Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Fantasyland Pirate Ship

If I was going to own a ship, I'd want it to look just like the Chicken of the Sea pirate ship in Fantasyland. Only it would be seaworthy, and I could "pillage and plunder" the high seas in style. (I'd also have a trolling motor so that I could fish for bass).

Today I thought I would feature two photos of the pirate ship, each taken from the Skyway, so that we can play "compare and contrast". Let's start with this first image from 1957; at this point the ship was situated in a shallow pond that looked like a swimming pool. There was no exotic landscaping, no covered dining area, no Skull Rock, grottoes and water falls nearby. Also, the wood-planked gangway was zig-zaggy.


By 1972, the name had changed to "Captain Hook's", and the wonderful Chicken of the Sea mermaid was removed (I miss her!). The gangway is now a more direct curve toward the entrance, and as you can see, there are now palms, and sandy shores, and a shaded colorful tables.


15 comments:

Tom said...

Wow - what a difference! It's hard to choose which period I like better: the older and simpler or the newer and more bountiful. Skull Rock wins the tie-breaker in my book, despite the loss of the mermaid.

Awesome photo couplet!

K. Martinez said...

Where's the redhead? I love the view of the dining area. I have lots of fond memories of eating at the Skull Rock Cove.

Raimundo said...

Tropical refreshment in the center of Fantasyland; and that half buried treasure chest and the tunnel waterfalls intrigued kids. It would cost the company bupkes to recreate this, compared to what is spent on new attractions; and "Peter Pan" (Barrie's or Disney's) must have many fans among the youngins today, of course they would respond.

Melissa said...

Pillage and plunder all you like, as long as you keep the delicious tuna sammiches coming.

K. Martinez said...

Taking a second look at the Skull Rock Cove photo, I try to imagine how it would look if it survived into 21st Century Disneyland. Would it be covered with "protective" railings like Casey Jr. and the Matterhorn? Would the lagoon appear surrounded by a fence or higher rockwork? Just a random thought.

Major Pepperidge said...

K. Martinez, I have a great view of the dining area out back, coming up (could be a month or two, but it's going to be scanned pretty soon).

Raimundo, at this point I wonder if there is really room for another pirate ship, since the teacups and carousel were moved around. I think somebody proposed that one could be over near Small World, but am not sure. I would love it!

Melissa, I am a rebel and like mine with a dash of Tabasco!

K. Martinez, I'm sure at least a small fence (atop the rock work) would have been added... don't want anybody to wander in and drown in 2 feet of water.

Tom said...

My comment disappeared! Dang. I was sure I kept it clean and spam-free.

Anyway... I really appreciate the compare/contrast photo couplets because it provides an excellent opportunity to see the changes of a particular attraction over the years. Would be interesting if a similar photo could be taken today, by someone in a jet-pack or something, hovering in about the same spot.

SundayNight said...

What I always thought was funny was the little water “wake” created at the ship’s bow (you can just see it in pic 2). As if it was sailing through the water. Oh well, wake or no wake I miss this beautiful iconic restaurant.

bloefeld said...

I loved this place so much. Miss it even more. And I don't even like tuna! I believe Dumbo occupies this spot now. Sigh.

Major Pepperidge said...

Tom, it is weird that your comment disappeared... I am not sure why that would have happened. Most attractions didn't have such obvious changes over the years, but if I can think of any others, I'll try to do a similar post for them.

SundayNight, they used piranhas to make that "wake" effect.

bloefeld, I think you're right about Dumbo being there. I am wondering if I could only have Skull Rock OR the Pirate Ship, which would I want?

Chuck said...

For those of you who miss the Pirate Ship, there is a pseudo-facsimile permanently moored to Adventure Isle at Disnleyland Paris:
http://www.eurosouvenirland.com/memorabilia/1992-captain-hooks-pirate-ship-postcard/

Major Pepperidge said...

Thanks Chuck, it's funny, their Skull Rock is much more "natural" looking, but I still love our old rock better.

Chuck said...

I agree, although it is pretty cool to go up inside the DLP version and being able to look out the eyes - or was it the mouth? It's been 16 years, and I was only there one day...with my wife...who I hadn't seen in four months. I hope I can be forgiven for being slightly distracted... :-)

Anonymous said...

What splendid luck to find two photos at almost the same angle.

One of my most favorite places ever.

Thank you, Major.

JG

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