The ride, as popular as it is, has been home to some strange stories over the years. One Cast Member, for example, recalled a woman scattering her loved one’s ashes in the water as she floated along in her ride vehicle.
Now, another Cast Member has shared details about the state of the water in the ride — and it turns out it isn’t just Disney magic that makes it look murky.
“The water in the Pirates ride is not filtered, so we tell you to keep your hands out of the water for multiple reasons: so you can keep your limbs, and because you could get an infection.”
While it is important to listen to Cast Members’ instructions and follow the rules on rides and attractions at all times for the sake of safety, it seems that keeping one’s limbs inside the boat on Pirates is crucial for multiple reasons — like avoiding a potential trip to the first aid station if you happen to have an open cut on your hand.
The official description of Disney World’s version of Pirates of the Caribbean reads:
A Pirate’s Life for You Board a weathered barge for a treacherous voyage to the 17th century, when rowdy rogues and ruthless rapscallions ransacked Caribbean seaport towns. Sing along as pirates serenade you with their anthem, “Yo Ho, Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life for Me).”
Sail past haunted Dead Man’s Cove. Navigate cannon fire between a Caribbean fort and a striking 12-gun galleon. Behold boisterous buccaneers drunk on the spoils of plunderin’ as flames engulf a seaside town.
Be sure to keep a spry eye out for Captain Jack Sparrow, from The Pirates of the Caribbean movies. Ye beware, mateys: Dead men tell no tales!
Did you know the water on Pirates of the Caribbean isn’t filtered at all?
Visit the official Disney World website to plan your next magical vacation to Walt Disney World Resort’s four theme parks — Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios — and the Disney Springs shopping and dining district OR the official Disneyland website to plan your trip to Disneyland Resort’s two theme parks — Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park — and the Downtown Disney District!