Talk Like A Pirate Day

One of my favourite areas, and attractions, in Disneyland Paris is the Pirates of the Caribbean. I actually think that it could be the best of all the Disney Theme Parks Pirates rides - it has a great story and some fantastic small drops! These drops are actually part of a story, rather than a necessity like the other parks (to avoid railroad tracks, for example). In honour of International Talk Like A Pirate Day, which was yesterday, I thought it would be a good idea to appreciate this area and all its finese. The attraction is different to its counterparts in Florida and California, as it has stayed the same as it originally opened, and has no trace of Captain Jack Sparrow. There are, however, two sword fighters (and one scarily resembles Will Turner!) who - at the time of the attraction opening - were two of the most advanced animatronics in any Disney theme park attraction. There are about 119 animatronics throughout the ride, including 12 skeletons. The ride-through is very similar to the original Disneyland attraction when entering the town section, excluding these two sword fighters. Pirates of the Caribbean also some of the best theming throughout the attraction and - perhaps more importantly - in the area around it. The ride is located near Adventure Isle and the infamous Skull Rock.
Near the exit to the Pirates attraction - and yes, it does exit into a gift shop - is the Blue Lagoon Restaurant. Similar to the Blue Bayou in Disneyland, California, this restaurant is located inside the attraction! It is slightly smaller to the Bayou, but has the same theming. The menu focuses on French Cuisine, with many speciality seafood dishes.
And the gift shop at the end of the Pirates' attraction? Le Coffre du Capitaine (The Captain's Chest) has all the knick-knacks that a wannabe Pirate could desire!

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Leaving Skull Rock!

We finally escape Skull Rock, after 3 terrifying days trapped in the tunnels! And the first thing we see when we leave? Pirates of the Caribbean!

Surely Pirates can't be that bad after everything we've experienced...can they?!

Deeper in the Skull

When looking through and exploring some of the dark tunnels of Skull Rock, you come across this frightening formation in the rocks.

Is someone watching us?

Exploring Skull Rock

Following on from my earlier post, looking at the Ship and the Skull Rock area, I thought it would be a good idea to show you round some of the nooks and crannies of this fun area.

Although I say fun, it can get quite scary on a dark, rainy, miserable Parisian day...

Especially when you come across a derelict and abandoned boat, lying by the side of the walkways. You can just see the Indiana Jones attraction in the distance... I just hope that whoever, or whatever, left this boat abandoned isn't 'lying' around somewhere.

A Lovely Boat, I mean Ship!

If you've been reading my blog for a while, you'll know how much I love the ambiance and the scenery of the Parisian Disneyland. And one of my favourite areas is near the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction over in Adventureland.

Here you can find Captain Hook's Ship, anchored next to Skull Rock and Adventure Isle. Skull Rock is an amazing area, with lots of hidden caves, nooks and crannies to explore - and it can actually be quite scary! Well, it is Adventureland, after all. In future posts we'll have a look around Skull Rock...if you're brave enough.

Captain Hook's ship, however, seems to be pretty quiet. There doesn't seem to be the scary Captain Hook or his sidekick Smee on it - well, not for the moment anyway. The ship is anchored in what is called Cannonball Cove and is 82 feet long! There is a quick-service restaurant on board the ship, but it's only open during peak times. I've never managed to see it open on my trips.

The ship is a great place to let children blow off some steam - with lots of places to explore and plenty of rigging to climb over. Just make sure they don't set off any cannonballs!