Guests visiting Disneyland Paris Resort’s Pirates of the Caribbean ride recently noticed an unexpected change – two male pirate animatronics have gone missing. The European Disney park hasn’t said whether this change is temporary or permanent.
On Sunday, August 3, a Disneyland Paris Resort guest, @PixiedustDLPshared a photo on X (formerly known as Twitter) showing an empty space where the two dueling pirates once stood. The post reads:
No dueling pirates tonight. 🏴☠️ #DisneylandParis
This disappearance may not be permanent. A fellow guest, @White_Stuconfirmed that the animatronics were still present just a few days earlier, on Friday, August 1, though they “looked very unwell.”
They looked very unwell on Friday!
Such temporary removals aren’t new at Disneyland Paris Resort. Guests have observed similar disappearing acts in the past, with multiple Pirates of the Caribbean animatronics quietly vanishing and reappearing, often without any fanfare or official announcement from Disney. This pattern suggests that the changes are likely part of regular maintenance, done in phases to avoid closing down the entire ride. While there has been no official word from the park about when the pirates will return, past trends indicate they could be back in action in the coming weeks.
The Pirates of the Caribbean attraction has undergone several updates over the years, but it still retains many of its original elements that made it a favorite among Disney Parks fans. From the inclusion of Jack Sparrow animatronics to the controversial bride auction scene update, the ride continues to evolve with the times, much like the attraction itself.
Fans of the ride will recall the mixed reactions to some of the more recent updates, including a 2023 viral TikTok post from a Disney Park guest who described the ride as “a little bit rapey.” While that opinion sparked backlash, it also highlighted the ongoing debate about the ride’s portrayal of piracy.
“It feels like we’re the entertainment for them and I do not like it,” another woman agreed.
Despite the controversy, Disney has not announced plans for further significant changes to Pirates of the Caribbean.
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