The iconic movie saga Pirates of the Caribbean originated from an attraction of the same name in Disney parks. Since its opening in 1967, this attraction has fascinated millions of visitors with its maritime adventure, recreating scenes of pirates, but it has also been the subject of numerous legends. One of the most talked about is the supposed cryogenization of Walt Disney’s body beneath the ride, using water as a cooling system. However, a reality that has captured the public’s attention is that, for much of the attraction’s life, real skeletons were used to bring the animatronics that dance and sing to life.
This is how the dead seem more real
The production of the attraction was considerable, costing around 15 million dollars at the time, which is equivalent to more than 100 million today. This expenditure placed it among the largest investments made by Disney in its parks, long before realistic animatronic technology was advanced enough. To tackle this challenge, the designers turned to the University of California, where they were donated real skeletons to create the animatronics.
Despite the fact that the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise announced its sixth installment in 2018, the movie has remained on hold due to the pandemic and restructuring within Disney, which has lowered expectations for an immediate return to theaters. Fans of the series are still waiting for news about this continuation, but for now, the legacy of the original attraction remains alive.
The intriguing story of the skeletons has fueled speculation about the possibility that human remains may still be present in the attraction’s facilities, giving more life to the urban legends surrounding it. Undoubtedly, the connection between the attraction and the film saga has kept enthusiasts both in parks and in cinemas, as they await the next chapter of this successful franchise.
