Credit: Inside the Magic“I will never understand why people act like this in a Disney park.”
— Matt (@DisneyScoopGuy_)
I will never understand why people act like this in a Disney park pic.twitter.com/YMz7oJF3qG
— Matt (@DisneyScoopGuy) October 5, 2025
The Pirates of the Caribbean attraction at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom was once again the scene of unexpected drama—this time, not from sword-wielding pirates, but from feuding guests. A video circulating on X (formerly Twitter) shows a heated altercation between two groups of parkgoers, allegedly sparked by a bottle of water.
A Small Splash Sparks a Big Reaction
According to the video shared by theme park content creator Matt (@DisneyScoopGuy_), the altercation began when a man in the queue for Pirates of the Caribbean opened his water bottle in a way that caused it to splash onto another guest nearby. While it appeared unintentional, the guest on the receiving end didn’t take it lightly.
The footage shows the two groups yelling at each other in full view of other guests and Cast Members. Voices are raised, fingers are pointed, and the tension is clearly escalating as families and children look on. Eventually, both parties approach a Disney Cast Member to explain their sides of the story, gesturing animatedly and appearing visibly upset.
While the situation didn’t devolve into a physical fight, the verbal dispute was enough to disrupt the mood in the surrounding area. Matt captioned his post with a sentiment shared by many viewers: “I will never understand why people act like this in a Disney park.”
Recent Turmoil at Pirates of the Caribbean
On Monday, just days before the argument, guests were suddenly evacuated from the Pirates of the Caribbean queue due to what Disney has only described as an “unspecified emergency.” Social media posts, including one from Reddit user u/ferretbeast, describe a chaotic and rapid evacuation process.
“We just got quickly escorted out of line and lots of commotion,” the user wrote. “They opened every possible exit and scooted us out in record time.”
Guests were left confused and anxious, especially since no explanation was given. Speculation ranged from technical issues to guest misconduct, but Disney has remained silent on the cause. The ride reopened later that day.
The back-to-back nature of these incidents has some fans wondering if the attraction is becoming a magnet for chaos.
A Complicated Legacy
Originally opening in 1967 at Disneyland in California, Pirates of the Caribbean made its Magic Kingdom debut in 1973. It’s one of Disney’s most iconic rides and was even the inspiration behind the blockbuster film series starring Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow—a character who was later added to the attraction via animatronic figures.
Over the years, the ride has undergone various updates, many of them controversial. In the late 2010s, Disney removed the infamous bride auction scene and replaced it with a more modern narrative featuring independent female pirates. While some applauded the move as a step toward inclusivity, others argued that altering classic elements was unnecessary or even revisionist.
Controversy resurfaced in 2023 when a TikTok video criticizing the ride’s themes went viral. One female guest described feeling uncomfortable, calling the ride “a little bit rapey.” Other commenters chimed in with similar sentiments:
“It feels like we’re the entertainment for them and I do not like it,” said one user.
“I always felt violated on this ride,” another added.
Despite these critiques, Pirates of the Caribbean remains a mainstay in all Disney parks around the world—including Disneyland Paris and Tokyo Disneyland. Disney has continued to operate the ride with few changes since the last major update, but the growing discontent among some guests suggests that public perception may be shifting.
Theme Parks and Tempers: A Growing Issue?
While it’s easy to dismiss a water-fueled shouting match as a one-off incident, it speaks to a larger trend that has become increasingly visible at theme parks across the country—rising tension and declining patience among guests.
With record-breaking attendance levels, soaring ticket prices, and long wait times, it’s no surprise that tempers can flare. For many families, a trip to Disney represents a major financial and emotional investment. That pressure, combined with heat, crowds, and fatigue, can turn minor inconveniences—like a splash of water—into full-blown confrontations.
Social media has also played a role in highlighting guest behavior. Videos of fights, meltdowns, and outbursts at Disney parks are now regularly shared online, leading to debates about whether the culture around theme park visits has fundamentally changed.
What’s Next for Pirates?
While Monday’s mysterious evacuation and this week’s water-related argument might seem unrelated, they add to a growing narrative that Pirates of the Caribbean is becoming a hotbed for guest disturbances.
At the moment, Disney has not commented on either incident, and no disciplinary action has been publicly reported. The ride remains open to guests, operating as normal.
But for a ride built around the fantasy of swashbuckling adventure and pirate mischief, it’s becoming increasingly clear that some of the real drama is happening in the queue.
Have you witnessed unruly guest behavior at a Disney park? What do you think Disney should do to improve guest conduct? Share your thoughts below.