 27, 2006 Share Posted June 27, 2006 Well, a freind of mine who works in Imagineering in Florida said that exit polls done at *Magic Kingdom* showed overwhelmingly that the GP was confused as to why Jack Sparrow wasn't in the ride. The polls showed that people thought that adding Jack Sparrow to the ride would enhance the ride. I can't argue with that. Supposedly lots and lots of research went into these projects, and they are just giving the public what they are asking for for once! He said that many people went so far as to say that they were confused as to why Jack Sparrow wasn't in the ride, and assumed that the ride was made after the movie! I know Disneyland is a much different audience than WDW, but what's good for the goose is probably good for the gander in this case. You wouldn't want people to go to WDW and love their Pirates, then go to DL and go "This sucks! There's no Jack Sparrow like in the other one!" Disneyland isn't a museum, and was never meant to be. And from what I have seen, I think this redo looks excellent. -Julie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jew Posted June 27, 2006 Share Posted June 27, 2006 To Marc Frasier Davis (3/30/13 - 1/12/00), I'm just gald you didn't get to see this done. Sadly, money wins out again. The original ride was butchered in 1997 (or whenever they went all PC on the ride and added some pointless stuff), so why complain now? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wes Posted June 27, 2006 Share Posted June 27, 2006 I know I'll catch hell for saying it, but so be it. To Marc Frasier Davis (3/30/13 - 1/12/00), I'm just gald you didn't get to see this done. Sadly, money wins out again. Yes you are. Seriously. Have you been on the ride? Or are you basing your entire opinion on a couple pictures and your obvious prior "hate" of anything new? I just got back from the park and I have to say all the additions are incredibly tastefully done. It's not overwhelming, it plusses the attraction, and it looks really good. The first Jack is in a place there was nothing before, the second Jack replaced the cat in the barrel (which was a replacement for the woman in the barrel), and the last one takes the place of those two guys pulling the treasure that were added in the 96' rehab. The only thing they really took away was the "No fear have ye of evil curses" monologue in the dark tunnel, but the mist/water effect with Davy Jones is really spectacular. Plus, a bunch of the lighting was redone, they've added a bunch of new props, the battle scene is really awesome now, the fire effects are much improved, etc. etc. I have to say the Imagineers did a really awesome job of keeping the line between the classic attraction and the new stuff well balanced. It seriously looks amazing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arrowfanman Posted June 27, 2006 Share Posted June 27, 2006 Thanks Brent! Glad to see that you were able to ride! Thanks for the PTR, always a pleasure. And I apologize for using your thread, but allow me to add my thoughts on the new stuff... From what I have seen, I am actually very pleased with the new additions to Pirates. Both the Sparrow and Barbossa characters are much cleaner in Animatronic form, so as to better fit in with the original cast of characters. Also, the animation of those new animatronics are wonderful! It's been awhile since Disneyland has recieved animatronic humans, so its nice to recieve some up-to date technology. As easy as it is to say that money is a part of it (which it is), I think that the ride needed the upgrade. There is a whole new generation of guests who now know of Pirates of the Caribbean by way of Jack Sparrow, rather than the cast of characters that you more....matured folks have grown up with loving. Plussing the attraction was the best way to ensure that the classic would survive another 40 years, in my opinion. I think that they have integrated the new characters with a lot of class and respect for those that were there. It doesn't feel like they added Jonny Depp to the attraction. It feels like they added his character, the most fresh character of my time. And frankly, while it appears that Davis was one for pushing his characters ahead of others, I think he would appreciate the character that Capt. Jack Sparrow is. Thanks for letting me vent in your thread Brent! -Jahan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sixflagsmagicmountain Posted June 27, 2006 Share Posted June 27, 2006 I can't wait to see it, I should be over there in a couple weeks. It looks really cool. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tHe Won Posted June 27, 2006 Share Posted June 27, 2006 So I had the chance to go the actual premiere itself on Saturday which was quite a treat. The red carpet led right to the ride which I thuroughly enjoyed and thought that the Davy Jones waterfall effect was amazing. I knew that we would see that as well as Jack Sparrow but seeing Barbossa suprised me in a good way! Unfortunately I didn't think that Dead Man's Chest was a very good sequal at all for many reasons. The short version being: too confusing and hard to follow, characters are so overdone that they are parodies of themselves and the movie is way too unrealistic. I know the first movie was unrealistic but not to the extreme that this sequal is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Director_Guy Posted June 27, 2006 Share Posted June 27, 2006 glad to hear the ride is back to the way it should be. And I can't wait to see the new stuff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeemerBoy Posted June 27, 2006 Share Posted June 27, 2006 To Marc Frasier Davis (3/30/13 - 1/12/00), I'm just gald you didn't get to see this done. Sadly, money wins out again. The original ride was butchered in 1997 (or whenever they went all PC on the ride and added some pointless stuff), so why complain now? The PC changes that were made in the mid-late 90's were made in an effort to be more sensitive towards a widespread audience. Although it sucks to see any artist bend towards public perceptions or ideals, it was understood given who the artist was (The WD Co.) and the audience it catered to (basically people of every single ethnicity on the planet). The newest changes were simply made to make a buck based on the "dumbing down" of America in general. When Julie (USRoadTripper) mentioned the exit polls used to decide whether the changes should occur, it was said that many folks wondered why he wasn't in the ride to begin with (or something along those lines). You ask why I complain, I guess that's your answer right there. It's scary to think that if the Haunted Mansion movie had made Pirates money, we may have seen Eddie Murphy's mug in that ride. The excesive amount of tie-ins is unfortunately inevitable these days.....trust me, I understand the business side of the matter. I just also feel very strongly about preserving some of the best examples of theme park history in their closest to original state, that's all. And nothing's sacred anymore. Even Walt's scaled down vision of Marceline, Missouri (Main Street, USA) has had the Penny Arcade, which housed some classic games (and no kids, I'm not talking Galaga and Pole Position) ripped out in favor of larger retail opportunities. I don't mind being ripped for my opinion, either. Even if I'm the only "old school" Disney fanatic in here willing to step forward and say I think the changes suck, I will. Yes, Walt said that Disneyland will never be complete. It is always going to evolve. Is it so wrong to want maybe just a couple things left as is? I mean, think about it, if Walt himself wasn't concerned about preserving some parts of history the way they were, why would he have even created Main Street, USA? I might as well tackle Wes's comments briefly right here. No, I haven't ridden it yet...October is when that will reluctantly happen. Yes, I am basing my opinion on my prior hate towards some things new. My opinion was based primarily on a matter of principal (enough movie tie-ins!)....as crazy as that may sound to some folks out there. And believe it or not, Wes, I value your opinion, and I'm happy you felt the new changes were tastefully done. Please, keep the "attacks" coming in the future, you two. I'd be sad if you didn't take the opportunity to try and devalue my opinion. EDIT: Wes, I will say this. The thought of an enhanced battle scene is fairly enticing. There's nothing wrong with updating lights, sound, etc. Scott "call up the Imagineers immediately and have them scout out Marceline, MO to see what we can retrofit" B. P.S. Brent, I too should apologize for using your thread in this manner. It is nothing personal towards you. I am glad you, and whoever rides the new version enjoys it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
socalMAN123 Posted June 27, 2006 Author Share Posted June 27, 2006 To all people who have been venting in my topic: Thank you. These different opinions has made me look at the ride a little better. I still think that the new Pirates is awesome and very well done, but I can see how BeemerBoy thinks it should stay the same. I might disagree, but for him to put his opinion out is exactly what a forum was made for. But actually, I still disagree with his opinon, but that is just my opinon. ---Brent Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeemerBoy Posted June 27, 2006 Share Posted June 27, 2006 ^ lol...."now with 99.9% more venting" You're wise beyond your years, my friend. Side note: Does this mean that Drayton Manor will need to update their knock-off version now too? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wes Posted June 27, 2006 Share Posted June 27, 2006 EDIT: Wes, I will say this. The thought of an enhanced battle scene is fairly enticing. There's nothing wrong with updating lights, sound, etc. Alright, hypothetical situtation alert: What if Disney decided to add in new figures, props, and the like to enhance the ride that wasn't from the movie? Would you still have a problem with that? I mean, it is changing the "history" of the ride. Is your main beef the fact they changed it or the fact they changed it to tie in to the movie? I'd rather have Jack Sparrow in Pirates than no Pirates at all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeemerBoy Posted June 27, 2006 Share Posted June 27, 2006 Well, ya know, I guess what really irritates me more than anything is basically the movie tie-in. I mean I understand Disney's motive - to attempt to appeal to a younger crowd through the popularity of the hit film, blah blah blah. The result of that, and what saddens me most is that many of the kids who are targeted will never get to appreciate the ride in it's original form, you know? When we all go to smaller parks around the country (or world for that matter), part of the fun in taking in the various old dark rides is the simple appreciation you have for the humble beginnings of the industry itself, which are displayed by the non-updated technology still present in many of the rides. Let's face it, so many dark rides were inspired by Disney creations, and especially the invention of audio-animatronics. With Pirates being the ultimate "shrine" to this history if you will, in my eyes it just becomes unfortunate to see some of what made the original version no longer being the ultimate focus of the ride itself. For insatnce, it may seem insignificant to most, but removing the iconic talking skull and crossbones may be the one thing that stuck out to someone, and is a great memory of the ride experience to either adult or child. As far as if Disney had done a complete "refurb" of the ride, such as enhancing the audio, touching up the characters, etc......I could justify that much easier. When I walk into the park now and I see promotional movie banners plastered all over it, it's just so glaringly obvious that many people (and this shouldn't be limited just to children) will approach the ride only wanting to see Johnny Depp. The understanding and ultimate appreciation of the fact that the movie was inspired by the ride, and not vice versa, will be lost by many. When all is said and done, Wes, that's the toughest pill to swallow for many "old school" Disney fans such as myself. I do ultimately agree that a Pirates with JD is better than none at all though. I'll give you that. I guess I'm just becoming the crotchety old man I never wanted to be. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arrowfanman Posted June 27, 2006 Share Posted June 27, 2006 ^ The California version of the attraction did not remove the talking skull and crossbones. -Jahan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeemerBoy Posted June 27, 2006 Share Posted June 27, 2006 ^ Thanks Jahan. I had heard or read somewhere that it had been removed. I stand corrected on that one, then. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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