Pirates: Which is better, Shanghai or WDW? (Hoping the debate in Tron will move here)

[Animaniac93-98]

I don't really care for either, I think Paris's Pirates of the Caribbean is perfection.

Well it was until the movie related changes...specifically the mist screen on the first lift and Jack at the end.

But getting back to this thread's question, are we comparing Shanghai to WDW's current Pirates, or the original 1973 WED version? The second would fare better against the newer ride.

 

[PiratesMansion]

But getting back to this thread's question, are we comparing Shanghai to WDW's current Pirates, or the original 1973 WED version? The second would fare better against the newer ride.

This is an interesting question to pose. Are you saying that the 1973 ride was better than Shanghai's because the movie changes on the Florida attraction specifically (or all in general) have weakened the ride that significantly, that the design principles of WED/Disney of the 70s > WDI/Disney today, or for some other reason?

 

[Animaniac93-98]

This is an interesting question to pose. Are you saying that the 1973 ride was better than Shanghai's because the movie changes on the Florida attraction specifically (or all in general) have weakened the ride that significantly, that the design principles of WED/Disney of the 70s > WDI/Disney today, or for some other reason?

I'd say the 1973 Florida Pirates is better than what we have today, no question.

Whether you think that's better than what Shanghai has is a matter of personal opinion. There are things about the '73 Pirates that are more charming than anything in SDL (like the barker bird), but would be wildly out of place tonally in such an experience.

 

[doctornick]

I enjoyed the Paris one, two small drops, I think the WDW one is missing another drop really.

Never really understood the fascination with two drops versus one. The drops really don’t add much of anything to the ride - they aren’t really big enough to be thrilling and having two doesn’t add anything to the “story” more than one does.

 

[Animaniac93-98]

Never really understood the fascination with two drops versus one. The drops really don’t add much of anything to the ride - they aren’t really big enough to be thrilling and having two doesn’t add anything to the “story” more than one does.

It works better in Paris where they're spaced apart and punctuate bits of action in the story.

The second drop in California is small, visible and is for practical purposes more than anything.

 

[ppete1975]

Worst part is florida is in a pickle with Pirates and Jungle cruise. While they can do some updates due to being PC they cant go in and gut them and totally reimagine either. The outrage that the classic that they grew up was being removed would be more backlash than they want. The campy feel to both is what alot of people like (i rode this with my parents, or ive ridden it since I was a kid) so if they made a first class version (besides they dont like spending money) it wouldnt be worth it for them. Disneyland deals alot in nostalgia especially if you look at fantasy land while for florida hese are two of the most nostalgic rides that they still have so i dont see them updating either besides changes for PC concerns. What would be cool is to keep the entrance then have a fork, one takes you to the left and the CLASSIC PIRATES, then you go right or straight to the NEW PIRATES ride that would be the biggest and best in all the parks.

 

[PiratesMansion]

Never really understood the fascination with two drops versus one. The drops really don’t add much of anything to the ride - they aren’t really big enough to be thrilling and having two doesn’t add anything to the “story” more than one does.

I just think two is more fun, but I suppose you don't *need* two from a storytelling perspective.

I do think the drops, more often than not, add to the story of the ride in that they signal a transition. For California and Tokyo, it's a clear shift in mood, tone, and setting (in California, I often find that people talk through the bayou bits, and the drop is an indication to shut up and pay attention, and I find that to be a useful function to the drops other than the practical and fun purposes they also serve).

As mentioned above, Paris uses the drops to punctuate action in the story.

In Shanghai, the drop is similar to Paris in that it's an escape from an increasingly perilous situation. It's a release and a resolution.

Orlando is the one version of the ride where the drop feels most marginal and inessential. It certainly indicates a change in the ride, from the caves to the AA town scenes, but the drop is so slight that it almost makes you wonder why they included it in the first place.

 

[BubbaisSleep]

We always skip Pirates in Florida. It’s a waste of time honestly for anyone by any of the other Disney parks.

Blue Bayou is one of the best scenes Disney has ever done too & a big reason that made me fall in love with how Disney does things. The fact that the “master park” built the weakest version is a choice but if you only visit WDW it isn’t going to bother you. It’s not even uniquely different like HM or Space at WDW, just a lesser version of what exists.

 

[Animaniac93-98]

Orlando is the one version of the ride where the drop feels most marginal and inessential. It certainly indicates a change in the ride, from the caves to the AA town scenes, but the drop is so slight that it almost makes you wonder why they included it in the first place.

I've posted this in another thread, but I do really like the build up and placement of the drop in WDW next to hurricane cove.

It absolutely adds to the anticipation and makes the drop seem more perilous than it really is.

 

[Californian Elitist]

I’ve only been on DL’s and MK’s Pirates. I don’t think I ever want to ride the latter ever again.

 

[J4546]

They should have gone big with the pirates land in MK instead of as an afterthought. Like the pirates land as a whole is soo much better in Shanghai with its massive town with its many interactive things to touch and play with as well as the massive lagoon with ship shows....treasure cove is such a great looking land imo. And camp discovery, even though it's not part of pirates area but looms over it, is one of the coolest looking attractions in any park...please bring that to the states if it's legally possible

 

[thomas998]

I chose WDW. But what do I know? It's not like I have disposable money right now to travel to Shanghai.

Well with the hyper escalation in ticket prices and Genie+ it is only a matter of time until it will become cheaper to go to Shanghai Disneyland than WDW.

 

[marni1971]

They should have gone big with the pirates land in MK instead of as an afterthought.

It was an afterthought though, remember. From planning to opening in 19 months to appease guest demands. It was also a larger and more suitable land than what Anaheim had.

 

[Poseidon Quest]

Orlando is the one version of the ride where the drop feels most marginal and inessential. It certainly indicates a change in the ride, from the caves to the AA town scenes, but the drop is so slight that it almost makes you wonder why they included it in the first place.

I definitely have to disagree. I always saw the MK version as slowly building up anticipation in the caves, allowing you to see the bodies and relics of the past. The drop conveys traveling back in time, reliving the memories of the pirates who once roamed the Caribbean. Instead of the slow transition in the DL version, the drop is far more dramatic and in my opinion, makes the introduction of the ship all the more exciting. I agree that other versions of the ride are better, but I don't think MK is without its merits.

 

[TalkToEthan]

but I don't think MK is without its merits.

The only thing going for MK’s version is its fairly elaborate queue. That’s it……nothing else to see here. Compared to the other 4 it’s woeful.

 

[The Empress Lilly]

Too different to compare. The rides only share a piratey theme.

I'd rather be married fifteen years to Amber Heard than spend 15 minutes in current MK Pirates, but vintage MK Pirates is terrific, a masterclass of atmosphere, world building and set pieces.

Shanghai Pirates managed not only to meet but to exceed my high expectations. Its sheer scale and technical wizardry captivated me. What a ride. But in the long run perhaps more Universal than Disney, a true emotional connection isn't there.

 

[Animaniac93-98]

The drop conveys traveling back in time, reliving the memories of the pirates who once roamed the Caribbean.

Just to clarify this point, there is no time travel in the Florida version.

It's why the cannon on the roof outside is firing (or at least did once), why you hear the guards in the queue saying the Pirates are attacking and why you see the ship from the bombardment scene in the load area.

 

[The Empress Lilly]

The DL Cave Adventure Ride is like a director's cut. Die-hard fans may drool over it, if only because it's longer, but like nearly all movies, rides too benefit from tight storytelling and cutting away scenes unecessary for advancing the plot. MK Pirates is DL Pirates after the editing room cut redundant scenes and imposed proper storyline.

 

[Animaniac93-98]

The DL Cave Adventure Ride is like a director's cut. Die-hard fans may drool over it, but like nearly all movies, rides too benefit from tight storytelling and cutting away scenes unecessary for advancing the plot. MK Pirates is DL Pirates after the editing room cut redundant scenes and imposed proper storyline.

It also actually lengthened some other parts.

There's more space between the well and auction, in addition to the gap between the chase and burning town sets. The boat bath also gets closer to the well scene compared to Anaheim. The differences are subtle, but not by accident.

Tokyo was an even further edit, borrowing much from Florida, but including more (but not all) of California's intro pieces.

 

[celluloid]

Orlando is the one version of the ride where the drop feels most marginal and inessential. It certainly indicates a change in the ride, from the caves to the AA town scenes, but the drop is so slight that it almost makes you wonder why they included it in the first place.

In the 70s that was a fairly intense thing still to have in a park that had yet to have much physical thrill.
Also, as you said the transition storytelling element of time travel of caverns of cursed treasure to witnessing what occured. Sad that the rushed Disneyland Audio was taken out completely after the drop.