Pirates of the Caribbean: For those who visit Disney Parks often...

[Sharon&Susan]

In fairness to Tokyo, perhaps they thought the PIRATE! sign might drum up some interest along with the movie changes. The ride just seems perpetually unloved out there compared to the others.

I remember the original WDW Pirate sign. So much classier.

I'm not sure of the exact year but that's roughly when it happened, yes.

EDIT: It was definitely in place by 1993. I think I actually prefer the black sign over the one shown in this picture. At the very least the color of the lettering on this one seems off to me:
View attachment 655123

The nearby staircase was built the same time as the bridge, so the bridge was definitely there by the opening of the Disney Gallery in '87.

 

[britain]

In fairness to Tokyo, perhaps they thought the PIRATE! sign might drum up some interest along with the movie changes. The ride just seems perpetually unloved out there compared to the others.

I remember the original WDW Pirate sign. So much classier.

I'm not sure of the exact year but that's roughly when it happened, yes.

EDIT: It was definitely in place by 1993. I think I actually prefer the black sign over the one shown in this picture. At the very least the color of the lettering on this one seems off to me:
View attachment 655123

Thanks for that photo, yes, “rusted metal” turquoise letters. I wasn’t crazy!

My understanding was that the bridge was added in anticipation of Splash Mountain traffic, so it had to be before 1989.

 

[Sailor310]

I imagine the need for them to do what they did and create something resembling a proper queue became apparent pretty quickly after they got rid of the ticket books.

Didn't it have something to do with viewing/flow for Fantasmic?

 

[TP2000]

Thanks for that photo, yes, “rusted metal” turquoise letters. I wasn’t crazy!

My understanding was that the bridge was added in anticipation of Splash Mountain traffic, so it had to be before 1989.

To be honest, I thought you were crazy.

I figured you were confusing the circa-1967 Attraction Poster that was posted at the doors that had turquoise lettering as your hazy memory.

But it turns out there were actual rusted metal turquoise letters, in addition to the entry poster, on that 1987-built bridge during the late 1980's and through the 1990's!

So, I guess that proves that you aren't crazy. And I'm not as smart as I think I am.

I think we both owe @PiratesMansion a drink!

 

[CaptinEO]

Surely I can't be the only one who remembers when they installed that Fastpass marquee in front of the bridge back in 2001 or so? They've removed the Fastpass clocks and signage and digital readouts, but the structure and main sign is all still there.

The vines have also grown in over much of it, but when I see it I just think "Cheesy Pressler/Harriss Era Fastpass Crap". Or is that just me? It's probably just me.

Funny story about the fastpass for Pirates. Fastpass was added to Pirates, Autopia, and Small World in 2001.

They realized those rides never needed fastpass and how fastpass ruined the standby for these high capacity rides and removed it shortly after.

In 2018/2019 the company added fastpass to It's a Small World and once again were adding fastpass to Pirates of the Caribbean.

They built the distribution machines there again as well as the scanner checkpoints, Despite all this, Pirates' fastpass 2nd attempt got axed before it even started operating thankfully.

It's like the company never learns its lessons.

 

[D.Silentu]

At some point in the 2000's they changed the poster on the middle pillar of the bridge to a scroll design with a dagger protruding from it as if it were pinning up the sign. Disappointingly, people pried the prop dagger loose and they stopped replacing it at some point. It is missed.

 

[truecoat]

I have no recollection of the pre bridge Pirates but I know I was around for it. When did it change? Some point between the late 80s and early 90s right?

How about this one?

 

[Stevek]

If your goal is to evoke Classic Disneyland, I vote for the original 1967 sign that is still on the balcony.

The black sign to me just says "Disney's Fastpass, Presented by Cynthia Harriss!" But I'm obviously dating myself.

The original 1967 sign is Disneyland USA. The black sign is 21st century Pirates BrandingTM.

This is the correct answer

 

[EPCOTCenterLover]

How about this one?

View attachment 655547

Thanks! I was looking for this type of photo.
It's too bad they can't go back to this. Its not like they have enough other attractions to absorb crowds.

 

[DLR92]

I really love the bridge and the courtyard part of the queue.

 

[mickEblu]

I really love the bridge and the courtyard part of the queue.

I think the old exterior looks nice and understated but I prefer the courtyard and bridge. Half the reason the old exterior sans bridge looks great is because their are usually only two people standing there which is inviting. Not sure if it would look as great with 1,000 people standing there.