ORLANDO, Fla. — If you wants to see the redhead in her classic role, you may be running out of time. Previously announced changes appear to be coming soon to the Pirates of Caribbean ride at Walt Disney World.
Last summer, it was announced that a scene in the longtime Magic Kingdom attraction would get a makeover. No longer would the red-haired, red-gowned animatronic be auctioned off as scalawags chant “We wants the redhead.”
Disney said the character will be “joining the pirates ranks and helping the local townspeople ‘unload’ their valuables at the Mercado auction.” A sketch shows her holding a rifle beneath a sign that reads “Auction – surrender yer loot.” (A current sign above nearby female animatronics reads “take a wench for a bride.”)
The announcement was tied to changes made to the Pirates ride at Disneyland Paris. That version debuted in July.
The Magic Kingdom attraction is scheduled for rehabbing from late February to mid-March, according to the resort web site. Hours of operation were posted through Sunday. The listed operating hours return to the online schedule on March 19, but all dates and hours are subject to change.
The Florida attraction debuted in Frontierland in 1974, three years after the opening of Magic Kingdom. Scenes in the ride have had several additions and alterations over the years. Pirates who once chased women are now being chased by those same women. A Jack Sparrow animatronic (inspired by Johnny Depp’s “Pirates of the Caribbean” movie character) pops up multiple times. And a talking skull is now part of the Magic Kingdom experience.
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