10 Things You Didn’t Know About The Pirates Of The Caribbean Ride

3. Opening Day

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Wikipedia

When Pirates of the Caribbean opened back in March of 1967, it didn't just go in for the simple ribbon cutting ceremony so many other attractions have, but went for something far more befitting of the theme. 

Wally Boaga, a longtime Disney performer in the Golden Horseshoe Revue and the man who helped discover Julie Andrews, was hired to perform at the opening. He hijacked a boat on the Rivers of America during the press night, and steered it towards the ride. 

Once there, he and his crew burst open the doors to declare the attraction was now open. Actress Dorothy Lamour (from the Road To... movies) then smashed a bottle of water over an anchor to Christen the ride. 

Contributor
Contributor

NCTJ-qualified journalist. Most definitely not a racing driver. Drink too much tea; eat too much peanut butter; watch too much TV. Sadly only the latter paying off so far. A mix of wise-old man in a young man's body with a child-like wonder about him and a great otherworldly sensibility.